Grouphead Gasket Replacement

There are generally two types of screens for removal and replacement. In most cases, the version without the screw will get damaged or dinged upon removal.

Purpose: To maintain a proper seal between the grouphead and the portafilter basket when extracting espresso.

Frequency: If your machine used greater than once every 3 days, every 6 months, or if your machine used less than once every 3 days, every 12 months. In a commercial environment, the gaskets should be replaced every 3 months or sooner. A portafilter gasket should be replaced a minimum every 12 months to avoid allowing the portafilter gasket to ‘melt’ ‘ or ‘stick’ inside the grouphead.

Machine identity: These instructions are provided for replacing the grouphead gasket of a traditional espresso machine with a water reservoir or direct water connection. There are two procedures: dispersion screen with screw and dispersion screen without screw

Dispersion ScreenI. Procedure: Dispersion Screen with Screw (example)

Requirements before you start: small philips had screw with point, stubby philips head screwdriver, stubby flat head screwdriver, pliers, replacement portafilter gasket, backflush detergent, metal bristle brush.

  1. Power off the espresso machine and unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet.
  2. Remove the water reservoir from the espresso machine per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Allow your machine to fully cool.
  4. Place a towel on the countertop and only if possible turn your machine on its side or upside down for access to the grouphead gasket. For two grouphead or larger machines or direct water connect machines, work on the machine in the upright position.
  5. With a Philips head screwdriver, remove the screw from the center of the dispersion screen. If you have difficulty removing the screw, stop as this could strip the screw or break off its head. If this happens, the repair costs for removing the screw or boring it out could cost in the hundreds (including shipping). Therefore, if the screw does not come out easily, please send in your machine for service.
  6. Once the screw is removed, remove the dispersion screen and in some cases, a dispersion plate can also be removed.
  7. Soak the dispersion screen and if applicable, the dispersion plate, in Ascaso Detergent espresso detergent for 30 minutes.
  8. Drive a small Philips head screw between 1/4″ and 3/8″ into the portafilter gasket.
  9. Use pliers to pull on the screw and the gasket should come out in one piece. If it does not come out, you may need to chisel or scrape it out.
  10. Clean grouphead area of all coffee grinds and oils.
  11. Place in the new portafilter gasket into the grouphead. The rough side or side with imprinted letters or numbers faces into the grouphead. The smoother side faces the portafilter handle.
  12. Use a stubby flathead screwdriver to push in the grouphead gasket into the slot. Be careful not to damage the gasket.
  13. Lock in the portafilter in place to fully push in the grouphead gasket.
  14. Scrub the dispersion screen and applicable dispersion plate with a metal bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.
  15. Place the applicable dispersions plate and/or the dispersion screen into the grouphead.
  16. Tighten (but do not overtighten) the dispersion screw.
  17. If applicable, place your machine right side up and test.

Dispersion ScreenII. Procedure: Dispersion Screen without Screw (example)

Requirements before you start: small philips had screw with point, medium size flathead screwdriver, stubby flathead screwdriver, pliers, replacement portafilter gasket, backflush detergent, metal bristle brush.

Warning: You may damage your current dispersion screen when removing. Therefore, we recommend you have a replacement on hand.

  1. Power off the espresso machine and unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet.
  2. Remove the water reservoir from the espresso machine per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Allow your machine to fully cool.
  4. Place a towel on the countertop and only if possible turn your machine on its side or upside down for access to the grouphead gasket. For two grouphead or larger machines or direct water connect machines, work on your machine in upright position.
  5. With a medium-size flathead screwdriver, pry out the dispersion screen by sticking the screwdriver tip into the edge where the screen ends and the sidewall of the dispersion screen starts. Leverage the screwdriver against the grouphead to pry out the dispersion screen. The grouphead gasket will come out along with it.
  6. Soak the dispersion screen Ascaso Detergent espresso detergent for 30 minutes. If the dispersion screen is damaged, replace it with a new one.
  7. Scrub the dispersion screen with a metal bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.
  8. Clean grouphead area of all coffee grinds and oils.
  9. Place the new portafilter gasket onto the dispersion screen. The rough side or side with imprinted letters or numbers faces into the grouphead. The smoother side faces the portafilter handle.
  10. Use a stubby flat head screwdriver to push in the grouphead gasket into the slot with the dispersion screen. Be careful not to damage the gasket.
  11. Lock in the portafilter in place to fully push in the grouphead gasket.
  12. If applicable, place your machine right side up and test.

Jian Hong L. from United States (US) purchased

Lelit 9700043 Safety Valve - 5.5 Bar 1/8G

21 hours ago