July292021 Rancilio Rocky BURR SWAP, remove replace, consistently grinding 1-2 above burr contact

Rancilio Rocky BURR SWAP, approx 1.75 years of use, remove replace, consistently grinding 1-2 above burr contact - will changing the burrs make a difference, improve or ? Silvia at 9 bar, Auber PID, bottomless, flat screen, puck rake/ distribution, calibrated tamper - we will see

[@alanbrunettin5584]

Good to see you’re still replying to this 3yo vid. I’ve been looking all over for some advice on my Rocky. I’ve had it ~12 yrs and have changed the burrs maybe 4, 5 times. Each time the grind settings alter vis a vis the glued-on scale which I’ve come to ignore since it’s all relative. But this last burr swap has presented a vexing problem. I scrupulously clean the innards and the threads of the brass collar in particular. I visually inspect the threads for ANY left over grounds that might compromise the screw. Well now I cannot for the life of me screw down the collar to the point of burr contact. I’ve tried really forcing the screw down (yes, I know, my father taught me to never force anything!) but even then I cannot get down to ground zero (no pun). It’s keeping me from getting the finest grind I need for my Silvia. There aren’t that many things going on in there to go wrong so what could possibly be keeping the collar from being screwed-down all the way? Thx.

[@canyncarvr]

Hopefully helpful to new(er) readers: I notice you have already encountered this matter: When burrs are replaced, you may well NOT end up with the graduation marks on the hopper in the same place as when you took the hopper off. Yes, even with the burrs measured to be 'the same' thickness. My new (from Rancilio) burrs measured .625" as a pair, within .0005" of a previous set. I generally replace burrs every two years, which equates to 34lbs of coffee; WELL within usage parameters noted by Rancilio. I have the burr carrier (big bronze TOP burr facing DOWN) marked as do you. MY mark was not a 'interference' mark but a 'where it was' mark before disassembly. THAT WAS A MISTAKE ON MY PART...for this 5-6th burr replacement. When I reassembled the unit, the grind was MUCH too coarse, a 20g. puck giving me a 40g. extraction in LESS THAN TEN SECONDS. Another disassembly to realize that my 'where it was' mark was TEN 'CLICKS' away from the interference point. I reclocked the hopper to fit the 120º screw spacing. My hopper marks no longer show 'zero' when the hopper is AT zero (interference). That's fine. I am not interested in what a 'mark' shows, but in fact where the burrs ARE. To keep the relationship between the hopper marking of zero and what you can obtain with the stop screw installed is NOT the intended end result. One may well end up with a completely different hopper number showing than was showing before you took it apart. That is just fine! Cleaning the threads of both the upper burr holder and the lower frame is helpful. IT takes only a bit of coffee in those fine threads to make the upper holder nigh impossible to thread properly on reassembly. Also...I have never seen so physically small a screwdriver with a blade big enough to do the job. That said, I have seven drawers of screwdrivers, and have not ONE driver that properly fits the Rancilio (metric) screws. All of my slot drivers are SAE. That might be the problem. You will NEVER get a Phillips driver to fit a JIS fastener. It is impossible. While I have yet to find any 'true facts' myself to answer the question, it stands to reason that a metric slot driver will be different from an SAE slot driver. That simple matter does NOT take into account the difference between British/ISO and German/DIN metric tools. A 13mm tool may work on a 1/2" fastener, but the two ARE NOT EQUIVALENT! As your video shows: DO take into account the interference point of the burrs you install, NOT the point at which the hopper stop screw or glued-on number marker shows.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

thanks Im a fan of the positive tips and hope they are helpful to someone - I may have gotten a little lost in it, but - we agree keep it clean and be patient when changing burrs, dont panic before you have to, relax on the marking/numbers they only become references for you - best Pete

[@nebojsabeljanski2126]

You probably need to season the burrs. Grind at least 7 kg of coffee for that purpose.

[@jeffdeel3584]

Thank you for this comment. This was indeed my problem. A little bit of coffee in the inside threads was keeping the burrs from fully contacting at zero. A little Scotch Brite was the solution.

[@arquimedescastillo4459]

Hello, how do you fix that about the coarse grind? I have the similar problem. Also, how do you remove the lower burrs holder which is attached to the motor?

[@canyncarvr]

@@arquimedescastillo4459 That would depend on what you need to 'fix'. Given that everything is clean when you put your new burrs in, AND that what the physical relationship between the grind markings on the hopper don't matter...find the interference point on your new burrs: Lower the top burr (the machine being UNPLUGGED of course) by turning the top carrier until you can FEEL interference when you turn the burrs by hand. When plugged in and running, you should hear NO burr contact. That is your new zero. My 'zero' makes just a 'snick' noise of contact. That's not going to hurt anything. You won't likely be using your 'zero' setting anyway. The second question: Look up an IPB (Illustrated Parts Breakdown) for the Rocky. Easy to find on the web. You can see that the acorn nut (#25 in the diagram) is what holds the bottom carrier (#30 in the diagram) to the shaft of the motor. Probably will need an impact, short of physically binding the motor. Hope that answers your question on the carrier removal. It is clear that the acorn nut is what is holding the carrier, rather hard to miss...so it is possible I don't understand your question. Good luck.

[@getit9066]

Just did a thorough cleaning of my Rocky during the burr replacement. Some things I learned that may help with the process: * The screws that fastened the top and bottom burrs in my Rocky were flat head, and yes, were a byotch to remove. I would've easily gouged out the notch had I not done the following. First I sprayed AeroKroil penetrating oil onto the screws, and let them soak for at least half an hour. This has yet to fail me in any endeavor involving loosening a screw. Next, I have a very long automotive flat head screwdriver, 26" from handle to tip, that allows a very high and controlled torque to be applied to the screws, with much less effort. Best of all, the driver tip fit perfectly in the screw slot. I was able to easily remove all 6 screws using this technique. And lastly, I applied a small amount of Permatex Anti-Seize lubricant to the threads of all six screws, which should make them much easier to remove next maintenance cycle. The screwdriver, the AeroKroil spray and the Anti-Seize are all available at Home Depot or Lowes. * I won't say how long it has been since I cleaned my Rocky - ok, I had never cleaned it before, and it has served me very, very well - but the compacted old coffee inside the grinder area didn't budge with dish soap. However, Formula 409 or Fantastik will clean it right up, especially if used with a toothbrush. * As for "setting the Zero," I just screwed the burrs down on my now spotless grinder til they wouldn't budge, then crept them back until aligned with the screw holes on the hopper, which was set to Zero. Works like a champ. Not sure you can do this unless you've thoroughly cleaned out the fine threads on the burr mounts.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

great input thanks - * maybe not 100% sold on 409 or Fantastic - or the soap, - you can't go wrong with cafiza which you could also be using when back flushing the group with your blank basket, - which you I know you are doing once a month * wink wink - good luck glad you've had such longevity with the equipment - keep them clean ! Best Pete

[@getit9066]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 I'll check out Cafiza, thanks Pete.

[@marcneuberger3453]

Regarding beans in the holes of the chute cap: I took some wood dowel, cut it down to about 1.5" and sanded one end until it would fit in the hole tightly. I never get beans in the holes and I just pop the dowels out when I need to clean the thing.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Marc include some pics- im not against - really- just worried about things coming loose and ending up in the burrs,/// dont ask = best Pete

[@Jaroslav.]

Hi Pete, if I may suggest I'd say take a look at how to align the burrs on your Rocky. New burrs do help a little, but properly aligned burrs make the biggest difference.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

😳 with the sandpaper glued on back of burr?! Im not sure I want to be that committed - yet~! 😜

[@Jaroslav.]

Or you can try shimming the burrs with thin aluminum foil. More on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZOWgZqbhpuYrbs

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

okay - far less of a machine shop project, super interesting thanks -Pete

[@Jaroslav.]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 No worries!

[@jram9571]

Try the strapless mod. It’s very easy and cheap mod that’s gives you micro adjustment

[@hlwimmer]

for good or bad, I've used my rocky at least every day for 22 years (sometimes 2-3 times/day) ... I'm still on the first set of burrs. :/ ... I have it dialed for drip, however (technivorm) and am otherwise not too picky. thanks for the tutorial on the tear-down nonetheless.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

I think that is fantastic - 😀☕️22 years of service isnt that amazing! what a great reliable grinder, thanks for sharing - best Pete

[@solidstream13]

Thank you for the video. I just changed my bird with your help.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

nice work - good luck - Pete

[@YngveSkarphedinssoon]

Did you see that you can reset the grind ( Numbers on the front the coffee beans) has a adjustable tab so you can set 0 as the finest grind?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

yes and no - Ive tried it and it doesnt ever seem to align correctly ? maybe Ill try again in an video - Pete

[@pecarns]

I know this is an old video, but you did not say whether the new burrs made any difference (noting you could not see any wear on the older burrs nor see a difference in measurement).

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

I may have noticed an initial difference - BUT - that could have been from the machine being cleaned, that I was paying attention etc - and I refer to the sound and 'how' the coffee ground - I noticed no taste difference if that makes sense, - Pete , I know people mention the break in /season period etc, all has validity but - in my taste range I didnt notice a eye opening change to taste , I think I was able to back off from being at a '1-2' to more like '2 -3' so that is a difference also , but we also know beans /roast level could be impacting that - there are so few perfect answers in this mess we are in

[@canvasdog]

Thanks for the informative video on replacing your Silvia burrs. I am in much the same situation about not getting fine enough grounds Yet the burrs look perfectly OK. Did you use any special product to loosen the screws? Or was it just good old man power?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

a combo of the correct screwdriver and strong committed effort - , lower burr removal more challenging as it wants to rotate on motor. the replaced burrs made an 2 - 3 number improvement on most beans, I currently have a super light yirg that I have cranked down pretty tight, def worth trying as a DIY - best Pete

[@johncharlesfarrell3144]

The myths about the burr screws being difficult to remove are hogwash. I use a regular nut picking tool to scrape out the easy ones. Then after the easy bean bits are removed I lay the grinder on its side and get in the clogged hole and just scrape at them with the pointy nut picker. I tilting the grinder from time to time to drop out the dislodged bits.

[@canvasdog]

@@johncharlesfarrell3144 that may well have been the case with yours. However, before one takes a paint brush approach and criticize others experiences, it depends the history of the individual grinder, and it’s user. I must admit I did have a huge problem with one burrscrew - with a used grinder that I had bought. It had lain dormant for very long time, 10 years before I had picked it up… Further testament as to how important it is to regularly clean the grinder, and its burrs. And not to overtighten the burr screws.

[@eljefehuevon54]

Have you ever converted a Rocky w a doser to a doserless?

[@boorayin2773]

Not sure how you got that bottom burr off without mentioning the use of a 12mm ratchet to hold that middle part still? I took that whole assembly apart to clean under it, too, when I changed the burrs.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Boorayin you did great! - Pete

[@arquimedescastillo4459]

How do you remove the whole part ?

[@ANGELICAMARIASANCHEZVARGAS]

Hola mira que lo limpie pero al prenderlo lo arranca no prende que puede ser

[@Juzzzo]

Thanks! Very helpful video Pete. Unfortunately, I only managed to unscrew 2/6 screws securing the burrs. My standard flat head screw driver started to rip the screws. So I’ve managed to give it a good clean but couldn’t swap the burrs. Any suggestions?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Juzzy I understand - and this may sound unhelpful, but it did take finding the 'right' screwdriver to really get a firm 'bite' and fit securely while generating enough twist - a couple screws were TIGHT, be sure to clean out any grinds, good downward pressure, the right screwdriver blade, etc - good luck, you can get it 👍🏻 - Pete

[@KoryLasker]

Did you use any penetrating oil like WD40? Not sure if it's food safe.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

@@KoryLasker where did the WD40 concern originate, I missed any mention of it?

[@KoryLasker]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 Sorry, it didn't reference anything you experienced. I'm still trying to remove screws despite finding a perfect screwdriver and using a 2nd screwdriver to prevent the grinder from turning through the chute. So far I've removed half of the 6 burr screws but the others are slightly stripped despite my best efforts. Thinking something like a WD40 might be best option.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

@@KoryLasker ugh sorry for the continued challenge. Maybe getting a hold of the 'nut' from on top with socket or pliers 🤷🏻‍♂️ but one way or another they need to turn and I do say some crazy things and had hoped I didnt suggest WD40, - as I would not think thats going to be a good addition and likely only make the grip on the screw head worse - you know (and agreed on the food safe concern ) ? Coffee gums up those threads like crazy, the screw heads are no help - good luck, all its going to take is that first 1/8 of a turn and you will be golden - good luck be patient and safe, the right screwdriver, strong downward pressure and turning, ugh - Ive heard of many challenges - good luck 🙏 Pete

[@dolorespatterson1483]

Why not use a small handheld vacuum cleaner?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Dolores - sounds like a great plan👍🏻 use one if you have one that will fit, not everyone does - if you don't and dont want to purchase one to clean your ☕️ grinder this shows how to proceed, - if you have one this video offers suggestions on using a vac which is a great time saver - vac away and good luck ! Pete kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqq9mHWwmcd5r5I

[@dolorespatterson1483]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 By the way g8 video

[@damon123jones]

so did it work? i have the same issue

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Damon - let us know if it worked for you - Pete

[@damon123jones]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 i bought new burrs ,but no improvemnt so i just ordered a VARIA vs

[@elenak8566]

Thanks. My rocky grinding holder stuck and won't get out - what to do ???

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

you can do it - good luck those things are solid - Pete

[@florent3896]

What can i do if the main part in the Beginning does not screw out by hand. It is too hard too unscrew i don’t know what to do

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

you are in a pickle my friend Florent, - I wish you the best, let us know how it goes , do your best

[@pedinoway2]

any lead in the brass parts or the burrs?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

we only live once - enjoy the espresso - Pete

[@andrewward7042]

So did they solve the problem?

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Andrew - it seemed like it helped temporarily- I would get better results after a full tear down, clean and burr swap - I think I ended up doing a couple , but just got tired of the huge variance from day to day, and/or eventual ending up at '0' , I do use a lighter roast bean which could be harder on the burrs, and tougher in general but- have been using a Ceado E5P for the last 6 months or so - and the amount of dialing in or adjusting is nothing compared to what I used to do - and in general - the dial at most needs to wiggle a 1/8? between different beans - highly recommend, not a huge taste difference - but such a solid grinder - Thanks for watching, - are you having rocky grinder issues?

[@andrewward7042]

@@petesranciliosilvia3777 I notice that no-one makes aftermarket (SSP) burrs. I find my shots are all over the map. I have ordered replacement burrs, so we shall see. The last time I cleaned it the brass collar bound and was a devil to get the burrs touching as a consequence.

[@jjjensn]

I use my vacuum cleaner for the job, works perfect.

[@petesranciliosilvia3777]

Thanks JJ - Pete

[@MultiEmoto]

Me too. Brush, scraper, and vacuum.