DeLonghi ECAM Series revise upper brew piston

Remove all attachments such as water tank, pulp drawer, brew group.

Turn the machine with the back facing you.

Remove five Torx T20 security screws.

Lift out the back.

The following components are immediately visible:

grinder

pump

flowmeter

Push the side panel back about 1.5 cm.

Lift off the panel.

The following compononents are exposed:

Heater

Expansion chamber

Gear drive

Steam valve

Depending on the model, the steam tap/water spout must be removed, there are slight differences here.

Pull out the plastic clip on the steam nozzle.

Pull the steam nozzle out towards you.

Carefully pull off the steam faucet toggle. Only use a plastic tool to pry to avoid damaging the bezel.

If you haven't already done so, also detach the right-hand cover on the water tank.

Remove the four Phillips screws securing the top cover.

Lift the top cover up a bit. That might be a bit sticky.

If there is a cup warmer, then unscrew the nut SW7 with which the two green-yellow cables are connected and loosen it. The two brown cables on the other side can stay if you just put the cover on top.

Place the top cover on top, or remove it entirely.

The remaining front cover must also be removed.

Unscrew two screws on the left side.

Unscrew a screw on the right side.

Gently pull the front cover down. She might be a bit stuck.

Remove the two screws on the control box.

Carefully lift the control box to one side.

Remove the two screws on the coffee spout.

Lift off the coffee spout.

Pull off the silicone hose on the back of the coffee spout and remove the spout.

The support of the upper piston is fixed with two screws on the left side. Depending on the model, these screws must be uncovered.

The first picture shows a model with an additional steam heater. Here the steam heater has to be unscrewed (one short screw on top, one further down), then it can be pulled out a few centimetres.

The second picture shows a model with a manual steam tap. Here the two screws on the tap must be loosened, then the steam tap can be pushed a little to the side.

Once the two screws are exposed, unscrew them.

Pull out the clip at the top left and loosen the pressure line. Pay attention to the O-ring seal. It either hangs on the line or afterwards. When reassembling, replace it with a new one if possible.

Pull out the clamp in the middle and loosen the pressure line. Pay attention to the O-ring seal. It either hangs on the line or afterwards. When reassembling, replace it with a new one if possible.

Pull out the clamp on the bottom left and loosen the pressure line. Pay attention to the O-ring seal. It either hangs on the line or afterwards. When reassembling, replace it with a new one if possible.

Disconnect the two flat connectors from the microswitch connection

Take off the black bend protection on the middle pressure line.

Unscrew the two Allen screws (4 mm).

Lift off the stainless steel bracket.

Pull out the pressure hoses that are in the way through the openings on the left.

Detach any silicone hose that may be present.

The upper piston support plate is now free. However, it is very tight and it is tricky to get it out. Be patient and work carefully. Make sure that the ribbon cable to the control panel is not damaged.

The piston is attached to the gray plastic part with a small ring retainer. Push the fuse to the side and store it well.

Turn the piston around. There is a recessed Torx T10 screw in the exact center. Unscrew it.

Unscrew the two Phillips screws on the piston and remove the black cover.

Remove the large O-ring on the piston.

Unscrew the single Phillips head screw in the center of the piston.

Gently pull off the plunger. Note the springs inside.

Turn the piston over and remove the attachments:

Unscrew the two Phillips screws on the valve and remove the valve.

Unscrew the two Allen screws (2 mm) on the raccord and remove the raccord.

Unscrew the single Phillips head screw on the microswitch and lift the microswitch out.

Thoroughly degrease and descale all parts. If possible, replace the O-rings. Re-grease them and reassemble the upper piston.

The maintenance kit contains a total of 18 seals for the upper piston, plus two for the lower piston.