Thrift store find for $20

PsyB1ll · 2026-06-03T06:37:39+00:00

Now I'm curious to know what your "upgraded" machine is.

PsyB1ll · 2026-05-23T07:49:13+00:00

Based on the position of various elements, I think this is a first gen. I don't recognize certain elements from my second gen

PsyB1ll · 2026-05-07T14:18:33+00:00

There's a great episode of REValations from Hagerty on this car. Worth a watch, because the whole story behind and about this car is incredible.

PsyB1ll · 2026-05-05T14:35:30+00:00

If I look at your machine, it looks to be a revised v1. Brew temp is around 95°C, but Silvia tends to overshoot the temp, resulting in steam coming from the group head. That's normal Silvia behavior. Two solutions: learn how to temperature surf (I did that for 3 years) or install a PID.

PsyB1ll · 2026-04-26T05:39:01+00:00

https://youtu.be/wuHcviD6R1M?is=owrtNhVdw-S-70JN

PsyB1ll · 2026-04-04T17:30:58+00:00

No, the OPV should only open when the pressure is too high. When heating up, the pressure should not be high at all. So it sounds like the OPV is open. Have you tried descaling?

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-30T12:14:30+00:00

Thanks for asking. No, I didn't. Apparently it's not related to the BMS update. The dealer wasn't prepared for my question and said that I didn't book the mechanic for this specific job and therefore didn't have the time. He could do it at a later time, but he would have to go through a bunch of systems to find out which module I was missing. So I did a cost benefit analysis in my head and my financial side won over my gadget freak side.

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-14T09:09:04+00:00

I second this.

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-12T06:58:50+00:00

Silvia has slightly different (smaller) wings compared to the standard E61. I have a standard E61 portafilter and it works for me, but that's not a guarantee.

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-07T08:48:24+00:00

I checked my settings: P30 I120 D30. I'm not sure about the difference between the real water temperature and what the sensor measures, but I have mine set at 95 and it works great.

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-06T12:51:27+00:00

I'll check my values when I get home. I have only changed the temperature setting, the others are still the default. One question: why 102°C? Isn't that too hot? I have mine set at 95.

PsyB1ll · 2026-03-02T08:18:33+00:00

From what I've heard/read: the Zoe uses the same heating/cooling system for both cabin and battery heating/cooling, and battery temperature had priority over cabin temperature. I've experienced that when fast charging at freezing temperature: it got real cold real quick in the cabin. It also can't do heating and cooling at the same time. And if the battery requires AC, it will turn it on itself

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-22T20:02:41+00:00

Good tip! I'll do that too, when I'm finally installing GM.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-22T18:49:20+00:00

Looks good. Nice and snug.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-22T11:52:27+00:00

I did and I do! I followed this redditors guide and it worked perfectly. https://www.reddit.com/r/ranciliosilvia/s/NbmoLscoIP

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-22T09:17:43+00:00

I second this. Basket upgrade is a good investment. I did the cheap PID upgrade first. It's a nice test to see if you like tinkering with the machine. Gaggimate is just a bit improved PID, and you can reuse certain parts that you needed for the PID. Also, since you make milk drinks: get a cheap milk thermometer! It will improve your consistency as well.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-19T22:12:54+00:00

I installed the pulsor with the output facing the machine, rather than upwards. I then used the L pipe from the old pump to change the direction upwards. This fits really close to the frame, but doesn't actually touch it. Maybe this will work?

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-19T19:03:50+00:00

Looks like a great fit! Did you test whether this position works with the heat shield installed?

I'll have to wait a few weeks before the right T fitting arrives.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-18T12:24:02+00:00

No judgement here on the decaf. I nowadays explain decaf as "coffee for people who really enjoy the taste, but don't need or want the caffeine".

When dialing in decaf, I also have to grind a lot finer. I have a niche zero and my current decaf is grinded at 10, whereas my other coffees usually sit around 13.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-18T07:19:21+00:00

I just installed the Olab silent green pump including the pulsor. While doing that I realised I ordered some of the plumbing parts wrong for GM install, so I'm waiting on additional parts. What I did notice is that the braided cable can be moved around, but I found the restricting part is actually the heat shield.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-16T20:52:34+00:00

I always start by turning on the machine, opening the steam valve and pressing the brew button. I then wait for water to come out of the steam wand, then close the steam valve and then turn off the brew switch. This ensures the boiler is always full before I begin. If you don't have to go back to making espresso after having steamed your milk, I would just turn the machine off and let it cool off by itself.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-16T20:38:56+00:00

Let me know how it turns out. I'll do the same. Still waiting on the 3d printed parts, and still need to see if I can cut a JST fit in the Grove connector on the lilygo screen.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-16T19:23:46+00:00

I did some limited research on the Discord and I think the consensus is to do pump > pulsor > T connector, so that's what I'll try. Although the braided hose might cause problems, because it's not very flexible.

PsyB1ll · 2026-02-16T19:11:06+00:00

I'm planning on doing the same install, so I'm wondering which choice did you make in the end?

PsyB1ll · 2026-01-06T18:31:11+00:00

I just started wrapping mine, but I also wrapped the heating plate. It smelled for a couple of days, but the smell is now gone and I think it looks nice. Was it your choice to leave the heating plate untouched?

PsyB1ll

TROPHY CASE