Gaggia classic mod

mandymandy

Hi,

Does anyone know is it possible to get my Gaggia Classic modded in Dublin?
OPV set to 8.5 bar, PID controller, Steam wand change and what is the price?

Thanks

comete

I don't think many places would do them for you, I done mine myself, they're very easy to do.

mandymandy

comete wrote: »

I don't think many places would do them for you, I done mine myself, they're very easy to do.

Hi,

I've no experience in electronics, but i will give a try. Did you notice difference in espresso wuality after opv change?
Can you send me the links where you hot the opv and pid from?
How much was your investment all together into modding?

comete

I didn't bother with a PID, I don't think it's worth investing 50% of the cost of the machine again in a PID, plus they look ugly.

If you buy this steam arm it is literally a bolt off bolt on affair.

I have a pressure gauge that will bolt onto a gaggia portafilter, you just need to take the double spout off, I am happy to lend you mine if you are in Dublin. It's an easy enough job to do.

Neither of them involve fiddling with electronics.

mandymandy

May be sound stupid, but do you need to install a new over pressure valve to adjust the pressure? I've read that they are set from factory to 10 bar, and the optimal is 8.5.
Did you buy new opv or used the factory one?

comete

The valve is inside the machine, you adjust that, no need to buy anything new.

I think they come set to 13 bar from the factory, i've adjusted mine to 9 bar.

mandymandy

Sounds doable after you explained it ) are you sure you don't mind lending me the pressure gauge? Where about could i pick it up of you( i'd need it only for a couple of hours, but only if you realy don't mind)
Pm me please.

Thanks

Laphroaig52

mandymandy wrote: »

Sounds doable after you explained it ) are you sure you don't mind lending me the pressure gauge? Where about could i pick it up of you( i'd need it only for a couple of hours, but only if you realy don't mind)
Pm me please.

Thanks

It's very doable but just be careful when working with the top off the machine.

There are hazardous live electric parts in there and they are very accessible to stray fingers and tools.

Naturally you will have the power off (i.e. plug out or switch off at the wall) while you are adjusting the valve but you will have to power up again to check the pressure and it will probably take a few attempts to get it where you want it. So you need to be disciplined about powering off each time.

I know it sounds obvious but you will get (at least) a nasty bang if you touch anything live in there.

Also, if you disconnect the earth wire to completely remove the top cover be sure to reconnect it securely. If you forget, the machine will continue to work apparently normally but a fault in the future could lead to an electric shock risk.

I'm not trying to scare you off - anyone who can use a screwdriver can do this mod. Just be careful!

Bawnmore

Is there a way to alter the pressure without the gauge? I have a solid portafilter that the spout can't bolt off of.

Doodee

Bawnmore wrote: »

Is there a way to alter the pressure without the gauge? I have a solid portafilter that the spout can't bolt off of.

Back flow method can be used, not as accurate though.
See here http://www.jpvaughan.ie/?p=55

Bawnmore

Doodee wrote: »

Back flow method can be used, not as accurate though.
See here http://www.jpvaughan.ie/?p=55

Brilliant - thanks!

mandymandy

Bawnmore wrote: »

Brilliant - thanks!

Does any of you guys know where in Dublin could i get one of those pressure gauges?

mandymandy

Does any of you guys know where in Dublin could i get one of those pressure gauges?

mandymandy

comete wrote: »

I didn't bother with a PID, I don't think it's worth investing 50% of the cost of the machine again in a PID, plus they look ugly.



I have a pressure gauge that will bolt onto a gaggia portafilter, you just need to take the double spout off, I am happy to lend you mine if you are in Dublin. It's an easy enough job to do.

Neither of them involve fiddling with electronics.

I want to build the pressure gauge on my portafilter, but I can`t find nowhere in Dublin, only on-line. Where did you buy yours?

Doodee

Try plumbing shops for them.
For the gauge itself try here
http://ie.farnell.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?st=Pressure+gauge&catalogId=15001&categoryId=700000004027&langId=353&storeId=10163

Vexorg

Hi

Just found my original gaggia classic portafilter and pressure gauge, you are welcome to borrow it if you have not got yourself sorted yet.

mandymandy

Vexorg wrote: »

Hi

Just found my original gaggia classic portafilter and pressure gauge, you are welcome to borrow it if you have not got yourself sorted yet.

Hi,
I still haven't got one. If you could lend me for a couple of hours that would be great. Where could i meet you to pick it up of you?

Vexorg

I am in Drumcondra most of the time, I look after my 4 year old. Where about are you, I am in the city centre briefly today not sure what time yet and have to go back in, in a couple of days for an eye test.

Private message me your mobile and I will give you a call to arrange something the works for both of us.