Converting 3.5 to 4.0 – VBM Dual Boiler

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Close-up of a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine’s internal components with four arrows pointing to labeled parts: 1. blue wire, 2. black solenoid valve, 3. white wire connector, 4. pressure switch with labels and attached wires. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • cut tiewrap #1
  • unplug #2 and #3
  • unscrew #4
Close-up of two cylindrical electrical components with wires attached on a VBM Dual Boiler, one marked by a red arrow labeled 3b. The components are mounted on a metallic surface near copper pipes—part of the 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • unplug #3b and replace with #2
Close-up of a brass pipe fitting with an open end, labeled with a red arrow and the number 5, surrounded by other metal components and black fabric-like material from a VBM Dual Boiler during boiler conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • unscrew #5
A blue-wire temperature sensor for the VBM Dual Boiler, featuring a threaded metal probe (labeled 6) and black connector plug (labeled 7), designed for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, lying on a metallic surface. © 2025 1st-line.com
A metal rod from a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine with a threaded section wrapped in white material, labeled “6b” with a red arrow pointing to the threads, and a hexagonal nut below—part of the 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • wrap #6 with teflon tape #6b
Close-up of a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine component with pipes and wiring, showing a metal fitting labeled with a red arrow and the number 6, attached to a metallic surface surrounded by other connectors. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • screw #6 where #5 was
The inside of a VBM Dual Boiler coffee machine is shown with wires and metal parts visible, highlighting areas relevant to a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. Red arrows labeled 8, 9, and 10 point to specific screws on a metal bracket inside the machine. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • unscrew #9 and #10 to remove frame #8
Close-up of an electronic device for a VBM Dual Boiler with labeled arrows (11, 12, 13, 14) pointing to various wire connections and terminals on a black box featuring a white wiring diagram label, ideal for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion setups. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • take note of all wires attached to old brain unit
Close-up of an electronic device, possibly part of a VBM Dual Boiler, with several wires connected to numbered ports (16–23), each indicated by red arrows and labels above the connectors. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • take note of all wires attached to old brain unit
A close-up of an electronic component, possibly for a VBM Dual Boiler, with ports labeled 11b–15 in red. A wiring diagram is shown on the black unit atop a wooden surface—ideal for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion setups. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • take note of all wires attached to new brain unit
Close-up of a black electronic connector, possibly for a VBM Dual Boiler, held by hand with red arrows and labels on pins: 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b at the top and 22b at the bottom—perfect for a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. Some circuit components are visible inside. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • take note of all wires attached to new brain unit
Close-up of a person’s hands holding two black electronic modules, such as those found in a VBM Dual Boiler, connected by wires, with red arrows and labels (11, 11b, 12, 12b) indicating connectors for a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com

new braint unit on top / old brain unit on bottom

  • #11 --> #11b
  • #12 --> #12b
  • #13 --> #13b
  • #14 --> #14b
  • #7 --> #15
Close-up of two black electrical components with labels and wires attached; red arrows labeled 23 and 23b point to each component inside a VBM Dual Boiler, possibly related to a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com

new brain unit on left / old brain unit on right

  • #23 --> #23b
Close-up of electrical connectors and wires labeled 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b, and 22b on a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine control box. Red arrows highlight each connection, useful for a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion or repair process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • take note of all wires attached to new brain unit
A blue wire for VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, with a white connector on one end and two exposed tips on the other, features red labels marking parts 24 (connector), 25, and 26, displayed on a reflective metallic surface. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • this is part #
  • #25 long end links to #20? gray on the other end
  • #26 short end link to #21? blue on the other end
Close-up of a gray electrical connector attached to blue and white wires on a VBM Dual Boiler, with a metal motor in the background. Red arrows label points for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion with the numbers 20, 21, and 24. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • #20 gray wire links to #25 long on the other end
  • #21 blue wire link to #26 short on the other end
A black electronic relay with four screw terminals, used in VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, is placed on a metallic tray. Two wires extend from the relay, highlighted by red numbers (27–33) indicating key components. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • this is part #
  • #27 & #28 long screw side / load 1 & 2
    • #26 --> #27
    • #25 --> #28
  • #29 & #30 short screw side / load 3 & 4
A solid state relay with labeled screw terminals numbered 25 to 33, connected by wires. Two blue wires attach at terminal 25 and 26; red arrows highlight each terminal—perfect for VBM Dual Boiler or espresso machine upgrade projects. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • #32 black wire screws into load 4
  • #33 red wire screws into load 3
Close-up of an intricate VBM Dual Boiler machine with various colored wires, metal components, and a motor. Red arrows labeled 34 and 35 point to specific parts within the assembly for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion identification. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • #34 is the cover for relay
  • #35 is the frame for the brain unit
Close-up of a VBM Dual Boiler’s internal components with a wooden panel. Red arrows and labels (34a, 34b, 35a, 35b, 36a, 36b) identify screws for the 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. Wires and metal parts are visible behind the panel. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • #34a and #34b hold the cover for the relay
  • #35a and #35b hold the frame for the brain unit
  • #36a and #36b hold the relay – note these 2 won’t be easily removed until you remove the cover #34
A close-up of an open VBM Dual Boiler machine reveals internal wiring, a cylindrical motor, and a metal bracket holding a silver capacitor labeled “35” for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, with a hand adjusting the bracket and a red arrow pointing at it. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • now you can move the frame #35 to the side and remove the relay cover #34
Close-up of an electrical component from a VBM Dual Boiler, with multiple wires connected. Two red arrows labeled 36d and 36c point to different screw terminals, possibly part of a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion setup on a metal surface. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • now you can hold the nuts #36c and #36d to remove the screws
A hand holds a tape measure stretched across two metal blocks, with red arrows highlighting measurement marks between 1 and 3 inches—ideal for calibrating a VBM Dual Boiler or making a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. White wires are visible in the background. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • The new relay will be placed next to the old relay. You will need to drill 2 new holes so both relays can be mounted.
  • First put the 2 relays together. Then measure the distance between the openings where the mounting screws go.
Close-up of a metal panel on a VBM Dual Boiler with two red arrows pointing to small holes, a gray lever on the right, black cables below, and a faint reflection of a hand in the background—ideal for converting 3.5 to 4.0. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • The new holes you will drill is located in the circles as indicated in the picture to the right
Close-up of a metal panel on the VBM Dual Boiler with two pairs of small holes, each pair marked by a red arrow. A metal lever is visible on the right side, and several other holes are seen in the background, ideal for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Measure existing hole for installed relay from a common point, ex right side and top side. Transfer those measurements 1 3/4 inches away from existing holes.
A close-up of a metal panel, compatible with VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, shows several holes and two red arrows pointing to small round openings. A gray lever marked PUSH is visible on the right side of the image. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Drill new holes.
  • WARNING: Make sure any parts and wires are cleared on the other side.
A black solid-state relay, part of a VBM upgrade, is mounted on a metallic surface with red, white, and black wires secured to its terminals by screws. Other electronic components and cables are visible in the background. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • In order for the old relay to fit with the new cover, the wires on load 1 and 2 need to be rotated
A close-up of a solid state relay with attached wires, mounted on a metal surface near other electronic components and tubing inside the VBM Dual Boiler. The relay is labeled with specifications, supporting 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, and secured by four screws. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Here is a picture of the new positioning of the wires on load 1 and 2
Close-up of electronic components and colorful wires inside a metal device, including a black plastic relay, clear tube, and zip ties securing cables—shown during a VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion on a reflective metal surface. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Place the old relay inside the machine aligning with the new drilled holes.
Close-up view of electrical components and wiring inside a VBM Dual Boiler machine, featuring black relays, blue and brown wires, zip ties, and a wooden base. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Place the new relay inside the machine next to the old relay.
Close-up of an electrical component with various colored wires, part of a VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. Red arrows labeled 13b and 31 indicate two specific black wire connectors. A wiring diagram is partially visible. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Plug #31 into the connection next to #13b
Close-up of a metal enclosure inside an electronic device, with two red arrows pointing at screws or screw holes along the edge. Colorful wires are visible above the enclosure, possibly related to a VBM Dual Boiler or boiler conversion upgrade. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Place new cover over the relays
  • 2 new holes need to be drilled to mount the new cover in place.
  • Mark the 2 holes as indictated in the picture.
Close-up of a metal panel with electronic components attached, including solid state relays on a VBM Dual Boiler. Two red arrows point to empty screw holes, possibly for additional screws or parts during a 3.5 to 4.0 boiler conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Drill new holes.
  • WARNING: Make sure any parts and wires are cleared on the other side.
Close-up view of the internal components of a VBM Dual Boiler machine, showing wires, metal parts, and a cylindrical electric motor on a wooden surface. Various cables are organized with zip ties during the 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Insert the new relay cover in and screw in place.
  • You can also screw back in the brain unit frame.
A hand uses an Allen wrench to adjust a screw on the side of a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine near the portafilter holder, possibly for a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Now we need to modify the power switch.
  • Unscrew the switch using an allen key.
A hand holds a black, square-shaped mechanical part with several holes and metal components, likely part of an espresso machine upgrade or VBM Dual Boiler convert 3.5 to 4.0, against a backdrop of wires and machine parts. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic bracket and metal frame
A close-up of a person’s finger pointing at a small electric gearbox motor mounted inside a VBM Dual Boiler machine, with colored wires connected and bundled nearby, possibly after a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Slide the see through rubber covering up to get access to the wires
A close-up of a person’s hand using a screwdriver to connect electrical wires, including black, purple, and brown, inside a VBM Dual Boiler during a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, with labeled components and colored wires visible in the device. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • unscrew the connection with the white wires
Close-up of hands wiring electrical components, connecting colored wires to a terminal block inside a VBM Dual Boiler. Various wires and a metal part are visible in the background, illustrating a possible 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • There are 2 white wires: 1 thick, 1 thin. Cut the thin wire.
Close-up view of the inside of a VBM Dual Boiler coffee machine, showing various wires, tubes, copper pipes, a pump, and an electric motor. Some parts are labeled or mounted to a metal frame for 3.5 to 4.0 conversion. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • The white wire you just cut is tie wrapped to other wires. Slide the white wire out from the rest.
A hand holds an electrical component with exposed wiring and terminals, showing black, brown, blue, and red wires connected to screws during a VBM Dual Boiler conversion inside an open electrical device. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • You can now screw back the connection with the thicker white wire.
Close-up of electrical and plumbing components, including copper pipes, wires with connectors, and a brass fitting—likely part of a VBM Dual Boiler’s internal mechanism or a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion process. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • On the heating element of the boiler, you will see a thin white wire similar to the one you cut.
Close-up of a pair of wire cutters gripping a small metal rod, with machinery, VBM Dual Boiler components, and wires visible in the background. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Remove the wire from the heating element.
  • Cut the terminal on the end.
A close-up of a stripped white electrical wire in front of brass fittings and copper pipes, with other wires and connectors visible in the background—ideal for a VBM Dual Boiler 3.5 to 4.0 conversion project. © 2025 1st-line.com

Strip the white covering to reveal the wire underneath.

Close-up of two exposed white wires beside brass and copper components, likely part of a VBM Dual Boiler machine being repaired or 3.5 to 4.0 conversion, with tools visible in the blurry background. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Thread the wire from the switch through the heating element cap.
A close-up of a hand holding a piece of white electrical wire with exposed twisted metal strands in front of a brass fitting, commonly seen during a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion on a VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Twist the 2 wires together.
A close-up of a hand holding two white electrical wires with metal connectors attached, positioned near the brass and copper components of a VBM Dual Boiler during a boiler upgrade. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Add the terminal to the connected wires.
Close-up view of an electronic component with wires and connectors attached, surrounded by copper pipes and metallic parts—possibly showcasing a VBM Dual Boiler upgrade from 3.5 to 4.0 in industrial equipment. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Attach the newly constructed wire to the heating element.
A close-up view of VBM Dual Boiler machinery with various wires, pipes, and a metallic component featuring a diagram label. The image highlights parts connected for a 3.5 to 4.0 conversion in electronic and mechanical systems. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Reinstall the brain unit bracket.
An open VBM Dual Boiler espresso machine reveals internal components, including wires, tubes, a metal motor, brass fittings, a black cylindrical boiler, and various connectors on a wooden surface. © 2025 1st-line.com
  • Contratulations! The machine has now been upgraded. Take note of how the wires are posititoned.

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