Gasket and shower screen
The seal and screen under the head
De'Longhi's troubleshooting table: if espresso drips from the edges of the filter holder because the gasket "has lost elasticity or is dirty", "Have the espresso boiler gasket replaced by Customer Services." The US manual says repairing or modifying the machine voids the warranty. The method below is owners', not De'Longhi's.
De'Longhi's parts drawing shows the stack, top to bottom: small gasket 537177, the thin closure ring 5313221481, the gasket support, the portafilter seal AS00005075 (the one that wears), then the shower screen held by one countersunk centre screw.
When: espresso drips from the edges of the holder rather than the spouts, and turning the holder fully does not stop it (the manual). No interval is given.
Screen and seal out
Owner method: Coffee Grump (technician) says take the screen out before the seal; An Espresso A Day shows the seal coming out.
- Switch off, unplug and let the machine cool.
- Take out the filter holder and the drip tray.
- Undo the centre screw with a driver that fits its head. Keep the screw safe.
- Lower the screen out and note which side faces down. Wash it.
- Wedge a flat tool into the centre ring of the seal, push and lift it out.
- Leave the thin ring above it in place unless it is damaged. Brush the seat clean.
New seal, back together
Owner method.
- Press the new seal in evenly, the same way up as the old one.
- Refit the screen the same way up as it came out.
- Start the screw by hand.
- Tighten it gently. Kaffeemacher, selling an aftermarket screen for the Dedica: tighten by hand and do not over-tighten, or the screen warps.
- Refit the drip tray, plug in and let it heat.
- Fit the empty holder, run a 1-cup shot with no coffee and watch for drips round the handle.