Taking apart a Baby Gaggia, help!

[rjan]

Hi guys,

I’m not getting any flow through my Gaggia. I’ve cleaned the brew group and decided to replace the shower plate whilst I was at it just because it’s pretty old and dirty. But this didn’t make a difference.
I’ve tried a descale – water comes through the wand fine but nothing through the brew group. So my next step is to clean out the solenoid (and perhaps replace it) the issue I currently have is that the hex bolts attached the solenoid are really stuck and I’m starting the round the bolt!
My question is: is there another way of getting around this? Is it possible to take the valve apart without undoing the hex bolts? Otherwise, what do you suggest I do?

Thanks!

 

[namballe]

are you talking about the large nut on the bottom of the solenoid valve? i had a problem removing mine. what i did was put the valve body in a vice (gently) and used a pipe wrench (8-10") size and a little wd-40. and with a little effort, it finally broke loose. nut was a little chewed up though.

 

[rjan]

No, I mean the hex screws that attach the solenoid to the boiler

 

[namballe]

No, I mean the hex screws that attach the solenoid to the boiler

the allen head screws? if i'm not mistaken, these are metric size fasteners.

 

[friedcoffee]

Put a few drops of oil and leave for an hour. Then try!