ECM Synchronika: Steam/Hot Water Valve Joystick Seal Inspection and Replacement

A leaking hot water tap or a steam wand that fails to dispense steam may be the result of an obstructed or worn joystick seal gasket. (Difficulty ☕☕☕)

To perform this repair you will need to have your machine unplugged and completely cool.

Tools needed:

• 2.5 mm, 3mm, and 6mm allen keys
• 17mm wrench
• New Joystick Seal Gasket

1. Start by removing the top and side panels.

2. Next, using the 2.5mm and 3mm allen keys, remove protruding frame component.

3. Now, using a 17mm wrench, remove the nut affixing the copper pipe to the hot water valve.

*When the nut is removed, be careful to not let it fall down the copper tube, it can slide down and it's difficult to retrieve from the bottom of the copper tube.

4. Remove the 17mm nut holding the hot water valve to the frame.

5. With the hot water valve removed from the machine, insert the 6mm allen key into the back of the valve and remove the stainless fitting.

6. Remove brass seal/gasket housing from valve. Make sure not to lose the spring.

7. Inspect seal and inside of valve for any debris. Remove debris. Inspect seal condition, replace if needed.

A badly worn joystick seal gasket:


This used joystick seal gasket may still be re-usable, we'll need to clean it up and
re-install to test it out:



A brand new joystick seal gasket: