Comments on: Gaggia Classic Disassembly and Cleaning

By: Paolo

Paolo — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 14:42:22 +0000

Hi Ethan, very good tutorial, following your example I’ve disassembled cleaned and assembled again my Gaggia Baby.
But I need your help again.
Disassembling I’ve found no particular problem. With air compressor I’ve verified no obstruction to the passage of the water, the pump tested alone works, but when I try to use the Gaggia, I hear the sound of the pump, vapor exit regular and also water from vapor nozzle but no water exit to make coffee even without filter.
Can you suggest me what more test I need to do to find/solve the problem ?
Thanks and have a good day..

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 23:45:17 +0000

A P.S. to my last post:

A long hex-head wrench really helps in removing the boiler. I liked this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000189QVU/

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 23:39:08 +0000

Great info–thanks for posting!

Some additional info, FYI:

Video of disassembly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9i-EH7qXOc&feature=youtu.be

The company that makes that video has a really good price on boilers, if it needs replacement. (Their price on gaskets is very high.)
https://www.wholelattelove.com/alum-boiler-120-220-240-v-assy

There’s several companies on Amazon that offer a kit with all needed gaskets, for rebuild:
https://www.amazon.com/GAGGIA-Classic-parts-set-kit/dp/B07FPF4GDF/

By: Trying to clean an old gaggia

Trying to clean an old gaggia — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 06:58:03 +0000

[…] Another link that might be helpful. No videos just pictures and instructions. Gaggia Classic Disassembly and Cleaning | [protofusion] […]

By: Emile

Emile — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 23:25:30 +0000

Hello Ethan and Gaggia pros,
I just purchased a preloved Classic and as soon as I turn it on there’s an electrical smell that comes out. So I turned it off right away. Do you know where it could be coming from? Or has anyone faced this issue before? I’ll try and find a technician to look into it but I live in Dubai and it might be hard to find. Any help appreciated! Grazie!

By: Ethan Zonca

Ethan Zonca — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 20:31:05 +0000

In reply to Stephen Ayres. Glad to hear it's still a useful resource! Hope your Classic keeps serving you well for years to come.

By: Stephen Ayres

Stephen Ayres — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 09:45:01 +0000

Hi Ethan,

six years on, and it’s still proving an invaluable tool for servicing your Classic Gaggia. Great instructions.

Sadly, the four allen bolts couldn’t be removed, so boiler only soaked overnight as I couldn’t attack from within: Still, a few teaspoons of crud came out the following day! – that’s why water flow was intermittent. Now works perfectly, with a constant water flow. Cheers from Belgium in 2018.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 20:29:30 +0000

I psyched myself up to disassemble my 10 year old Classic Gaggia as described here (it’s looks daunting but well explained). I need to give it a good clean as it is now completely blocked and repeated attempts to descale it don’t help. However my problem is with the very first step: when I try to unscrew the two attachment screws on the top of the machine they turn but neither one comes out, and the top can’t be removed. I tried pushing the screw from below (there are openings on the back into which you can slip a screwdriver and potentially apply upward pressure on the screws) but no success. I’d be grateful for any advice. Thanks!

By: carlos g

carlos g — Mon, 29 May 2017 22:38:09 +0000

hi Heath

i bought a used gaggia espresso machine but this a 2 head group 240v the head group that you are taken apart here looks like mine!!
ok my problem is im only getting water out of one head group i just cant find any help on how to take it apart

i would like to send you some pics and see if you’ll be kind enough and give me some advice thank you

sincerely

carlos g

By: Coffeemadpat

Coffeemadpat — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:00:06 +0000

In reply to Heath.

Hi Heath

These comments apply to the Gaggia Classic version with the cast aluminium boiler not the mark 2 version with the stainless steel boiler.

1. You have water flow from the steamer so the pump and solenoid valve are ok.

2. With the boiler and the water flows from the boiler down the copper pipe. Crud can collect in the bottom of this pipe and block the flow to the group head and shower screen. This is a narrow contorted passage and in my case was blocked giving a very low flow of water. Check that with the screen removed that a good steam of water comes out of the small hole to the left of the two bolts when looking up into the group head.

I used a cocktail stick to clean the obstruction and a good soak in Caffiz.

If your problem is the one I have experienced there will only be a feeble dribble. You should be able to fill an expresso cup in less than 15 seconds TAKE CARE as this can be hot water if the machine has heated up!