Search the Community

I've had a bit of an odd outcome every time I try to check the OPV setting on my ISOMAC Millennium. I have a pressure gauge that I fit to the portafilter. When locked into the grouphead, water somehow flows past the grouphead seal so I can't get an accurate pressure reading. When I do normal backflush routines, this never happens. Always seals. What am I doing incorrectly? Why would this happen?

For sale my very loved Gaggia Classic 2009 which now needs to make way for a recent Sage Dual Boiler purchase. The machine has provided me with several months of great times and I can’t fault the quality of coffee it produces. I’ve completed the majority of the suggested upgrades/mods (apart from adding a PID) and therefore will be a great machine to get cracking on with straight away. I’ve tried to summarised the key points below but any other questions just let me know. Collection/meet from Christchurch, Dorset or around M27/M3 preferred but will safely package up ready for collection. Looking for £180 due to the bits included and only selling on here for now. Usage · Approximately 5-7 uses per week, mostly Cappuccinos · Predominately Brita filtered watered used · Backflushed weekly with Cafiza · Daily clean of portafilter/basket · Descaled quarterly with Gaggia Decalcifier Fluid · Thorough clean of basket, dispersion plate quarterly · New group gasket fitted approximately 6 months ago · No leaking/dripping from head or wand Cons · Minor mark/scratches as per photos in line with age · Some of the marking on the switches has come off (as per photos) Upgrades · IMS Gaggia GA 200 IM 54.7mm Integrated Shower Screen · OPV Mod set to 10 (9) Bar · Brass Gaggia Dispersion Plate · La Marzocco 17g Precision Double Basket · Rancilio Silvia V2 Steam Wand Conversion Also Included: · 1x Original Gaggia Single Wall Portafilter · 2x Original Gaggia Singe Wall Double Baskets · 1x Original Gaggia Single Basket · 1x Blind Basket (for backflushing) · 1x Original Gaggia Dispersion Plate · 1x Original Gaggia Shower Screen · 1x 566g Urnex Cafiza Cleaning Powder (approximately half used) · 1x Original Plastic Tamper · 1x Original Pannarello Wand · 1x Pressure gauge with socket for future OPV adjustments · 2x Tape rolls for secure fitting around OPV pressure gauge joint · 1x 0.1g Mini Precision LCD Scales · 1x Andrew James 600ml Stainless Steel Milk Jig Lots more photos here - http://imgur.com/a/opGFt Thanks for loooking!

Hi all, I have done the stream wand mod and noted considerable improvement in steam quality. Am now considering the OPV mod as it seems quite straight forward, only thing is I saw a video on YouTube where an engineer from Rancillio (IIRC) said 12-15 bar vibration pumps are not designed to operate in the same way so the mod is pretty pointless. Can anyone confirm that it does in fact improve the quality of extraction? Thanks

O.K. folks, had a faff around with my classic earlier (just now in fact.. good timing as herself is now cooking dinner). Good job really as the OPV was slightly out so I adjusted it again, then it stuck and went off the scale . Stripped it down again and cleaned it, put it all back together, set it all.. Perfect. Anyhow, onto the pre-infusion test... Method: Switched the brew switch on and slowly adjusted the steam knob until the pressure dropped down to roughly 2½ to 3 bar. I then switched the machine off and marked on the body/knob before turning it the steam knob off. It appears it only needs a small turn of about ½ an inch to drop it to this pressure. Any more and you're taking all the pressure to the group-head away. Here's the vid... Now, reasoning that 10 bar static equates to 9 bar brewing pressure, then 2½ bar should equal 1½ bar brew pressure? I've not measured brew temps etc. as I only wanted to find out how far to turn the steam knob to drop to a pre-infusion pressure. So, what's the verdict? Also how long should the steam wand be left open for? I've been opening it for 5 seconds then closing and carrying on with the extraction. Not had a bad cuppa yet.

I am new to the world of espresso, having equipped recently with a three-year old Gaggia Baby and supporting items. I am also interested in the DIY upgrade side of things as an inveterate 'gadgeteer'. So a PID and shot timer are already in the pipeline. But today, I received a portafilter pressure gauge I'd ordered (eBay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161207194396?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) and tried it out right away. The results however, made no sense at all. I ran the test with a non-pressurised double-shot basket in place, and although the pump all-but stalled (similar pump sound to a backflush) the gauge barely moved. Then gradually it crawled up until the indicator had gone just off the scale (>12.5bar). Testing again with the portafilter devoid of basket produced a similar result, but this time, after an initial delay, the pressure suddenly shot up to slam the needle hard against the overscale top-stop. Fearful of damaging the pump, I left it at that, with no further attempts. Does this mean that the Gaggia New Baby is not fitted with an OPV? There appeared to be no sign of any pressure restriction 'kicking in', and no sounds of any pressure-relief device discharging into the drip-tray. I have read conflicting statements in various forums, ranging between the New Baby not having an OPV at all, to it having some plastic contraption which is not adjustable. Or am I perhaps using the pressure test gauge wrongly? Ought I to have primed it with water, for example? I am keen to upgrade the machine to a Classic-style adjustable OPV, but am not sure what size I would need. There are two sizes listed on eBay, a 1/4" and an 1/8" (presumably, its thread size) version, both described as being suitable for Gaggia machines. Any idea, anyone, which size would be correct for a New Baby? Thanks in anticipation.

Hi, I am new to this forum and just bought my first gaggia classic. its a 2005 model. I was trying to adjust the pressure earlier and the allen key hole has rounded quite badly, and it looks quite seized. So I have removed the valve and trying to find a replacement, any suggestions on best places or links to shops? really struggling to find one, thanks.

hi, when can i buy mod bits in the UK to upgrade my Baby gaggia, im looking for specifically for the OPV mod. I can source a kit in the UK but works out £60 with delivery plus taxes. See kit picture: can anyone help please? regards mohammad

I'm not sure which thread but i seem to remember someone mentioning the prospect of pressure profiling on a Brewtus by adjusting the OPV during extraction. So for you more experienced Brewtus users I ask: - Has anyone tried playing with adjusting the OPV during extraction? - How low can the OPV go without risking damage? - What else should be considered if you're planning on doing it? - Should I even bother with trying?

I've just adjusted the opv of my gaggia classic. I have a manometer or pressure reader and followed indications from this site. Before adjustments the pressure read 11 bar. After an ant-clockwise turn off circa 135° to the valve, the pressure reading was 10 bar. Mission accomplished I thought. But this is not the case. I was under the impression that my regular grind setting would be too fine now for the lowererd pressure on my machine. But the extraction is now too quick and an espresso is made in a couple of seconds... I'm thinking of setting the opv to 11 bar again, but wonder if somebody has an explanation or advice on which course to follow. Thanks! Bart

Hey everyone, It is with much sadness that I've decided to sell my beloved Gaggia Classic and my Iberital MC2 grinder. This is a great combination which produces some wonderful espressos, flat whites, etc. Here is what I have: Gaggia Classic - Machine is in an excellent working order and looks great on the outside too. I've taken really good care of it. - Only small issue (which does not affect the machine's operation in any way whatsoever) is that the 2 way valve purge tube (the little metal tube in front of the water tank) is slightly cracked on one end. However, you can't really see that as the crack is at the end of the tube, which goes either in the machine or in the drip-tray. I think that you can buy replacements for next to nothing, if you choose to. (I'd be happy to explain in more detail, if needed) - I've had the machine for just over 1 year. - This Classic is not one of the models produced by Philips now a days. This is an original Gaggia Classic which I got from a guy who just had it sitting in his attic (it was all packaged up of course), since he didn't know how to use it properly . When I bought the machine, it still had all of the original protection foil on it. - About 3 moths ago or so, I had the boiler gasket and group head gaskets changed, just as a "tune-up". So these are brand new. The boiler actually looked really good on the inside as well. - The machine has the Rancilio Silvia steam wand and has the OPV mod - I've only used Brita water and the machine has been regulary de-scaled and back-flushed - Extras that you'll get are: - VST 15g basket (I think that I might have the original single and double baskets somewhere as well) - Scales (for measuring your coffee ) - Timer - Small frothing jug - Motta tamper (fits the VST nicely) - Left over gaskets from the gasket kit I got (The kit had replacements for every single gasket in the machine, I just had the boiler and group head gaskets replaced though) - Blank basket (for back-flushing) - Back-flush granules (Cafiza) - Puly Baby desclaer (have a bunch of sachets left) Iberital MC2 grinder - Doserless and is in great working order - I've had that for about 1.5 years or so - Grinder is about 3 years old though, as I bought it used (the previous owner took very good care of it, and so did I ) - It's in great working order and is clean - Regularly cleaned with Puly Grind Crystals. I'll give you the remaining sachets. I am looking to get £190 (or best offer) for everything. I'd rather not list this on eBay, as I'd prefer someone who is going to appreciate the Classic and the grinder. Best option would be a local pick-up (I am in London, SE10), but I am willing to ship as well, not sure how much it would cost though. I'll even throw in a bag of the wonderful Square Mile Red Brick beans I've attached 3 pictures, but if you'd like to see more pictures, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to help. Also, let me know if there are any questions whatsoever.

Hi All - I have a 10 year old Gaggia Classic and did the OPV mod a while ago. I am getting decent shots however I want to figure out what bars I am really putting out. I tried the volume of water method (blank portafilter, putting a class of water under one of the tubes) and I am getting no returned water? Does this mean my machine is still set to too many bars and I need to turn the OPV nut more. I am getting decent shots, about 32g out in 30s when my Fiorenzato grinder at a 1.8 setting. A few questions... 1.) there are two tubes in the water reservoir, which one is for the water supply and which is for the OPV overflow? 2.) Is the general rule of 170-180ml in 30s from the OPV tube mean the machine is roughly 9 bars? 3.) I tried alternating with the left and right tube in water and it didnt seem like either was drawing water.....strange since my machine does work when both are in Thanks everyone in advance!

Hey peeps, I'm going to adjust the opv valve on my Classic tomorrow, I've watched a few vids & been through the forum & it all seems pretty straight forward but I've seen conflicting info re a couple of things Whether to have the steam wand opened (which doesn't seem to make any sense to me, wouldn't that let some of the pressure out)? Whether to fill the portafilter with water before starting (wouldn't it just fill up during the start of taking the pressure anyway)? Sorry to ask about a topic with so many posts but finding it difficult to find anything concrete. Thanks in advance

I have a Rocket R58 and for the past couple months I have been experiencing the following problem: When turning the machine on after about 15 minutes the steam pressure continues to rise past the 1-1.5bar green zone on the dial to around 2.25bar, this is the point where the OPV releases, the OPV activates and releases the excess pressure, initially this was intermittant but now it occours every time the machine is turned on (I have now turned off the steam/service boiler). The heater doesn't shut off and the water in the boiler is continued to heat, so my initial thoughts were that its a sensor issue. I suspected a relay problem at first, but this didn't fix the problem, I have taken apart the temperature sensor to check if it was scaled up but it all appears OK. If anyone has any ideas of have experienced similar problems please let me know.

I did the OPV Mod on my Gaggia Classic this morning, setting it to 10bar as described here by @AndyL I can't believe how much of a difference it has made! I'm struggling to find the right vocabulary - flavours have changed significantly. My first shot was more mellow and balanced. It's like there is now 'space' for the different flavour notes to sit together in. Very happy with the result :-) To anybody that has been thinking about this mod - go do it! It takes 10mins, is really easy, and delivers a huge difference. Next, to PID or not to PID?

Mazza's recent comment about adjusting the OPV got me looking at the various other forums out there, and the mods people have done. In particular, this thread at coffeesnobs goes into a lot of detail. Has anyone tried adjusting an OPV before (on a Classic or indeed any machine)? Would there be any benefit in messing around with the adjustment to see if my machine can be improved? (I don't have any obvious issues at the moment, just an extreme urge to fiddle with anything technical.) Just to be clear, I don't use the single basket, or make ristrettos.

Hi, does anyone know if new gaggia classics have a high brew pressure as the factory setting. I'm having trouble getting a 20-25 sec shot, despite some heavy tamping and a fine grind. I'm wondering if the factory setting has been increased recently in line with gaggia now supplying pressurised baskets only. I've just got a new classic and the shop swopped the baskets so I'm using the non-pressurised ones. I read some posts suggesting some are as high as 11 bar and that reducing the OPV makes a big difference. Before I start tinkering I wondered if any knew for sure whether classics are 11 bar (ish) by default. thanks ps I'm currentky using the gaggia pre-ground coffee (until my grinder arrives). It seems pretty fine but this could also be contributing to the fast flow rate although I'm tamping as hard as I can!

I've just acquired a Classic, which had been neglected; I've stripped it down completely (down to splitting the boiler), descaled and cleaned it, but the solenoid valve is still stuck. (I assume that's it anyway; plenty of flow from the steamwand, but nothing from the grouphead; the OPV opens relieving pressure back into the tank). Any tips on how to "unstick" the solenoid valve; I've descaled it as long as I dare (the brass starting to discolour)? Or is it time for a replacement valve? Phil

So I'm relatively new to this whole coffee domain, but recently purchased a Gaggia Classic. I've upgraded the silvia wand today and also tinkered with the OPV pressure (big thanks to the instructions / info from other members on this forum). My problem is that, my shot of espresso is still coming out in under 10 seconds...which leads me to believe that it's either my tamping or the ground coffee isn't fine enough. So I measured another double in the filter basket and but most of my weight on the tamper...pulled the shot...same result (10 seconds). So by process of elimination it must be the coffee grind. Here's the part where you may accuse me of being a fool as I'm currently using Lavazza Caffe Espresso (pre-ground). I was under the impression that pre-ground espresso coffee has it's downside's (mainly it's compromise of taste and flavour) but I thought the coarseness would be close enough to whats required and therefore enable me to pull a 25 second shot? Any help would be appreciated Thanks

Hi, Recently got a Silvia and really happy with it, though I'm not sure what the brewing pressure is. I'm assuming it's 15bar as it fits the pods, just wondering if there's a link to adjusting the pressure or someone has done it before? I tried to test the pressure with a pressure gauge, but it didn't work and didn't like it as it started to make a hissing house from the boiler! Seems ok now thank god! Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Has anyone used one of these? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portafilter-Pressure-Gauge-Tester-Gaggia-Classic-Coffee-Machine-Espresso-Maker-E/161207195351?epid=1769635886&hash=item2588b296d7:g:kf4AAOSwabhUX2RF My portafilter is the type with two holes underneath and no spouts, so I'd need to buy a new portfilter anyway to do the mod, as well as all the other parts. So it seems easier just to buy this pre made one. if anyone has any experience of these please let me know. Thanks

I was in the middle of what I thought was an easy reduction in pressure on the OPV when I found that after inserting the 5mm Allen key and trying to turn anticlockwise, nothing moved. Totally stuck. The machine is a little warm - do I wait for it to be cold and try again, or is this limescale or something and requires more thought?

Hello everyone, I have Gaggia Baby Class with plastic OPV which is not easy to adjust. Also want to do the pressure gauge mod, and cannot tap into the tubing (it is not the same as on Classic). So my plan is to get the parts from Classic: the OPV + the pump connector, possibly with the tube which runs between these two - so I can do all these mods. Do not want to pay too much for these, so if anyone has spares (new or used, but in good condition) ... If you have T-connector for the gauge mod, etc - would be interested in this as well.

Just to share my experience, after reading in a lot of places that there was no possible OPV adjustment on the 2015 Classic, some advice here from Jumbo Ratty and jimbojohn55 set me straight. Finding out that I could adjust a nut on the new OPV, I decided to give it a try. Here is the new style OPV in question (picture courtesy of Jumbo Ratty): Others have reported that their new Classics hit 10 bar out of the box. Attaching a pressure gauge to the portafilter, my 2016-made Classic was reading around 11.5 bar. I simply eased of the 10mm nut around one full turn to achieve a 10 bar reading at the portafilter. No other adjustments. So far, it seems stable with no leaks, but I'll keep an eye on it. Not sure yet whether to seal or fix the nut in place (I'm not too experienced with modding electrical equipment or pumps) but it seems okay. I'm not expert enough to recommend the mod to anyone else, but it seems to have worked for me so far. Thanks to everyone here for the advice!

Can anyone please tell me what size of OPV is fitted to the Gaggia New Baby? I have trawled the forums but can't find this info. anywhere. I am led to understand that, unlike the Classic, the New Baby's OPV is a non-adjustable plastic component, and I wish to replace it with a 'Classic-style' adjustable version. But there appear to be two sizes of this item - 1/4" and 1/8" - both described as being suitable for Gaggia machines. I am reluctant to disturb the existing OPV until I have a replacement to hand, so I'm unable to discover the size for myself. Thanks in anticipation.

Hello all I spent Sunday bringing a 1986 Baby back to life. It's now sitting on my counter and looks fabulous with its red lights and metal frame. I think I got some extra satisfaction from having restored a machine of that age. There was really nothing wrong with it that a bit of TLC (and a lot of citric acid) couldn't sort out. Ha! I was expecting to see an adjustable OPV inside, but it seems to have just the standard water inlet instead. Can anyone advise where I might be able to buy one from? I'm really not fussed about if it's used/new or whatever, I just desperately want to be able to turn the pressure down slightly. Many thanks!