Calibrate Expansion Valve - Steam LP

Calibrate Expansion Valve - Steam LP


Calibrate Expansion Valve - Steam LP

AlertSLAYER recommends all service be performed by an experienced SLAYER Espresso trained technician. For a technician reference near you, please contact SLAYER Support at (206)-284-7171 (#1 in Directory) or email support@slayerespresso.com.

Info
Current expansion valves (42000-10170) featured on the following SLAYER models are fixed at 11bars from the factory: SLAYER Steam LP & EP, Espresso Single Group.
 
Objective:
Expansion valves should be replaced during annual Preventative Maintenance. The guide below demonstrates re-setting the expansion valve in the event if the fixed valve has been adjusted. Or, the older expansion valve style is being used.

Time:
  1. 15 minutes
Tools:
  1. Small flathead screwdriver
  2. Pliers
  3. Microfiber towel
  4. Blank Portafilter  
Parts:
  1. 42000-10170 EXPANSION VALVE,11 BAR, 1/8" NPT IN X G1/8 OUT
    1. Expansion valves currently equipped on all SLAYER models (Exception: Espresso V3) and available as a spare part are fixed. 
Idea
Available as a spare part and included in SLAYER's Preventative Maintenance Kits.

Alert
Read through instructions before carrying out procedure.

Step 1:
  1. Insert blank portafilter into group. 


Step 2:
  1. Activate the group. Adjust pump pressure to ~11/12 bar using the bypass adjustment on the pump.
    1. Pump Adjustment
Step 3:
  1. Locate expansion valve on the left side of the brew neck.
    1. Raising Upper Front Panel - SLAYER Steam
  2. Place your microfiber towel below for safety purposes in case of water leaks.

Step 4:
  1. With maximum intervals of 20 seconds.
  2. Actuate the group to Full-Brew with a blank portafilter engaged.
  3. Adjust the expansion valve set screw until it releases one drop every 3 seconds.
    1. If it is not releasing water: turn counter-clockwise.
    2. If it is releasing too much water: turn clockwise.


Step 5:
  1. Once the spring pressure is set, adjust the pump back to 10 bar.
  2. Dry threads around set screw and drop a small amount of green, thread wicking, Loctite to secure spring.
    1. A little bit of Loctite goes a long way. Do not over apply Loctite. 
    2. Allow Loctite to dry.
  3. Test expansion valve with a blank portafilter.
    1. No leaks should be observed at 10 bar.
  4. Expansion valve should only leak when the brew circuit is heating to allow for thermal expansion.
Troubleshooting:
SLAYER recommends replacing expansion valves per SLAYER's Preventative Maintenance schedule. In the event an expansion valve begins to fail, several symptoms may be present:
  1. Squeaking sounds during or towards the end of an extraction. 
  2. In accurate volumetrics.
    1. Most often, extractions will be significantly lower than expected yield. 
  3. Low or unstable brew group temperature.
  4. Leaking. 
  5. Poor water quality.
    1. SLAYER's Water Treatment Requirements
Expansion valves are most often recommended to be replaced or adjusted as a resolution measure.


Questions or concerns? Please contact: support@slayerespresso.com

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