$99 Delonghi Espresso Machine Teardown - How good ARE the Components?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you for watching! Comments welcome!

[@heyb6268]

The sediment was so interesting! If you don’t mind, how long had you been using it before you descaled it? (I’m trying to decide how often I should descale)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@heyb6268 I got this actually used, for free, so I don't know. By the looks of it, it had gone a long time!

[@heyb6268]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for the response! I’ll just plan on descaling on a regular basis 👍

[@febasa77]

Very useful walkthrough, helped me to change my OVP which I ordered from Amazon and now working very well, right about to throw it to the recycle bin, thanks!

[@luckyPiston]

@ 11:55 So mounting a pressure gauge on my boiler only tells me pressure on my coffee that is above that initial discharge pressure, if pressure doesn't go above initial discharge pressure you have no idea how much pressure is on your coffee. interesting what a pressure gauge can tell you ! So the best pressure gauge to have would be one plumbed in just behind the shower head , do you know of any machines that do that ? Do the commercial machines do that ?

[@Dante66894]

I'm sure someone already commented on this but the "yellow chip" is actually a capacitor. The only microcontroller on the board is the 6 pin chip labeled u1

[@jfess1911]

Seeing this reminds me of several times in my youth disassembling something to see how it worked. That was a long time ago, before KZbin and digital cameras, so documenting where everything came from was more difficult...... which is largely why many things didn't get back together correctly or work afterwards.

[@thomasfay1297]

Great teardown video. Very interesting on the debris inside the boiler. Makes me want to tear mine open to check it out after descaling. I would like to see a teardown of the dedica as well. Adding a new steam wand to this model would also be a nice DIY to reference. Your explanations are much better than others I've found while deep diving into the espresso life.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks! Yes, I could do a Dedica tear down too. I plan to put a Rancilio on this ECP soon. Should make for a good mod video, hopefully.

[@Raneyguything64]

Mine actually recently stopped pushing water out of the brew head, makes me think that it might be full of minerals like that

[@kitcraft9516]

I commend you. I took something apart once, it never worked again. Seriously, I have tried to 'fix' a few things that weren't really meant to be fixed and it was a mess. If it is newer than a tube radio, I can't work on it. Which is why I have never considered the Gaggia Classic Pro. It would never work again if I tried to mod it, lol. I could manage the spring, at best. That said, it is fun to watch others do stuff like this.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh, it's not that difficult - but I guess I am not shy about it, since I have taken apart several coffee machines. Plus, I got this one for free. Cheers!

[@hoek35]

Great video! I bought a used ECP 35.31 last year (which I absolutely love!). Just recently, there was only a dribble of water coming out, so I ordered a new OPV (over pressure valve) to replace the old one. I opened the machine and fitted the new OPV successfully, was pretty straight forward. I also decided to open the boiler to clean out the mineral deposits that might be in there, and yep, there was, a similar amount to your machine in the video. Anyway, I put it all back together to test it out, unfortunately there was now a bit of water leaking from the top of the boiler, so I dried everything off and opened it again and made sure everything was in its place and everything tightened properly, did this a couple of times cos it was still leaking. But now, the mains electricity switch keeps tripping. I opened it again to find that the heating element has changed colour from the nice clean metal colour to a brown colour, so I guess that I need to replace that now too. Might be cheaper just to get another used model, haha! Pity, I was looking forward to fixing it myself. But, well, I might still do it... 😄

[@cruiserflyer]

This was a great one. I never knew you could open the boiler. I'm definitely doing this on my backup machine.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, it's not even that difficult. I would recommend doing it, to get the calcium out, and just to see what it looks like. Cheers!

[@DavidSwarthout]

My ECP machine is acting weird. Water goes through the puck but it also squirts out around the edge of the portafilter as well making a mess. My guess was that the gasket in the group head was leaking and I was thinking about pulling it out from below in order to better inspect and clean it. I wasn't able to do that without damaging the gasket. And after watching this video, thank you very much, I'm gonna look for another way clean it. I ain't taking it apart. LOL It's been a good machine for a year or so and it was working perfectly yesterday. WTF? Thanks again, Tom.

[@carlosanchez3756]

Many thanks from Germany. This video helped me to change the overpressure valve. 7€ and some time of screwing....my ECP is running again. Thank you so much.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Excellent! Thanks for your feedback!

[@jeffandersen6233]

I just purchased a 3630. Not ready to tear it apart but if needed I'll go back to this videa. Now i want a Milwaukee screwdriver.

[@hypnoxMK]

I repair similar coffee machines , and it's a dirty job , but the end result after the repair is priceless

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

Thanks for this. I tore my US model apart due to an internal leak. Found the water connection at the top of the boiler had succumbed to corrosion. As soon as I took a wrench to loosen and then tighten, it snapped. No force needed. The nut on the inside of the boiler clunked as it hit the bottom of the boiler and I was left with a ragged copper end. It'd be an easy fix to split boiler, retrieve the nut, and install a new fitting. I doubt I can find a new gasket and fitting in the US. I paid $99 USD for it in early 2019 for use at work. Only used it a year, then ran vinegar thru it and placed in the attic for future use. Recently took it camping where it leaked water everywhere.

[@nina_wired]

Just used this video to help me disassemble my ECP3630 so I could change the water pump. I have espresso again! 🎉

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Awesome, good job!

[@kyletate4324]

Could not figure out how to open the top until I found your video. Thanks for making this.

[@samlebon9884]

Was it easy? Did you find a fuse?

[@Phantoma3]

I bought this machine two weeks ago as I'm waiting for parts for our old Lelit and needed a cheap machine to fill the void. It makes decent cappuccinos for the price. In Australia this model has an all metal steaming wand, not a panerello.

[@jtking96]

I followed your descaling video with my 3420 this morning, then watched this and decided to tear it down so I could clean it further after seeing what your boiler had in it… just to find mine totally clean 😅

[@suilanestevez1644]

Thank you so much for this. I just dissembled mine following your instructions and found the boiler was full of sand! Now I have to put it back together again... 🤞

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Fantastic! Good job on dismantling your machine, and cleaning it out. It's a nice feeling, eh?

[@h2obig1]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner can't it be cleaned by descaling?

[@alarcilam]

Great video Tom. Good luck putting it all back together mate 🤣

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I actually got it back together in about 20-30 minutes, not too bad. Cheers!

[@fjqtaxch9]

I would have to sell it for parts after failing to reassemble it. ​@@TomsCoffeeCorner

[@leeweber85]

Steamwand mod would be nice! I’ve seen another video where someone modded a different delonghi models steamwand and it was a bit more involved than I want to take on. A simpler mod option would be better. I’ve tried removing the little venturi cover, but find it’s 1-2cm too short and have difficulty keeping a consistent whirlpool. Still learning and my first week with the ecp3420 though. Keep up the good content!

[@KindofaScientist]

thank you for this video! I have been looking for this mode's disassembly guide to repair my machine!

[@tomphillpotts]

Always check out the exploded view online. It shows how to take off the front panel for example. Something you didn't know. It slides off frontwards.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Where did you find an exploded view? I didn't see one anywhere. I did end up referencing another YT video to know how to pry off the front plate, frontwards.

[@wowbabycool]

Sorry, just realised it's a pressure fit. No need to reply. Thanks again for great videos!

[@TheoreticalMass]

The circuit board in european model ultimately works as an timed switch, so by installing an normal toggle power switch in place of the self returning switch and wiring it in place of the timer circuit board it can be controlled fully manually. I have done this mod to few european delonghi's, off course they wont pass any european energy saving regulations but at least you can get the grouphead fully up to temperature.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you for sharing! Would you mind sharing the switch that you put in place?

[@dr.phelps]

It is just energy saving? I thought it was some overheating or something so was afraid to mess with it.

[@TheoreticalMass]

It needs just a normal 19mm x 13mm 16A toggle switch, there shouldn't be any overheating problems as the grouphead is thermostat controlled and has overtemperature fuse in case of thermostat failure. Also the plastics are made to withstand way hotter temperatures than steaming temperature of 125C.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@TheoreticalMass Hi there! I found a few switches on Amazon with those dimensions, but just in 6A or 10A. If the machine uses 1100 watts / 220V AC, then that would be 5A. So, I wonder how much more the switch should be dimensioned than that. Maybe the current switch has a rating on it...

[@TheoreticalMass]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I would check the amp rating on the relay as that works as the power switch for the boiler and pump. 16 amp switches were just ones that i had on hand, 10A would be fine in my opinion.

[@MyBilal19971]

So helpful. A bolt of boiler (idk how) got loosened and got dropped into my water tank area and I could not press my water reservoir due to it stopping the reservoir. On top of that, it was too hot that it got stuck with plastic after melting it.

[@jonathanhartmann4496]

😊😊AZ

[@gizmo1252000]

thank you ,this will come in very handy ,as im fitting a new boiler and drip valve in the next 3 days :)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sounds like a plan!

[@GordonBarber-xf4dd]

First, I would like to say that I enjoy your casual delivery style. You genuinely seem to be having fun in your tear down and you are not afraid to make some minor mistakes or take a guess at some parts. I have a leak in the "tap" of my 3220 that comes out at the top of the barrel with the small cir-clip on it. I would like to repair this from the top of the machine but not sure if I can split the tap to easily remove it in two pieces. Any ideas on this? I would have liked to include a picture or very short video but don't see this an option. Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks! Just upload a short video to KZbin, and send me the link. Cheers!

[@vitaliistep]

Very cool, I've just bought it. Thank you!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you for watching, comments welcome! Product links in the description above 👆🏻 Check out my Kit for coffee machine/accessories suggestions: kit.co/tomscoffeecorner

[@thobui9]

Thank you Mr. Tom . Great video .

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You betcha! It was a fun video to do, hope it helps some people.

[@othmanskn]

Excellent. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@ChristopherMichaelR]

I'd love to see you do a tutorial on the PID mod for this machine!

[@itsmeandthensome]

Maybe the sand works like the process of when they make sand coffee....something to do with the way sand handles heat? Hmmm...very interesting Tom.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Interesting thought, but I'm quite sure the sand like build-up was not deliberate. Cheers!

[@enwavs]

Truly amazing content and i especially love tear down videos - enjoying these alot. Myself few years back i overhauled old small Saeco as diy job and loved every second of the jurney. Interested in getting one of these De Longhi's tbh, currently using Krups XP442C11, semi-auto thermoblock machine, similar in funcionality to dedica - altho "chunky/fairly high" thermoblock is right above brew group , so leaving it on for a while brew group does get "hot". Not really hot as old Saeco which had some sort of "hybrid" boiler (external heating element).. Also planning on having some fun with DIY controller and splicing in between thermal probe and controller board on the Krups as a fun project for some free time to allow adjustable temperature range.. Question: are you aware of De'Longhi ECP 33.21, do you know what the differences might be compared to 35.21? Locally seem to what can be found easily, easier then 35.21. Looking at Amazon, differences compared to 35.21 seem to be lack of "dual mode" Panarello steam wand (hot milk / foam) and no vertical decorative rostfrei plate behind brewgroup. Not sure you're aware, there is another interesting machine from De Longhi which i don't see mentioned alot: Stilosa BK 230 - i bought it for my parents few years ago, looks to be very similar in design and interestingly, it arrived brand new without pressurized baskets (unsure if that is still the case tho).

[@spartan9212]

Please do a steam wand installation video Tom Thanks to your channel I purchased that exact same machine a month ago for $20. I cleaned and decaled it and with a bit of practise I'm pulling great shots but the stock steam wand let's it down so I want to replace it. Can't wait for your next video.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I plan to do one soon, since some viewers are asking for it. Should be up soon enough. Cheers!

[@martyg.5591]

A 1/8" flat head screwdriver will fit the screws on the bottom of the unit, possibly helpful if someone wants to add the "dimmer" modification to the machine.

[@chrastitko]

Thank you for this video. 👍

[@SanGabrielli]

Thank you for video! :)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No problem 😊

[@janerobertson-oh4ul]

I want to see you put it back together.

[@kaufmanmchl]

Thank you! One question, I use RO water with 12-15ppm and heard that RO water would leach heavy metals from brass and such and be unhealthy. Do you think it is a valid concern with this Delonghi ECP machine? I have a 3630. Thank you in advance!

[@eduardosalinas5995]

What is the functionality of the yellow cable connected to the brew group?

[@Orthais]

This video has been super helpful. But i still cant manage to get the over pressure valve out. I think its broken but I cant seem to get it free. And I cant find any videos where people actually remove and replace the valve for this model. Driving me nuts lol.

[@62beav]

Great video, thanks! I'm, at the moment, having issues with my machine (same model). I honestly didn't know about de-scaling and I've had the delonghi for over three years. I might end up taking the machine apart tomorrow. I have and issue where there isn't enough pressure to push the coffee through into a cup, so the water ends up coming out of the steam wand as well... Not sure if that is a fixable problem or not

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Good luck! I'd do a major descale in that case, and see if that helps. Hopefully your high pressure lines are not caked with scale. Cheers!

[@62beav]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner hey there, thanks for the suggestion, I definitely have done a major descale.. but I feel like I need to take it apart to (probably) get out what needs to get out

[@josephmontanez2066]

How do I fix the leaking water problem from the bottom every time I use it? I just bought mine. Thanks

[@andreihritcu5220]

At what pressure does the valve that prevents leaks from the boiler open?

[@photonixus]

Great video thank you! my coffee head has stopped working, but steam wand and pump are fine. That valve you took out behind the shower head... I'll see if that's the problem and report back soon! Cheers.

[@photonixus]

I removed the valve and spring, ran the machine, water came through. cleaned all the parts up, put valve back in, ran it again and no water comes through. wand is fine. aaargh :)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I wonder if the pump has lost its compression, and doesn't have the power anymore to overcome the spring valve in the group head? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4jVoWeVpN-IipIsi=APCl68GnYypmW2pR

[@photonixus]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks so much for replying, I really appreciate it. I guess that makes sense, i couldn't really see what was beyond the spring inside the machine, is that directly into the boiler? :)

[@DunkForbes]

So annoyed at myself - I see in that video Tom cleans the sand out of boiler. I opened the boiler recently to replace a part - and when I saw the sand I thought it was something De’Longhi put there on purpose for filtration purposes ! So I left it there. It was such a faff putting it back together I don’t really want to open it up again!

[@alainjarjar2820]

Super vidéo et belle petite machine 😉 Je viens de recevoir une Dedica, cette vidéo me fait presque regretter mon achat. Mais je vais d'abord tester la Dedica avec des vrais filtres bien entendu 😉

[@martyg.5591]

Tom, would you consider making a video specifically re accessing the pump POWER connectors (very obstructed on my ECP3420)? I'd like to know minimally which connector to interrupt or "splice into" (using male/female spade connectors), and I'm kind of hoping I might be able to grab and disconnect just one from opening the bottom panel in order to add in a DIMMER. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems, however, as if I might need to open the top and completely pull out EVERYTHING (!) inside, like the boiler and all of the other parts which are accessible from removing the top panel, in order to access the pump and its power connectors!! Is this the fact of the matter? A video of how to access the ULKA pump would also be handy if anyone needs to replace the "O" ring, so a video like I'm describing would be handy both for that purpose AND adding a dimmer. Thanks for considering this request! I am enjoying many of your various videos and channel. Thanks for all of the good info!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi there! I think you can access the pump just fine from the bottom. Anyway that is where the pump is located, and the main board. The boiler and steam valve are in the upper part of the machine. Just take your time in taking it apart, and document your steps by taking pictures. Cheers!

[@cristianramos4225]

i have this same machine but does not turn on when i push the power button. any idea? thanks

[@normisfjord7163]

My steam wand will dispense steam but not hot water. What could the issue be?

[@nbooky]

This is one of the best videos. Any possibility to send the deposits for testing to check the composition?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It's probably just the minerals. Normal descaling will likely shake the deposits from the heating coil, but they won't all make their way up the stem of the boiler and out of the brew group...

[@carlosanchez3756]

After successfully changing the valve, suddenly function was only possible with steady pressed switch. I did cut the wires to the switch and shortcutted them. I now start the machine with a switch on my power outlet. See how long it works this time.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hmm, changing a valve shouldn't have any bearing on the electrics of the machine. Maybe some wires got switched around when you removed the wires to shorten them?

[@carlosanchez3756]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner No,no, this is no result of the repair. It worked perfect for some more coffees before the switch problem came. I guess I have the luck!, that after 6 years all possible things get defect at one moment. The electronic (maybe the timer IC) is not to repair for me. But now, after some coffees the (lol) pump is broken and I am waiting for a new one. This will be my last repair on this ECP before I buy a new one. I love this machine, perfect for one person and a good espresso. I wonder if there is any owner who had no problems for more than 6 years?

[@carlosanchez3756]

Hi Tom, after changing the pump, the pressure was so high, that there was a big loss of water at the boiler. Replacing the seal which was shrunk, brought me a new machine for 25€. Hurra and thanks again for the video. Helmut

[@nickagius9050]

Hi Tom why does the screw that goes on top of the valve does not tighten it keeps on turning I changed the spring and the ball and it still leaks when I turn on the machine

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It should tighten just fine. You mean the brass nut that holds the spring valve in, right?

[@nickagius9050]

​@@TomsCoffeeCorneryes Tom that brass nut it still leaks when the machine is still warming up what do think is the problem thanks

[@nickagius9050]

Hi Tom it's 9.30 here I live in malta I found the problem I watched your video how to take the machine apart and I found the the copper pipe where you put the valve in it was not tight so I applied some bond around the tube from the inside and on the outside and its good don't know how long it's going to do the job it's called quickstep it can handle 260c what do think thanks alot great videos

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@nickagius9050 Glad to hear you got it repaired!

[@pls54]

Excellent video, but I can see why you definitely want to take pictures if you want to be able to put the machine back together properly! One question for you: what is the difference between the ecp 3420 and the ecp 3620? What do you get for $30 more (in the US)? Thanks.

[@jonmonkman]

Great video Tom! My Delonghi Stilosa's portafilter is really crooked when locked in. It's so far to the right it makes Mussolini look like a moderate! Can you make a video about how to align this? Hopefully it's not too difficult.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, yes. You probably need to get a new brew group gasket. It gets thinner over time. Can you order one up?

[@jonmonkman]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks for the reply! It started doing it only one month after buying it. I will live with it for now. It just means I have to take it off to steam my milk. Great channel by the way!

[@josesaumell2908]

I would like to buy one in US and take overseas. I am guessing the heating element is AC 110V on yours?

[@samlebon9884]

Do they have fuses? Is it possible to just pop up the top? Mine is an Ec260BK. It doesn't turn on. Any tips?

[@Coffeeaddicts01]

Hi, i am not sure if this if you could answer my question but i am using delonghi stilosa ec230bk. I've tried alot of things even getting a better portafilter and better grinder i even bought alot of things that said would improved my espresso pulls. But my machine pull too fast it pull around 75ml in 30secs on 18g of coffee grounds i tried making grinding my beans even finer just made my puck wet but it still pulls 75ml in 30sec

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

That little box you found in the machine was to cut the power if there was no activity over 10 mins mark, because it's gonna reheat the boiler over time and no refill function, dry boiler often cause machine to trip the breaker, that's a nice implementation, what I do was press the brew button, let the fresh water in, every 5mins or so, and it's 300ml boiler, not 150ml, just take a look the protrude brass tube, water has to fill all the way up to get through it, how are you gonna do that, if that's 150ml, it fills to the bottom part to the boiler?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi there! Well, the bottom part of the cup fits 150ml, but yes there is a little space above it in the upper cap. However, the heating coil will likely displace that area. It's just a guess that this is 150ml in total. But you are right, that the water has to exit the boiler via the tube at the top, so there's got to be 150ml at least, plus whatever else is getting pumped in, to make it over that lip of the pipe. Cheers!

[@cristhianserpa]

One thing that I'm interested in knowing is how the temperature stability is with this machine. I upgraded from a dedica clone to a sunbeam barista max because it allows for temperature adjustment, but I find that it doesn't heat up the water to a proper 90°c+, and even worse, it loses heat really fast when making espresso. I'm really wanting to "downgrade" to this cheaper dedicate just on the assumption that since it is a boiler it will have better temperature stability.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I measured the temp here: kzbin.infoV1DGCEl0Y00?feature=share

[@fireyourrocketts]

I got a Delonghi La Specialista, in mine the steam does not work so I have never been able to make lathe; I can do coffee and expresso; I noticed the gauge does not work either; when the steam knob is activated I can hear the vapor building yet nothing comes out of the wand; the top of the machine gets really hot. No idea what I am looking for in mine; I did paid $15.00 for the disassembly video to the Delonghi tech that sells it on you tube, so taking it apart is not the issue but knowing what i need to replace; I think at some point he was pointing to the thermostat or something like that; I took off the top once and there is not noticeable leaking inside or anything that looks loose. I bought this machine off Amazon; came broken, obviously returned by another customer and I could never make those crooks on Amazon to take responsibility; I am indeed still paying for it as I bought it using affirm.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, Amazon should certainly honor their A to Z customer satisfaction. Just call them. You can get their contact via the Amazon app. Cheers!

[@fireyourrocketts]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner yeah tried that several times, they stole the money at not honoring squat and no replacement either; bunch of crooks they are

[@Dillytechh]

Hey Tom, when opening the boiler the dish is stainless. Do you happen to know the material of the heating element coil that sits inside?

[@LajosAndrejkovics]

Thanks for this video! I have this coffee machine and I wonder if there's any possible tweak available to make it a little less noisy? Maybe some rubber gaskets to where the pump is attached to the frame? I don't know...

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Maybe you could line the inside with a dampening matting.

[@bocfat]

Tom: how often would you suggest this tear down, that "sand" in the boiler was disconcerting. I use distilled water in mine and suspect that may not be an issue ...I imagine I am sacrificing some taste but may be averting this tear down. I did enjoy seeing the mental process of someone else doing a tear down and loving this machine as I do (I did the advance version you recommended) I did want to know how it works inside. Amazing isn't it how they get so much into a compact form factor?! Thanks KB, Cleveland

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Kb. Well if you are using distilled water, then it's devoid of minerals, and you will have no deposits. Mine was used - actually I got it for free. I don't think the last owner took good care of it. Maybe he used crappy water and never descaled. Btw, you can use 3rd Wave Water to add some minerals back into your distilled if you want.

[@richardt5472]

Could you do a mod to add a small LED inside pointed at the water tank that would illuminate once the machine is switched on? I find it difficult to see the amount of water remaining

[@assemblywizard8]

My ECP 31.21 is leaking (also when off) from that small hole that goes into the drip tray. It stops only if I remove the water tank. I opened the bottom and it doesn't seem the leak is coming from those two pipes. Any idea? Thanks!

[@igoransuper]

How to get 9 bar on it? Can you make a video about this?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I am going to try out some springs pretty soon, and see if they change things. Maybe in 1-2 months. Cheers!

[@DhillonzXclusive]

Great Video, my machine is leaking steam from espresso side and melting the expansion valve. 😢

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Crap! Hope the video can help a little.

[@Name47Code]

Thanks! 😀

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You betcha!

[@ocrun6765]

Great video. I was wondering what the inside of the boiler looked like. Also looks like the heated group head must function by convection from the boiler. I wonder if we can easily open the boiler still in the machine to do routine scale sand cleaning?

[@ocrun6765]

I just watched it again. Do you know what the yellow wire is connected to the brew group? Were you holding a nut on the bottom of the boiler in order to remove it's top? Probably we can't do that inside the machine I guess. Man, I want to get the sand out now!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, the aluminum brew group is heated from direct contact with the stainless steel boiler. Removing the boiler is easy enough. I could probably do it in 5 minutes now. The green and yellow wire was a ground wire, directly attached to the brew group. Yes, there are 4 nuts and bolts holding the upper and lower parts of the boiler together. Cheers!

[@stevieaotearoa]

Great video, I'm struggling with mine, the coffee is just not foamy and although I made a thorough clean (removed the gasket and the spring valve) but still not getting better. Just see very tiny bubbles in the water tank I guess the pressure valve is playing up?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, if you see too many bubbles coming back up into the water tank, your OPV could be kaput.

[@juanmanuelnunezsoto1911]

What’s the difference between the three ECP machines? Would you recommend one over the others?, Thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I recommend the ECP3420 (or ECP 35.31 in Europe). It is the middle ranged one. The 3120 has more plastic, while the 3630 has more metal. The performance should be the same between all three.

[@ic3pick66]

Opened mine up and similar deposition issue, its really a design flaw that descaling does not work as the way the boiler exits at the top means the descaled sediment can never leave the boiler.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yeah, I thought it was kinda weird, but I think this design is how it needs to work. I'd have to take apart another boiler machine and compare.

[@ericssmith2014]

Guess you'd have to dissolve the accumulated sediment completely to get it out of there without disassembly. I wonder if very frequent descaling would be enough to keep it from building up down there.

[@justinbouchard]

Great idea!!!!!! I'm so over all the pretentious nonsense being spouted over "appliance" coffee makers.

[@justinbouchard]

Also I have a 3d printable lid I designed that fits the Stilosa water reservoir, and I'm sure would work on this one as well. I can post the link but didn't want to in this comment because it will just get removed from youtube not letting comments share links without approval lol :)

[@justinbouchard]

I think when descaling, and also now that I think more about it. There seems to not be any circulation of water during operation, or at least very little. All of that sand is the scale from everything in the boiler. It just was never able to get mixed around and pushed down the spout through the grouphead. I think possibly this could be solved by removing the pressure valve inside of the spout and just running water through it after descaling. Maybe without any resistance more flow can be achieved inside of the boiler. But for me, I think the best way to descale it is to just take the boiler off as you did and clean it manually.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Justin! Send me the 3D link to my email. I have my email listed in my website, tomscoffeecorner.com. Also, I bet that would work better, to remove the expansion valve to get rid of the crud, but since it's heavier than water, it might still just sit stubbornly on the bottom. It was fun to take this apart though, and see the boiler first hand.

[@justinbouchard]

sent :)

[@BigBenAdv]

Absolutely love this teardown... The amount of deposits in the boiler is scary though. I'm actually wondering why you didn't just tare the boiler on your scale and weigh the added water to measure the capacity instead since water will roughly be 1gr/ ml. Probably easier and more accurate way to do it. This does seem like a much more mod friendly machine than the Dedica line due to the amount of space in there - probably could fit a nice membrane OPV and additional fittings for a manometer off the side or maybe a valve/ dimmer to allow for low-pressure infusion?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, you're right - this would make a better tinkerer than the Dedica. I also prefer the shots due to the heated brew group. Yes, measuring the weight of the water would have been easier.

[@wowbabycool]

Hi Tom, how did you close the boiler unit back up? Is the cup just pressed into the housing against the rubber gasket? Mine doesn't want to stay closed after opening. Thanks for the great teardown.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You betcha! Yes, the thick rubber gasket keeps the boiler sealed.

[@JardFerdinand]

Thanks Tom! I have a ec230, same components. Is it a good idea to add a 51mm coffee screen inside the shower head to have optimum pressure? And can you please make a video on how to descale?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Here's the descaling link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJnUmZawhLKqZrs No, you don't need a puck screen or anything. In fact, I find these machines extract around 9 bar, when the puck is prepped well. Cheers!

[@lukemorris3307]

Great video Tom. I opened up my boiler and when I put machine back on I forgot to refill boiler. It overheated and tripped the electrics. So I let it cool and then filled up before it got too hot. Now boiler still works in term of heating water BUT the pressure seems different? When I make coffee on same settings as before it just runs through really fast (10s instead of 30s) and flavour is not as rich (no more crema). I thought it might be how I put it back together but boiler is well reassembled. I also tried smaller grind size/increased dosage but still the same. I am using a naked portafilter which also worked perfectly before. Any ideas? 🙏🏼

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh boy I don't know Luke. If it's running way faster, than can be an indication of too much heat. Perhaps the thermostat got blown out, and the machine is heating too much. Good luck!

[@lukemorris3307]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks Tom. I’ve worked it out. I dialled down my kingrinder k4 from 71 (used to be perfect for my brand) to around 52 and it’s working like a dream. Not sure if that’s the k4 or my tinkering but it’s working again! 🤙🏼☕️

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@lukemorris3307 Excellent!

[@juribe2011]

Thank you so much for your very enjoyable and informative presentation. It's great. I just have a question. I have the DeLonghi ECP3420. I have been making espresso with it for four years but only recently gotten in to pulling shots. Lately, there has been a puddle underneath the unit after each use. Can you point to the most likely candidate for the cause? I am thinking O ring or a bad OPV valve. Appreciate any response. Thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks! You will really need to take the machine apart, because a leak can come from many sources. Make sure the machine is unplugged, cooled down, and not under pressure.

[@juribe2011]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I hope to be able to do that and not ruin the machine. I did notice what I thought was a decrease in shot intensity since the leak from the bottom showed up. Since it’s a closed system and there is a leak do you think the leak could decrease the extraction? Thank you.

[@juribe2011]

I should say my wife will say I’m going to ruin it!

[@badral9]

Hello, Thank you for your video. I have question. I have ECP 3420. Recently its not frothing milk . I guess steam wand. Coffee section is working. No hot water coming out from steam wand. guess steam wand tiny hole is clogged. what should i do? FYI, I bought it 2 years ago. but didnt descale at all.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, you can try to clean the team tip, if it's clogged. And you need to descale! Super important. Give that a whirl. Cheers!

[@tryharso2387]

Hi Tom, would you know the size of temperature sensor that's fitted to the boiler? Would like to get pt100 sensor for PID mod.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It actually has thermostats. I am not sure about how they attach - I'll have to look into it. Cheers!

[@MirandaEverton]

Hi @TomsCoffeeCorner! I have this exact model and, following some of your guides, did some modding to it, like depressurize the baskets, cut the bottom of the portafilter and installed the Rancilio Silva steam wand. They all improved very much my coffee and the overall experience. I'm wondering if its worth it to move forward modding this machine (dimmer switch, IMS basket, IMS shower screen, pressure gauge, etc.) or if its better to buy a used Gaggia Classic or Gaggia Classic Pro instead. Since you have experience with both, what do you think would be the best? P.S.: I plan on buying a GCP eventually. I just want to know if its better to learn and experience more with this Delonghi or just jump ahead and learn from the GCP. Thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I feel like the ECP series is a mini GCP. Similar in a lot of ways, just with a smaller brew group. Fun fact: the ECP's stainless steel boiler is actually larger than the GCPs.

[@MirandaEverton]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for the insight! I’ll play around with the ECP a little more then 😁

[@jacobmorrow5209]

Great video! Any chance you do consulting calls for diy repairs? Lol

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, sure. People have emailed me or sent me short videos, and I have given my 2 cents. You can go to my website and write me an email from there if you like. Cheers!

[@jacobmorrow5209]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner awesome! I might just do that!

[@JR-zw2vb]

Wow! my GE espresso machine (10+ year old) looks almost the same in the inside. I wonder how you can fix the steam valve... mine sips water out through the wand when pulling shots.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Try descaling, that could help.

[@JR-zw2vb]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you!!!

[@lbundy4039]

Are the parts inside the boiler stainless steel also? The coil where the water passes through specifically?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The boiler is SS, and AFAIK the heater coil is also stainless. Cheers!

[@dusanpetrovic7215]

Tom, what do you think, would dimmer slow down the speed of the pump and maybe raise the temp of water?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@dusanpetrovic7215 Well, it’s not heating on demand, as the thermostats are decoupled from the pump. That’s because this is a boiler machine. If it was a thermoblock, I think what you say could be a possibility. Thanks for the question! 🙋‍♂️

[@dusanpetrovic7215]

@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for prompt responding! 👍

[@tarrynvanderlinde4009]

Hey there Tom! I’m taking my coffee maker apart as it wasn’t brewing coffee at all and only hot water was coming out of the steamer. I replaced the OPV valve. But now don’t know how to replace the steam valve… do you have a video on that?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I don't, but if you order the part it should be pretty self explanatory. At least if you were able to switch out the OPV, then I think the steam valve shouldn't be an issue. Good luck!

[@4eyefox]

I have a 3420, and I think I have a heating problem. My coffee is luke warm at best. I love the machine except that part. The water from the steam wand is maybe 170 but my coffee is 140 at best. Im not sure what the issue is.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Have you descaled recently? Otherwise, could also be a thermostat.

[@dejedejsson]

Hi Tom, You really went all the way, too bad there isn't an easy fix for the timer.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Actually, I think I can install a simple 2 pole switch. Just haven't gotten to it yet.

[@NebulaSkins]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Any luck avoiding the timer, Tom? I'm in EU, so hoping to find a way to bypass this boring timer.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, yes. I actually filmed the video already. Just haven't edited it yet. I'll be doing that soon though.@@NebulaSkins

[@NebulaSkins]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Amazing! Looking forward to see it) Thanks for your invaluable job.

[@TreyJustice]

I have this model now but certainly want to upgrade towards end of year. What do you recommend for something in the $500 range ? I am using a setter 270 grinder.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Are you in America? Espresso equipment is a bit more expensive in the US. In the EU, I'd say a Lelit Grace. But it's hard to find something noticeably better for under $500. The GCP is nice, but if you want to upgrade, I would suggest a PID machine, which the GCP does not have. Maybe write some more, about what features you'd like to get.

[@petterandersson7429]

Too bad you didn't diagnose what is wrong with mine.. sometimes, I got to slap it to get it to work.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sorry to hear that!

[@hathen123qwe]

Eyyyy.. that looks like the Eco311 BK Boiler @Tom, would you ever consider modding one of these like you did with your Dedica??

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well I did mod an ECP 31.21 with a better steam wand. The Icona is likely similar.

[@hathen123qwe]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Haha, i found it about an hour after posting my last message. Thanks man. i've learnt alot, about IMS parts, tweaking the OPV. Your channel has been, not only entertaining but incredibly informative

[@victordelapena7261]

My portafilter got stuck, and when I unstacked it, there was this plastic part inside the rail where the portafilter sits once closed. Where can I get a replacement for this plastic?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I am not sure if they have it, but this is my goto website: www.juraprofi.de/Ersatzteile-fuer-DeLonghi-Kaffeevollautomat/ECP-35-31-Espressomaschine/alle.html?ts=3_1491_999999

[@porcovacco193]

Is it worth spending a little more for the 35.31 model? Or the metal parts aren't worth that extra €30-40. Thank you

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I like it better, also because the drip tray is flat, instead of plastic riffles. Cheers!

[@staughost]

Are portafilters for delonghi ecp 31.21 and delonghi ecp35.31 interchangeable?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes!

[@staughost]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you very much!

[@javierramfer4429]

14:45 , is the pipe of the boiler meant to be completly fixed? I can see when I take of the shower filter that the pipe is kind of lose , and it drips... not sure if is a problem of the screw and the drill , or the pipe is just broken.... help me out please! Really want to fix my machine, nice video btw :)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It's supposed to be tight...it creates part of the seal. Maybe you can screw it down? Otherwise, you might need to get a new boiler.

[@dennispronk6403]

Is the dimmer mod possible on this espresso machine ? To get 9 bar pressure

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes. I have done two videos on that (Dedica and GCP). The principle is the same. Cheers!

[@antisa6849]

Hi Tom, you have very good channel thanks for the content. I really like coffees but also I am really concerned about health, especially aluminium, brass, lead etc basically all toxic stuff. SS steel is ok. What machine would you recommend which dont have direct contact with water and these materials but not more than 400-500€? thanks for help

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Probably this one. SS boiler, you can get a bottomless PF with SS basket. GCP boiler for example is aluminum. PF on the GCP used to be brass, but I guess is now SS too on the new Gaggia.

[@antisa6849]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks for the tip, I might choose this one than, what's your opinion of bambino I know it uses something like thermojet. These videos with dissasesmbling are very good. Keep it this way. Cheers!

[@TheRealStructurer]

I have one of these. I’m planning to make a water level indicator for it. Does it have any 5 or 12 volts inside? Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think the components are all 230V, but I haven't checked. They'd need a voltage converter to have 5vdc or 12vdc, and I didn't notice any. Cheers!

[@TheRealStructurer]

Thanks Tom 👍🏻

[@RichardSpiceman]

What size is the screw for the filter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Which filter? I cannot really say, as there's lots of screws.