Having worked on mine a few comments Shower screen screw. If it has never been removed, it can be STUCK tight. You NEED your screwdriver to FIT the screw perfectly. If it is a sloppy fit, you could/will round off the screw, and round off the screw so much that there is nothing left on the screw for the screwdriver to hold on to. If you do that, you have to send it in, for a tech to remove. To replace the damaged screws, I got replacement stainless steel M4x8 phillips screws at the hardware store. I later replaced the phillips screw with a HEX screw, so that I can use an allen key instead of a screwdriver. When you replace, screw in "finger tight." Do NOT screw it in TIGHT, or you could strip the threads in the bushing. Especially so if the bushing is made of brass, as brass is a soft metal. Over tightening could/will strip the threads, then you have to replace the bushing. What they did not tell you in the video, is that you should remove the shower screen about every two months or so, depending on how many shots you pull. And CLEAN the back of the shower screen and bottom of the boiler. The reason is, coffee residue WILL accumulate behind the screen. 1) Your boiler water is going through that old coffee residue, and picking up that state coffee taste. 2) The residue will accumulate and gradually clog the flow of water out of the boiler. The amount of residue you find back there will tell you if you need to clean more often, or less often. I use a puck screen to reduce the amount of coffee residue that gets behind the shower screen. Boiler bushing. Some bushings are made of brass. Brass is a SOFT metal, and is easily damaged. Your screwdriver has to again FIT the bushing well, and you have to HOLD the screwdriver down, so it does not round off the notch. If you round off the notch, you will have to send it in to a tech to remove. I have seen special tools to remove the bushing. If the bushing has never been replaced, the bushing could be REAL TIGHT or STUCK. "Discretion is the better part of valor." Know when to give up and have a tech remove the bushing. When you replace the bushing, do not make it tight. I turn till it just bottoms. Tip: When you remove the shower screen to clean the screen and bottom of the boiler, unscrew the bushing ONE turn, then screw it back in. What you are doing is making sure that the bushing does not freeze in place, and become HARD to remove, or STUCK. For parts that SCG does not have, go to Stefano's espressocare.com/
I've owned my Starbucks Barista (earlier version of the V.V., purchased used), for about 2-1/2 yrs and have taken pretty good care of it with descaling regularly and using your tune-up kit once per year. I recently bought another of the same model in a beautiful candy apple red from e-bay. This machine was woefully neglected and I firmly believe was NEVER cleaned or descaled, ever! When I first got it, I looked up into the brewhead with a flashlight and thought it was covered with corrosion but upon taking it apart realized it was just a ton of old crusted coffee grounds packed up in there. The gasket was a rusty brown color. The underside of the filter screen alone had a good 1/4" of grounds packed onto it as well as the brewhead itself. I descaled it twice, leaving the descaler in the machine overnight. I removed the old gasket and found grounds EVERYWHERE! It took me a good 45 minutes of scraping and digging with a large paperclip to get it all loosened up so I could use my vacuum cleaner to get it all out of there. I've never seen coffee packed up that deep into a machine! This experience gave me a renewed sense of appreciation for what you guys do at SCG every day! After 2 full days of cleaning, descaling, & rinsing, I pulled my first shot in it using my non-pressurized porta filter and made a lovely latte! After all the years of neglect/abuse, this little guy still worked like a champ! These things are built like tanks!! If this espresso machine was a living, breathing entity, it's now breathing a sigh of relief!! :-) Thanks for all your "how-to" videos! They are soooo helpful! :)
Took over 10 years for me to need a new gasket on my daily used Aroma. Never needed to replace any of the other parts he mentioned. Wait until you see symptoms of a problem before you buy replacement parts.
Hello! Not to put a downer on this video, but I regularly descale my saeco aroma, and keep it nice and clean. We use it daily and I've had the Aroma for about 4 years now. My coffee still tastes the same (very nice!), the holes in the screen are all open, no leaking around the brew head. The machine makes no weird sounds, the pressure seems to be consistent over the years, all in all, for such a 'cheap' machine, I'm very very satisfied. I've never replaced any parts except for the steam wand which is just plain awful (the one that comes with it). I also temp surf the steam temperature by letting it heat up to steam temp, get the steam out in an empty glass until the steam light goes off, wait about 10 seconds (the light should not be on yet) and start steaming. This way you can steam a larger amount of milk without loss of pressure (but I don't have to teach you guys that ;-)) and I produce beautiful micro foam which is good enough for latte art :-) Anyhow, I'm still very grateful for all the amazing videos you guys make and watch them with pleasure! Maybe I'm just very lucky with my Saeco ;-)
Thank you so much for this video. I just replaced the pieces I ordered as part of your kit and it was very easy to do. I used the quarter trick and worked perfectly. The ball valve was completely brown and the brew screen was about 40% blocked. I hope my Saeco Aroma will be better. I love my coffee machine!
Well it was all good and easy; however, my coffee machine is no longer working. It started overheating. Water started to come out from the wand and the brew head at the same time. I opened the top and realized that water is coming out from the top next to the wires. I tried to brew coffee and the pressure was so high that I wouldn’t be able to remove the portafilter. I can send you a video showing what I mean. Maybe is a simple solution. I am very sad because it was working prior to changing the pieces from the kit.
If you've never descaled, then definitely let the solution hang out in the boiler for awhile before you do your first flush ... a few hours or so. - Kat
Stefano's specializes in the Saeco semi-autos and they're really good. They're in southern Oregon (Elmira I believe) ... not sure how close that is to you. - Kat
Update: No, this doesn't the ball valve & spring are different on the Poemia, but Brendan believes he has all the components and so is going to create a new tune up kit specific to that model. Stay tuned :) - Kat
the leaking could be a little scale build-up that broke off and is in the water works now ... you could descale again to see if that resolves it. The flow is based more on water being attracted to water, so when it starts going to one side, it tends to follow suit. Can you describe the 'firing' sound? - Kat
Very clear instructions. I just followed them and was able to do the entire procedure pretty quickly. Just a couple of items: 1) a quarter does *not* work to unscrew the boiler bushing, the quarter is too thick. A dime or a penny is too small, so it's not easy either. But using the screen that you already took out works easily. 2) a good idea to wear *thin* rubber gloves for the procedure. This is a little trick I learned from the guy who tunes and fixes my bike. You can wear them to protect your hands. I wish I had thought of this before doing the tune up...
I’m so late to this party but I have both the VV and the Starbucks Barista. I had the same trouble getting the bushing off the Barista. The bushing needs a 7/16 flat aka slotted screwdriver. I found a bit inside of a 1/2” socket today as a part of a set from Pittsburgh brand at harbor freight tools. I attached it to the socket wrench and my 200 lb husband had to really wrench on the thing to get it out. Unless you are strong you won’t get it out yourself. Anyway I hope this info might help someone else that is trying to find a tool to get the super stuck bushing out.
Yup, some are MUCH tighter than others. The danger is, some of the bushings are made of brass. Brass is a soft metal. Without the proper tool and technique, someone could round off the notch, making it impossible for them to remove. Then have to send it to a tech to remove the bushing.
Thank you for the video, which helped me get my group seal back in (I'd had it the wrong way round - doh!) Also - and this will probably help no-one - but I found that the ideal size coin to undo the boiler outlet bushing is a 20 Heller coin from Czech Republic. (They have been out of circulation since 2008).
Thank you so much for this video! I finally have figured out why my Via Venezia leaks when I try to brew. I am on the alert list for the tune up kit, for when it comes back in stock!
I can go there, but it is 2 1/2 hours away. If you have a recommendation in the Medford area, that would be closer and I wouldn't have to wait so long to take it in. I appreciate all your help on this!!!!
Thanks for the tutorial. I guess I am due for a tune up for my SCG VV. What about the steam wand? I do take apart the panarello and other plastic parts, but what maintenance is required of the metal steam arm?
If you take apart that whole component -- including removing the plastic tip -- and thoroughly clean it, that's the biggest thing you need to do on a regular basis. It can definitely get gunky! The actual metal tube part of the wand, though, doesn't require any special / specific care. - Kat
Hi, thanks for the video...very helpful. I have an Estro Vapore 100 that just started leaking around the brew head. Up until this started the machine has been operating perfectly and has been used almost daily since I got it some 20 years ago. I'm hoping your tune-up kit will work for my model and get me back into my daily habit :) Although I stopped using the machine I can still pull a shot...it's just kinda messy. The steam works as it should as well, so I'm guessing the issue is with the boiler ball value and spring. The brew head gasket is still soft with no significant defects. However, I'd like to perform a complete "tune-up" before I use my Estro again. Thx in advance for your help.
Unfortunately, that's the only place we know of (they buy parts from us) that's south of Portland / north of CA. You could find out if they take shipments and ship it to them; we also take shipped in repairs here. Sorry I don't know of any other places for you! :( - Kat
Let us know if you can find them! We repair DeLonghis, but they don't sell us parts for the small machines like yours :( If you find a source, please post it here for other owners (if you don't mind) - Kat
I can not get the bushing to turn no matter what I do. Any suggestion on I might getting the bushing out? No repair shop is interested in working on my machine so I have a real problem. any suggestions?
Given the problems described that warrant replacing the valve and spring, I need to do that to my EC155. It's over a year old, so I think replacing all the small parts in the brew group would be beneficial.
Oh, got it. I don't think this tune-up will resolve that. It sounds like the steam valve needs to be repaired; there's a little part up in there that can degrade and results in water coming out of the wand. You'll need to have a tech get into it and repair it. - Kat
Great video and kit for my Via Venzia, thanks. Just a few lessons from my first kit replacement experience. First, I hadn't done any service on this poor unit since I got it 18 months ago, my bad. As you can imagine, I had a heck of a time getting it apart. Secondly, I could not get the small Phillips screw that holds the screen on off, but I found that if you use a large set of pliers or channel locks and grab the outside of the gasket and screen and turn it, it will loosen the small screw. Thirdly, I had a really hard time finding a tool that could get the bushing off. It would be great if SCG could get a supply of the appropriate tool, I would imagine Saeco has them for vendors. I searched and searched and I could not find a 7/8" flat head, which was listed on the kit insert as a necessary tool for this job. I finally got desperate and drilled a hole large enough through the bottom of the Via to fit an 8" long 3/8" flat head screwdriver through it! I got that bushing off and the kit installed though!
+Seattle Coffee Gear Help!! I have an old Starbucks Barista machine, basically the same as the Via Venezia, and I bought this tune up kit. I bought the espresso machine "used" and I don't think it has EVER had this tune up done. I can't get the bushing out! I've tried everything, nickels, quarters, metal washers of varying sizes, and I've gone to several hardware stores trying to find a screwdriver with a wide blade, all to no avail! :( Where can I find a proper tool to have on hand to do this tune up periodically??
Nick Heniser I did find a flathead screwdriver from Ace Hardware, (Craftsman brand), that is 5/8" wide at the blade and the the shank is just 1-1/2" long. The blade is slightly narrower than the slot on the bushing but my husband managed to carefully hold the screwdriver steady to loosen the bushing. I have removed it again since the initial tune up in March and it was much easier, I think because it had never been done before my first attempt. I hope this helps. :)
philips screw came right out with no problems. Large flathead bushing... OMG. Ruined a couple quarters before trying to cut a notch off a piece of steel to fit perfectly, and it still will not come out.
I've ordered the parts. The supplier says they're on backorder, but they do have an estimated time for shipping of about two weeks from today. Hopefully they'll ship on time. Company is eReplacementParts. I ordered pretty much the same parts you provide in your tune-up kit shown here.
help help.. went to 3 hardware stores in an attempt to remove the boiler outlet bushing. it appears to be stuck as the 2 screens & quarter tip ...just are not working...
I wish that this video was available when I tuned up my Via Venezia. The kit instructions were good -- but it took me 30 minutes to get the old gasket out and 15 minutes to get the new gasket well seated.
First off, I think you guys are the best-informative/funny/chill. OK, so I descaled and tuned up my Aroma after 3-4 months of daily use. The parts actually looked pretty new, but I replaced them anyway. However some "problems" lingered despite doing the DS and TU: * some leaking from the brew head/steam wand * more flow from the left spout of the non-press. portafilter (this could due to my tamping tech.) * intermittent "firing" sound when frothing (I have the retro fit) Any thoughts? THANKS!
Hello! This video was very helpfull. A question : on a Saeco "Via Veneto", do you have a tip on how to put in place, in rebuilding the machine, the streamer ?
Failed to mention, the brewhead gasket has a notch in it that must match up with a metal "tab" in the brewhead. At least, my Aroma has that - maybe not on the Venezia. Otherwise, very helpful video. Note I'm rebuilding mine for the first time in 10-1/2 years. I cannot believe they recommend doing this every 6 months. Except: I had to drill out the screw holding the screen in - it would not budge. As a result I was forced to replace the valve/bushing, where the remains of the screw were lodged. The nylon valve plug on mine was nowhere near as dirty as the one they showed, and I use my machine daily. Different strokes...
Nah, old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Gaskets I would replace if/when it starts to leak. Or if you can see/feel them getting hard, cuz it will leak soon. I replace the head gasket when I got my machine (used) cuz it was leaking. The original gasket had compressed to where it would not seal. Then I used it for 10 years with no leaks. When I gave the machine to my niece, I did most of the tune up. Replacing gaskets and seals, so she would have another 10+ years use before dealing with a leak.
Thanks, Kat! Actually, I think the "firing sound" (short bursts of air rather than a steady stream) was caused by my trying to steam too much milk - I used less and it worked fine. The leaking is very minor, but I may try another DS. And while I'm not a native Spanish speaker, I think your accent sounds good! Que le vaya bien! :)
Sorry but the links to Via Venezia or Saeco Aroma don't show the tune-up kit (gasket, spring, silicon head, shower, and scew don't show. Can you tell if it's availale and do you send to Spain (Europe)? Thanks
Thank you for the video, it showed me how to remove the bushing that I failed to do the last time I replaced the rubber gasket. I think we’d a 1/2 “ screw driver bit from a socket set. I still had to shave it a bit as it’s thicker than the bushings slots. And can you post picks of the vireo camera lady, she has a sexy voice lol
I've descaled, just never did any other maintenance. The last time I tried to make coffee it was streaming straight out of the wand, even after descaling.
Love the kit and the video. The steam wand on my Starbucks barista has leaked over the past few years and I was hoping the kit would fix that up. Unfortunately after I replaced the ball valve and put it back together the leak through the steam wand is now worse. I have taken it apart and even replaced the old ball valve but it is still worse. Any ideas of how to reduce the leak through the wand? I am from the east coast of Canada so dropping the machine by is not really an option.
Stuart Wright Glad you enjoyed the video! We would recommend you check the direction of the ball valve and spring and make sure it's in the right direction. The tune up kit we sell doesn't have the parts necessary to fix the steam wand, if that is truly the part that has failed. You can get a replacement part for the steam wand here: buyphilipsparts.com. Unfortunately we don't sell that item.
Brendan I just saw your tuneup video. We bought our Via Venezia at SCG years ago. We've had very slow dripping lately. I cleaned the machine with the tool and just removed and cleaned my filter. It's still barely dripping - taking quite a while to get the coffee to come out. Do you think my problem is the spring at this point or possibly needing a new pump? thks much
It is normal to "slightly" drip from the group head. But getting the coffee to come out, different problem. First make sure that water will flow WITHOUT the portafilter mounted. - If water does NOT flow, then maybe the pump is bad. Or there is a clog in or before the boiler. - If the water will flow without the PF, then you look at the PF. Will water flow with an empty basket (no coffee) in the PF. - If yes, then maybe your coffee is ground too fine. Try a grind like table salt, or medium drip grind. A presurized PF does not need to be ground espresso fine.
I have a Via Venezia and it stopped heating up the water therefore I get no water coming out of the group head or no steam from the steamer. In fact, the button to get water out for the coffee doesn't light up. In fact # 2, only the power button lights up. Hard to find someone who can repair where I am so may need to do it myself but not sure where the problem lies...Any suggestions?
Hello guys, sorry for my english, its not really good .Congratulations your videos they are very usefull. I want to know if this kit can be applied on the model Saeco Poemia because i have one of this at my home. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, the parts in these two parts kits are not compatible with the Saeco Poemia. But Seattle Coffee Gear will be coming out with a tune-up kit for this machine sometime in the next month. - Brendan
I hope this works and I'm ashamed to say I've never done this in the 3 years I've been using the machine. I had to put the machine away because just about all the water was streaming out of the wand! Hoping this is the fix. Thanks.
Try a screw extractor. Although there isn't much space, so you can't get a drill between the head and the base. If you can't use a screw extractor, send it in to a tech.
Hi there, I have just acquired a Saeco Via Venezia but it doesn't seem to be working.. The pump comes on but no water is coming out. Could it just need to be descaled? How should I proceed? Thank you!
I've had mine for many years, honestly i've never done anything but use it. no descale or anything. It feels like it's putting out less pressure these days, can no longer push water through an Illy ISE pod, and when I grind beans, no crema. Is this kit the solution I need? Something else?
Hi there, Regular cleaning and descaling is very important, and mineral buildup is likely the cause of your issues. I would check the manual for the machine and follow some of their recommended maintenance guidelines to see if it helps.
@@SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks. As a first step I removed the screen above the portafilter (first time after who know how many years of ownership, I shamefully admit) and cleaned it, and am already noticing a big difference. Still not producing the crema I'd like so I'll do some further digging and see what's next :)
Soooo. I can’t get the “bushing” or the valve spring screw thing out. At all. And I don’t have the ability to make a fancy screwdriver - any hints or tips? I have some dropping from the panarello now and I’ve owned the machine for 3 years- I have been descaling, but didn’t know about this part of the maintenance! 😩
I had the same problem. And I looked everywhere to find a flathead screwdriver with a 1/2" wide blade, no such thing available. Do you have any old/used screens from the brewhead? If you put 2 together front to front, this makes a good screwdriver for such a wide opening of the bushing. I've tried quarters & nickels with no luck but others have said coins worked for them. If you only have one old screen to use, fold it in half to get the 2 edges. Hope this helps.
Seattle Coffee Gear I have a question...I just bought a used Starbucks Barista espresso machine, which I believe is similar to the Via Venezia. Everything works well and it heats up nicely however, when I try to brew a shot, the water runs over and around the portafilter. Is this because I need a new brew head gasket? Or all 3 of the parts your are replacing in this video? I've already done a descaling and thorough rinsing. The steam wand works great too and makes lots of foam. It's just the brew head/portafilter area that leaks when I try to brew. Please help! Thanks!
helpfulnatural It may be best to get the entire kit, because leaking may indicate you need a boiler ball valve and valve spring as well. Since its a used machine it might be best to replace everything that is included in the kit all at once, so you won't have to disassemble again later down the road for maintenance in the same area of the machine. I hope this helps! ~ Sarah
Thanks for the help! I just checked your website. Will you be getting more kits in stock soon? This must be a very popular item since it appears by the other comments here that you run out of them quickly. :)
Fast forward to 3.35 to cut the gibberish carry-on at the beginning. I just switched on mute, so you don't have to hear the girl. Thanks for the post though, helpful.
Clare Powers i disagree, people are DUMB enough to make mistakes, and it will save time in the end, I know....believe me as a mechanic and dealing with people who DIY
Hi 2 months ago I posted a question and have not received a reply. I have an Estro Vapore 100 (see prior post) do you think this tuneup kit will work with my espresso machine? I'd really like to get it up and running again.
(palm to forehead) Was wondering why my portafilter was starting to crawl out of the machine during my shots. Guess it's time to replace the gasket (and the rest). It's only been mumble-mumble months.
Thanks this was informative. My suggestion for next time would be not to include Brenda, she didn't add much and her manner is super annoying when you just want to concentrate on fixing a machine. Maybe she would be great for cat videos. Thank you for the vid.
Having worked on mine a few comments
Shower screen screw. If it has never been removed, it can be STUCK tight. You NEED your screwdriver to FIT the screw perfectly. If it is a sloppy fit, you could/will round off the screw, and round off the screw so much that there is nothing left on the screw for the screwdriver to hold on to. If you do that, you have to send it in, for a tech to remove.
To replace the damaged screws, I got replacement stainless steel M4x8 phillips screws at the hardware store.
I later replaced the phillips screw with a HEX screw, so that I can use an allen key instead of a screwdriver.
When you replace, screw in "finger tight." Do NOT screw it in TIGHT, or you could strip the threads in the bushing. Especially so if the bushing is made of brass, as brass is a soft metal. Over tightening could/will strip the threads, then you have to replace the bushing.
What they did not tell you in the video, is that you should remove the shower screen about every two months or so, depending on how many shots you pull.
And CLEAN the back of the shower screen and bottom of the boiler.
The reason is, coffee residue WILL accumulate behind the screen.
1) Your boiler water is going through that old coffee residue, and picking up that state coffee taste.
2) The residue will accumulate and gradually clog the flow of water out of the boiler.
The amount of residue you find back there will tell you if you need to clean more often, or less often.
I use a puck screen to reduce the amount of coffee residue that gets behind the shower screen.
Boiler bushing. Some bushings are made of brass. Brass is a SOFT metal, and is easily damaged.
Your screwdriver has to again FIT the bushing well, and you have to HOLD the screwdriver down, so it does not round off the notch. If you round off the notch, you will have to send it in to a tech to remove.
I have seen special tools to remove the bushing.
If the bushing has never been replaced, the bushing could be REAL TIGHT or STUCK.
"Discretion is the better part of valor." Know when to give up and have a tech remove the bushing.
When you replace the bushing, do not make it tight. I turn till it just bottoms.
Tip: When you remove the shower screen to clean the screen and bottom of the boiler, unscrew the bushing ONE turn, then screw it back in. What you are doing is making sure that the bushing does not freeze in place, and become HARD to remove, or STUCK.
For parts that SCG does not have, go to Stefano's
espressocare.com/
I've owned my Starbucks Barista (earlier version of the V.V., purchased used), for about 2-1/2 yrs and have taken pretty good care of it with descaling regularly and using your tune-up kit once per year. I recently bought another of the same model in a beautiful candy apple red from e-bay. This machine was woefully neglected and I firmly believe was NEVER cleaned or descaled, ever! When I first got it, I looked up into the brewhead with a flashlight and thought it was covered with corrosion but upon taking it apart realized it was just a ton of old crusted coffee grounds packed up in there. The gasket was a rusty brown color. The underside of the filter screen alone had a good 1/4" of grounds packed onto it as well as the brewhead itself. I descaled it twice, leaving the descaler in the machine overnight. I removed the old gasket and found grounds EVERYWHERE! It took me a good 45 minutes of scraping and digging with a large paperclip to get it all loosened up so I could use my vacuum cleaner to get it all out of there. I've never seen coffee packed up that deep into a machine! This experience gave me a renewed sense of appreciation for what you guys do at SCG every day! After 2 full days of cleaning, descaling, & rinsing, I pulled my first shot in it using my non-pressurized porta filter and made a lovely latte! After all the years of neglect/abuse, this little guy still worked like a champ! These things are built like tanks!!
If this espresso machine was a living, breathing entity, it's now breathing a sigh of relief!! :-) Thanks for all your "how-to" videos! They are soooo helpful! :)
Woohoo!
Took over 10 years for me to need a new gasket on my daily used Aroma. Never needed to replace any of the other parts he mentioned. Wait until you see symptoms of a problem before you buy replacement parts.
The tune up kit specific to the Via Venezia model will work with your Barista :) - Kat
Hello! Not to put a downer on this video, but I regularly descale my saeco aroma, and keep it nice and clean. We use it daily and I've had the Aroma for about 4 years now. My coffee still tastes the same (very nice!), the holes in the screen are all open, no leaking around the brew head. The machine makes no weird sounds, the pressure seems to be consistent over the years, all in all, for such a 'cheap' machine, I'm very very satisfied. I've never replaced any parts except for the steam wand which is just plain awful (the one that comes with it). I also temp surf the steam temperature by letting it heat up to steam temp, get the steam out in an empty glass until the steam light goes off, wait about 10 seconds (the light should not be on yet) and start steaming. This way you can steam a larger amount of milk without loss of pressure (but I don't have to teach you guys that ;-)) and I produce beautiful micro foam which is good enough for latte art :-) Anyhow, I'm still very grateful for all the amazing videos you guys make and watch them with pleasure! Maybe I'm just very lucky with my Saeco ;-)
Hello, How do I upgrade my steamwand? I too have the standard metal arm with my Barista.
Thank you so much for this video. I just replaced the pieces I ordered as part of your kit and it was very easy to do. I used the quarter trick and worked perfectly. The ball valve was completely brown and the brew screen was about 40% blocked. I hope my Saeco Aroma will be better. I love my coffee machine!
Well it was all good and easy; however, my coffee machine is no longer working. It started overheating. Water started to come out from the wand and the brew head at the same time. I opened the top and realized that water is coming out from the top next to the wires. I tried to brew coffee and the pressure was so high that I wouldn’t be able to remove the portafilter. I can send you a video showing what I mean. Maybe is a simple solution. I am very sad because it was working prior to changing the pieces from the kit.
If you've never descaled, then definitely let the solution hang out in the boiler for awhile before you do your first flush ... a few hours or so. - Kat
Great info and video. Will the kit fit my old Saeco Starbucks Barista? The parts seem to look the same. If so I will definitely be ordering one.
Stefano's specializes in the Saeco semi-autos and they're really good. They're in southern Oregon (Elmira I believe) ... not sure how close that is to you. - Kat
I was wondering if all these apply to the Barista? Can I also use the same tune up kit?
Update: No, this doesn't the ball valve & spring are different on the Poemia, but Brendan believes he has all the components and so is going to create a new tune up kit specific to that model. Stay tuned :) - Kat
the leaking could be a little scale build-up that broke off and is in the water works now ... you could descale again to see if that resolves it. The flow is based more on water being attracted to water, so when it starts going to one side, it tends to follow suit. Can you describe the 'firing' sound? - Kat
Very clear instructions. I just followed them and was able to do the entire procedure pretty quickly.
Just a couple of items:
1) a quarter does *not* work to unscrew the boiler bushing, the quarter is too thick. A dime or a penny is too small, so it's not easy either. But using the screen that you already took out works easily.
2) a good idea to wear *thin* rubber gloves for the procedure. This is a little trick I learned from the guy who tunes and fixes my bike. You can wear them to protect your hands. I wish I had thought of this before doing the tune up...
I’m so late to this party but I have both the VV and the Starbucks Barista. I had the same trouble getting the bushing off the Barista. The bushing needs a 7/16 flat aka slotted screwdriver. I found a bit inside of a 1/2” socket today as a part of a set from Pittsburgh brand at harbor freight tools. I attached it to the socket wrench and my 200 lb husband had to really wrench on the thing to get it out. Unless you are strong you won’t get it out yourself. Anyway I hope this info might help someone else that is trying to find a tool to get the super stuck bushing out.
Yup, some are MUCH tighter than others.
The danger is, some of the bushings are made of brass. Brass is a soft metal. Without the proper tool and technique, someone could round off the notch, making it impossible for them to remove. Then have to send it to a tech to remove the bushing.
Thank you for the video, which helped me get my group seal back in (I'd had it the wrong way round - doh!)
Also - and this will probably help no-one - but I found that the ideal size coin to undo the boiler outlet bushing is a 20 Heller coin from Czech Republic. (They have been out of circulation since 2008).
Curious if these kits are good for the Starbucks Barista SIN001 machines!? Thank you so much for all the videos you've put out over the years!
Do you still sell these kits?
The rebuild kits are no longer sold by SCG.
You have to get the parts from other sources. But they are available.
Thank you so much for this video! I finally have figured out why my Via Venezia leaks when I try to brew. I am on the alert list for the tune up kit, for when it comes back in stock!
I can go there, but it is 2 1/2 hours away. If you have a recommendation in the Medford area, that would be closer and I wouldn't have to wait so long to take it in.
I appreciate all your help on this!!!!
Hmmmm....does it seal eventually? If so, then it's fine. If not, then there could be something up with that part / defective - Kat
Thanks for the tutorial. I guess I am due for a tune up for my SCG VV. What about the steam wand? I do take apart the panarello and other plastic parts, but what maintenance is required of the metal steam arm?
Pick up the kit for the Via Venezia and it should work fine - Kat
If you take apart that whole component -- including removing the plastic tip -- and thoroughly clean it, that's the biggest thing you need to do on a regular basis. It can definitely get gunky! The actual metal tube part of the wand, though, doesn't require any special / specific care. - Kat
I wish i could find the right repair kit to spruce up my saeco/ starbucks via venezia! Wish you guys still carried the kits!
Hi, thanks for the video...very helpful. I have an Estro Vapore 100 that just started leaking around the brew head. Up until this started the machine has been operating perfectly and has been used almost daily since I got it some 20 years ago. I'm hoping your tune-up kit will work for my model and get me back into my daily habit :) Although I stopped using the machine I can still pull a shot...it's just kinda messy. The steam works as it should as well, so I'm guessing the issue is with the boiler ball value and spring. The brew head gasket is still soft with no significant defects. However, I'd like to perform a complete "tune-up" before I use my Estro again. Thx in advance for your help.
Unfortunately, that's the only place we know of (they buy parts from us) that's south of Portland / north of CA. You could find out if they take shipments and ship it to them; we also take shipped in repairs here. Sorry I don't know of any other places for you! :( - Kat
Let us know if you can find them! We repair DeLonghis, but they don't sell us parts for the small machines like yours :( If you find a source, please post it here for other owners (if you don't mind) - Kat
I can not get the bushing to turn no matter what I do. Any suggestion on I might getting the bushing out? No repair shop is interested in working on my machine so I have a real problem. any suggestions?
did you ever get a solutions to this? same is happening with me.
Given the problems described that warrant replacing the valve and spring, I need to do that to my EC155. It's over a year old, so I think replacing all the small parts in the brew group would be beneficial.
Is the tune-up kit for the Aroma still available?
Oh, got it. I don't think this tune-up will resolve that. It sounds like the steam valve needs to be repaired; there's a little part up in there that can degrade and results in water coming out of the wand. You'll need to have a tech get into it and repair it. - Kat
Not sure; I'll ask Brendan and update you shortly - Kat
Great video and kit for my Via Venzia, thanks. Just a few lessons from my first kit replacement experience. First, I hadn't done any service on this poor unit since I got it 18 months ago, my bad. As you can imagine, I had a heck of a time getting it apart. Secondly, I could not get the small Phillips screw that holds the screen on off, but I found that if you use a large set of pliers or channel locks and grab the outside of the gasket and screen and turn it, it will loosen the small screw. Thirdly, I had a really hard time finding a tool that could get the bushing off. It would be great if SCG could get a supply of the appropriate tool, I would imagine Saeco has them for vendors. I searched and searched and I could not find a 7/8" flat head, which was listed on the kit insert as a necessary tool for this job. I finally got desperate and drilled a hole large enough through the bottom of the Via to fit an 8" long 3/8" flat head screwdriver through it! I got that bushing off and the kit installed though!
+Evan Williams Great to hear you were able to get it installed! Cheers!
+Seattle Coffee Gear Help!! I have an old Starbucks Barista machine, basically the same as the Via Venezia, and I bought this tune up kit. I bought the espresso machine "used" and I don't think it has EVER had this tune up done. I can't get the bushing out! I've tried everything, nickels, quarters, metal washers of varying sizes, and I've gone to several hardware stores trying to find a screwdriver with a wide blade, all to no avail! :( Where can I find a proper tool to have on hand to do this tune up periodically??
Did you get this resolved? I am having the same problem.
Nick Heniser I did find a flathead screwdriver from Ace Hardware, (Craftsman brand), that is 5/8" wide at the blade and the the shank is just 1-1/2" long. The blade is slightly narrower than the slot on the bushing but my husband managed to carefully hold the screwdriver steady to loosen the bushing. I have removed it again since the initial tune up in March and it was much easier, I think because it had never been done before my first attempt. I hope this helps. :)
philips screw came right out with no problems. Large flathead bushing... OMG. Ruined a couple quarters before trying to cut a notch off a piece of steel to fit perfectly, and it still will not come out.
If you expand the description of the video, I have included links to them on our website. Let me know if you need anything else - Kat
Sorry :( But now you know about the little wood screw trick for future gasket replacements -- works like a charm! - Kat
I've ordered the parts. The supplier says they're on backorder, but they do have an estimated time for shipping of about two weeks from today. Hopefully they'll ship on time. Company is eReplacementParts. I ordered pretty much the same parts you provide in your tune-up kit shown here.
help help.. went to 3 hardware stores in an attempt to remove the boiler outlet bushing. it appears to be stuck as the 2 screens & quarter tip ...just are not working...
I wish that this video was available when I tuned up my Via Venezia. The kit instructions were good -- but it took me 30 minutes to get the old gasket out and 15 minutes to get the new gasket well seated.
Constant dripping? There is usually a little bit when it's heating up, but shouldn't be a ton. - Kat
My aroma stopped working trying to troubleshoot. Are these kits still available? Took it apart things look fine so not sure what the issue is. Thanks!
First off, I think you guys are the best-informative/funny/chill. OK, so I descaled and tuned up my Aroma after 3-4 months of daily use. The parts actually looked pretty new, but I replaced them anyway. However some "problems" lingered despite doing the DS and TU:
* some leaking from the brew head/steam wand
* more flow from the left spout of the non-press. portafilter (this could due to my tamping tech.)
* intermittent "firing" sound when frothing (I have the retro fit)
Any thoughts? THANKS!
Hii, great video. Is there a part number for this kit so I can go and buy it to your e-store? or do you have a link to it? Thanks.
SCG no longer sells the kit.
I get my parts from Stefano's and eBay.
@@garyn7067 Thanks!
Hello! This video was very helpfull. A question : on a Saeco "Via Veneto", do you have a tip on how to put in place, in rebuilding the machine, the streamer ?
Failed to mention, the brewhead gasket has a notch in it that must match up with a metal "tab" in the brewhead. At least, my Aroma has that - maybe not on the Venezia. Otherwise, very helpful video. Note I'm rebuilding mine for the first time in 10-1/2 years. I cannot believe they recommend doing this every 6 months. Except: I had to drill out the screw holding the screen in - it would not budge. As a result I was forced to replace the valve/bushing, where the remains of the screw were lodged. The nylon valve plug on mine was nowhere near as dirty as the one they showed, and I use my machine daily. Different strokes...
Nah, old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Gaskets I would replace if/when it starts to leak. Or if you can see/feel them getting hard, cuz it will leak soon.
I replace the head gasket when I got my machine (used) cuz it was leaking. The original gasket had compressed to where it would not seal.
Then I used it for 10 years with no leaks.
When I gave the machine to my niece, I did most of the tune up. Replacing gaskets and seals, so she would have another 10+ years use before dealing with a leak.
I live in Southern Oregon and don't know where I can get a repair. Do you have any recommendations? Please advise
No, but I've traveled / lived in a few Spanish-speaking countries, although my Spanish is very rusty :D - Kat
Thanks, Kat! Actually, I think the "firing sound" (short bursts of air rather than a steady stream) was caused by my trying to steam too much milk - I used less and it worked fine. The leaking is very minor, but I may try another DS. And while I'm not a native Spanish speaker, I think your accent sounds good! Que le vaya bien! :)
Well, that's great to hear! - Kat
Sorry but the links to Via Venezia or Saeco Aroma don't show the tune-up kit (gasket, spring, silicon head, shower, and scew don't show. Can you tell if it's availale and do you send to Spain (Europe)? Thanks
Where can I buy this tune-up kit today?
There are links in the video description!
Do you not sell these anymore?
Nope.
I had to find another source for parts. Stefano's and eBay.
Thank you for the video, it showed me how to remove the bushing that I failed to do the last time I replaced the rubber gasket. I think we’d a 1/2 “ screw driver bit from a socket set. I still had to shave it a bit as it’s thicker than the bushings slots. And can you post picks of the vireo camera lady, she has a sexy voice lol
hey bro help me please my saeco barista starbucks machine does'nt drip water i cannot make espresso anymore please help me i dont know what to do.
Cool!! :) Let me know how it goes - Kat
Great thanks. Very informative.
shall I get the wiring diagram for both machines please
It's an easy fix, thankfully! :D - Kat
I've descaled, just never did any other maintenance. The last time I tried to make coffee it was streaming straight out of the wand, even after descaling.
Love the kit and the video. The steam wand on my Starbucks barista has leaked over the past few years and I was hoping the kit would fix that up. Unfortunately after I replaced the ball valve and put it back together the leak through the steam wand is now worse. I have taken it apart and even replaced the old ball valve but it is still worse. Any ideas of how to reduce the leak through the wand? I am from the east coast of Canada so dropping the machine by is not really an option.
Stuart Wright Glad you enjoyed the video! We would recommend you check the direction of the ball valve and spring and make sure it's in the right direction. The tune up kit we sell doesn't have the parts necessary to fix the steam wand, if that is truly the part that has failed. You can get a replacement part for the steam wand here: buyphilipsparts.com. Unfortunately we don't sell that item.
Brendan I just saw your tuneup video. We bought our Via Venezia at SCG years ago. We've had very slow dripping lately. I cleaned the machine with the tool and just removed and cleaned my filter. It's still barely dripping - taking quite a while to get the coffee to come out. Do you think my problem is the spring at this point or possibly needing a new pump? thks much
It is normal to "slightly" drip from the group head.
But getting the coffee to come out, different problem.
First make sure that water will flow WITHOUT the portafilter mounted.
- If water does NOT flow, then maybe the pump is bad. Or there is a clog in or before the boiler.
- If the water will flow without the PF, then you look at the PF.
Will water flow with an empty basket (no coffee) in the PF.
- If yes, then maybe your coffee is ground too fine. Try a grind like table salt, or medium drip grind. A presurized PF does not need to be ground espresso fine.
I have a Via Venezia and it stopped heating up the water therefore I get no water coming out of the group head or no steam from the steamer. In fact, the button to get water out for the coffee doesn't light up. In fact # 2, only the power button lights up. Hard to find someone who can repair where I am so may need to do it myself but not sure where the problem lies...Any suggestions?
The ring around the fitting that holds the screw with the ball valve spring moves when I try to unscrew it. What can I do?
Sounds like you need to replace the bottom of the boiler.
Time to send it in to a tech to repair.
Hello guys, sorry for my english, its not really good .Congratulations your videos they are very usefull. I want to know if this kit can be applied on the model Saeco Poemia because i have one of this at my home. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, the parts in these two parts kits are not compatible with the Saeco Poemia. But Seattle Coffee Gear will be coming out with a tune-up kit for this machine sometime in the next month. - Brendan
Do you sell this kit on line?
SGC has stopped selling the kit.
Parts are available on the internet. Stefano's and eBay.
Hi....do you have any videos that show how to replace the red colored boiler gasket?
Unfortunately we do not. That is something we would recommend having our repair department handle. - Steven
Will this work with the Barista?
I hope this works and I'm ashamed to say I've never done this in the 3 years I've been using the machine. I had to put the machine away because just about all the water was streaming out of the wand! Hoping this is the fix. Thanks.
Just wondering how many coffees you could make with this machine at any one time? If I have friends over will it be able to keep up?
Hello! The Aroma and Via Venezia can only make one drink at a time. ~ Sarah
How do I buy the kit?
Just an FYI, use a butter knife to get that bushing moving. It serves as a great lever
Do you guys still sell this kit by any chance? 😬 (And it would work on the saeco/star$$ barista?
Hi there, unfortunately these kits are no longer available. So sorry!
@@SeattleCoffeeGear 😭😭😭
You have to buy the indiv parts of the kit.
Try Stefano's.
Cool!! :) - Kat
Does it work with the Saeco Poemia?
My boyfriend tried doing this himself and ended up stripping the screw and now it is stuck. Is there anyway to fix it without taking it to the shop?
Try a screw extractor. Although there isn't much space, so you can't get a drill between the head and the base.
If you can't use a screw extractor, send it in to a tech.
Hi there, I have just acquired a Saeco Via Venezia but it doesn't seem to be working.. The pump comes on but no water is coming out. Could it just need to be descaled? How should I proceed? Thank you!
The pump needs to be primed if out o service for a while.
I've had mine for many years, honestly i've never done anything but use it. no descale or anything. It feels like it's putting out less pressure these days, can no longer push water through an Illy ISE pod, and when I grind beans, no crema. Is this kit the solution I need? Something else?
Hi there,
Regular cleaning and descaling is very important, and mineral buildup is likely the cause of your issues. I would check the manual for the machine and follow some of their recommended maintenance guidelines to see if it helps.
@@SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks. As a first step I removed the screen above the portafilter (first time after who know how many years of ownership, I shamefully admit) and cleaned it, and am already noticing a big difference. Still not producing the crema I'd like so I'll do some further digging and see what's next :)
Soooo. I can’t get the “bushing” or the valve spring screw thing out. At all. And I don’t have the ability to make a fancy screwdriver - any hints or tips? I have some dropping from the panarello now and I’ve owned the machine for 3 years- I have been descaling, but didn’t know about this part of the maintenance! 😩
I had the same problem. And I looked everywhere to find a flathead screwdriver with a 1/2" wide blade, no such thing available. Do you have any old/used screens from the brewhead? If you put 2 together front to front, this makes a good screwdriver for such a wide opening of the bushing. I've tried quarters & nickels with no luck but others have said coins worked for them. If you only have one old screen to use, fold it in half to get the 2 edges. Hope this helps.
Are you going to have these back in stock anytime soon?
Yes! We should have more of these Tune-Up kits after Thanksgiving. We just recently sold out. :-)
Seattle Coffee Gear I have a question...I just bought a used Starbucks Barista espresso machine, which I believe is similar to the Via Venezia. Everything works well and it heats up nicely however, when I try to brew a shot, the water runs over and around the portafilter. Is this because I need a new brew head gasket? Or all 3 of the parts your are replacing in this video? I've already done a descaling and thorough rinsing. The steam wand works great too and makes lots of foam. It's just the brew head/portafilter area that leaks when I try to brew. Please help! Thanks!
helpfulnatural It may be best to get the entire kit, because leaking may indicate you need a boiler ball valve and valve spring as well. Since its a used machine it might be best to replace everything that is included in the kit all at once, so you won't have to disassemble again later down the road for maintenance in the same area of the machine. I hope this helps! ~ Sarah
Thanks for the help! I just checked your website. Will you be getting more kits in stock soon? This must be a very popular item since it appears by the other comments here that you run out of them quickly. :)
helpfulnatural They are now back in stock: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/seattle-coffee-gear-tune-up-kit-for-saeco-via-venezia. :-) Thanks! ~Sarah
Check out our website; we have step-by-step instructions on descaling small single boiler machines like the Aroma in our Learn section. - Kat
Can i see the electric plug of via venezia?
responded to you on Twitter :D
I have stripped the screw. It’s frustrated the hell out of me. I need it removed and cannot get it out. Help!!
Try a screw extractor.
If you can do that, send it in to a tech.
Fast forward to 3.35 to cut the gibberish carry-on at the beginning.
I just switched on mute, so you don't have to hear the girl.
Thanks for the post though, helpful.
Thanks for the instructions. Would have been nice if it was shorter, more to the point, without the off-camera narrator interrupting.
.
I cannot possibly agree more!!!
Ditto!
Clare Powers i disagree, people are DUMB enough to make mistakes, and it will save time in the end, I know....believe me as a mechanic and dealing with people who DIY
Hi 2 months ago I posted a question and have not received a reply. I have an Estro Vapore 100 (see prior post) do you think this tuneup kit will work with my espresso machine? I'd really like to get it up and running again.
I have the Barista which is pretty much the same machine with a different name. I think it will work for your machine.
(palm to forehead) Was wondering why my portafilter was starting to crawl out of the machine during my shots. Guess it's time to replace the gasket (and the rest). It's only been mumble-mumble months.
I use nothing but distilled water in my Espresso Machine and have not had any problems with it.
Oh, one other thing - tal vez Kat tenga raíces mexicanas? En este vídeo o alg un otro ella dijo "híjole" y casi morí de risa jaja :) Saludos.
Thx Seattle coffee
To talk to a agent please
Thanks this was informative. My suggestion for next time would be not to include Brenda, she didn't add much and her manner is super annoying when you just want to concentrate on fixing a machine. Maybe she would be great for cat videos. Thank you for the vid.
just wash the screen no?????
Yes!
Using a plastic filter product for hot coffee is disappointing and disgusting.
How do I buy the tune up kit?
Right here: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=aroma+tune+up