Lever and cam service

Why the lever gets stiff

ECM's manual does not give this job, and says repairs and changes of components are for an authorised specialist dealer. The method below is someone else's, named on each step.

The lever turns a cam inside the group. ECM's own manual says too much detergent degreases the moving parts and makes the group squeak. Water weeping where the lever enters the group usually means the cam's gland seals are worn (retailers, E61 generally).

How often: Clive Coffee greases the cam every third detergent clean, on a six-weekly schedule. After a detergent clean, a few normal shots often free it.

Grease the cam

Clive Coffee's E61 method.

1. Switch off, unplug and let the group cool.
2. Take the lever off by undoing the slotted nut at its end.
3. Unscrew the inner part of the lever and the cam shaft with an adjustable wrench, padding the chrome with a cloth.
4. Clean the cam and its housing.
5. Grease the cam head with Molykote 111.
6. Start the thread by hand before using the wrench, then refit the lever.

If the cam will not go back, Clive lets the lower group valve drop out by unthreading the bottom of the group. That is group valve work.

ECM Synchronika II: every job