ECM Mechanika V Slim: Replacing Expansion Valve Seat

If turning the adjustment cap on your Mechanika's expansion valve has no affect on brew pressure, it's likely that a new expansion valve seat is in order. Follow these instructions to replace the expansion valve seat.

Tools Needed:
- 2.5mm Allen key or hex driver
- 3mm Allen key or hex driver
- Flat-bladed screwdriver
- Small pick or bent paperclip.

Parts Needed:
Replacement expansion valve seat

1. Remove the panels from the machine.

2. Identify the expansion valve on the machine's right side.

3. Use the 2.5mm Allen key or hex driver to remove the set screw from the expansion valve.

4. Fully unscrew the expansion valve adjustment cap to remove it from the expansion valve body. It should lift away together with the spring and expansion valve seat. If not, you may need to fish the spring/valve seat out with a small pick or a bent paperclip.

5. Make sure the inside of the expansion valve body is clean and free of scale or debris.

6. Inspect the expansion valve seat, clean or replace as necessary. Note: even a slightly malformed valve seat can prevent the expansion valve from operating normally.

7. Re-install the valve seat, spring, and adjustment cap into the expansion valve body. Turn the adjustment cap clockwise until it reaches its maximum adjustment, then back the adjustment cap out two full turns. Don't forget to re-install the set screw.

8. Move on to our guide for adjusting the expansion valve to properly set your machine's brew pressure.