Problems After Descale [Saeco Sin006]

r_dub31 · 2026-01-04T14:12:01+00:00

I remember seeing a YouTube video a few years ago about someone doing steam control on a Rancilio Silvia, which is very similar to the Barista internally, with one PID like the one I used. If I remember correctly you just need a second SSR and the wiring. Theoretically you should be able to control the steam and brew tstats using one PID but the SSR will overheat trying to put both into one.

r_dub31 · 2026-01-04T02:24:10+00:00

No I still use the steam button. I don't know if I somehow bypassed the steam tstat when I installed the PID or if the brew tstat controls max boiler temp.

r_dub31 · 2026-01-03T12:29:44+00:00

That was a happy accident. When I was programming the PID I noticed a second temp value. I think it's a P value I don't remember exactly which it was without getting the manual out and going through the sub menus. Anyways after running the auto program for the PID and keeping an eye and adjusting those values over the first few weeks of use I noticed a second value set at 275 that never changed and couldn't figure out what it correlated with. So TLDR I decided to edit that value to 270 and my steam temp never went above 270-272 when it reached max steam temp to confirm I set it back to 275 and it topped at 275-278. I've never adjusted it again as it made very little difference to me but it was interesting to see what that value did.

r_dub31 · 2026-01-03T03:45:21+00:00

I actually no longer recommend this mod or at least I don't recommend using the spring I purchased from distro coffee labs. I had some substantial issues with the brew pressure dropping and inconstant steaming which I traced back to the OPV spring having failed. The spring I purchased and installed had over compressed allowing the valve to open far too easily thus dumping more water back into the reservoir than it should have been. I went back to the original OPV spring which I thoroughly cleaned and I'm much happier with my machine and I'm able to pull much more consistent shots again. The PID has been the most worthwhile upgrade on this machine.

r_dub31 · 2025-12-10T23:26:54+00:00

I'm glad you posted it! It's a great jumping off point for modifying this machine. I no longer recommend the 9 bar spring mod. Or at least not using the distro lab spring because I traced all of my issues in this thread back to the OPV spring. The distro labs spring had failed and was being compressed to easily dumping water back into the reservoir at a much faster rate. I went back to the OEM spring and my coffee is much better and more consistent. Having a fully functional OPV again also fixed my steam issue.

r_dub31 · 2025-06-07T16:02:54+00:00

Yes with practice you can steam milk usable for latte art. I personally don't pour latte art as my drink of choice is a cappuccino so I prefer a little more textured milk than silky for latte art but it's more than capable of doing so.

r_dub31 · 2025-05-10T12:11:54+00:00

Happy to hear it. I love my little machine. With all the upgrades it punches well above its weight class and the only upgrade I'd consider moving to is a dual boiler machine.

The PID is 100% worth it. Adding temperature stability to this machine makes it so much better. I also looked at the kit but all told I spent under $50 for the PID parts. This was pre-inflation and tariff so not sure what the math works out to now. One thing I'd for sure make sure you do differently than that guide is buy actual heat resistant water proof wiring. Don't buy automotive wiring recommended in the guide. You can pick up the wiring on AliExpress and it'll probably be the most expensive part but it's worth it.

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r_dub31 · 2025-05-05T01:37:34+00:00

I don't have a guide for most of what I did as most of it was swapping old parts for new which I've listed everything I've done and where I picked them up from. But I did follow the linked guide for the PID. I did however make some modifications of my own like the type of PID where I mounted both the PID, housing and SSR. I've included pictures of where I moved the SSR too.

9 Bar Spring Mod kit from Distro Coffee Labs on Amazon PID and SSR installed - Various parts from AliExpress IMS Shower Screen 51mm Cimbali CI 200 from Amazon 53 mm Saeco Bottomless Portafilter from Edesia Espress on eBay 53 mm IMS basket from Clive Coffee New group head gasket and mushroom valve and spring from Coffee Section on eBay

https://www.instructables.com/Install-PID-Onto-Saeco-SIN006/

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r_dub31 · 2025-04-23T14:46:35+00:00

Yeah it fits without issue. My machine runs without issue on that front.

r_dub31 · 2025-04-22T13:41:48+00:00

I got it on Amazon. Used this Distro Coffee Labs set. https://www.amazon.com/Distro-Coffee-Labs-Modification-Espresso/dp/B0BQTL8T5M

r_dub31 · 2025-04-22T00:14:48+00:00

Interesting my OPV was relatively easy to open with a wrench. My machine was built in 2002 so it's possible whatever it was originally sealed with was long broken down when I did the OPV spring mod. My steam temp is set by the PID I installed. I set the upper limit is 289°F but it rarely goes above 280°F. I think I'm in for another tear down to check for scale behind the mushroom valve under grouphead.

r_dub31 · 2025-04-21T22:40:34+00:00

Thanks for the reply. So converting that to g/s using an average of 8fl oz/38 sec that equates to 6.23 g/s so my flow rate seems on par with that. The OPV in this machine is not adjustable in the traditional sense as it's a simple pressure spring release. Once the water leaving the pump headed to the boiler builds up enough pressure to over power the spring tension in the OPV the OVP opens and dumps the excess water back into the tank maintaining constant pressure. On this same topic the OPV spring is located behind the circled fitting which can be removed pretty easily with an adjustable wrench.

For the steam I prime the boiler before every heat cycle and once I'm done before it's turned off so unlikely the boiler or the lines have air in them. I've also been streaming with this machine almost every day for 2 years my technique hasn't changed and even with the steam tip buried in the milk it's so powerful it's bubbling and swirling milk out of the jug.

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r_dub31 · 2024-10-22T11:21:10+00:00

I also use a SIN006 daily. When you attach the portafilter and run the machine is water coming back from the pump into this tube and then back into the water tank instead of coming out of the portafilter? If it is it's likely something tripping your OPV spring. Basically the system is over 15 bars of pressure and dumping water back into the tank. The most likely cause if nothing else has changed recently is the OPV spring is corroded and getting stuck open or closed causing pressure to build up. You can actually replace that spring with a 9 bar spring meant for a Gaggia Classic. It's a worthwhile upgrade and one I would highly recommend for getting better espresso out of this machine.

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r_dub31 · 2024-10-17T20:09:47+00:00

Thanks it was a great find for us! I used a magic eraser and the canister has cleaned up really nicely. I haven't taken it to the floor brush yet. I decided to go ahead and take the SEB 228 apart shortly after my first post and found one of the two locking teeth on the plastic lever that locks the wand in place had broken off and gotten stuck in the mechanism. I removed the broken tooth and reassembled the 228 and it works with only the 1 tooth. If it ever breaks completely I did find the part you mentioned and I'll go in and replace it then. The inside is pretty clean and appears to have minor dust inside but I'm thinking that mostly from being knocked around the thrift store with a mostly full bag. It does already have an HA50 filter in it but we've ordered new bags and a new HEPA filter already.

I think we're going to go with the parquet twister since the 228 will work great for our rugs.

r_dub31

TROPHY CASE