DeLonghi ESAM xxxx - (Different Types) overhaul of the upper brewing piston

Remove the drip tray, the water tank and the pulp container.

The rear panel and side panels are attached with six phillips screws #2. Screw them out.

Slide the right side panel about 2 cm to the back.

Then solve it.

The left side is a bit stuck. Place a plastic opening tool in the gap between the front and left side panel above the opening for the water tank. Lift the gap slightly larger.

Then place the tool in the gap between the front and left side panel under the opening for the water tank. Increase the gap and push the side part about 2 cm to the rear.

Lift out the left side piece.

Take out the rear panel.

The front panel is secured with four PH2 Phillips screws, two left and one right each. Turn it out.

Use a plastic opening tool to lever off the steam tap.

Carefully pull the front panel about 1 cm forward so that there is a gap between the top cover and the front panel,

Two Phillips screws PH2 hold the lid at the back. Turn it out.

Lift the lid upwards.

Here you can see the heater from above. It is connected with two pressure hoses and two cables for the heater. In addition, cables lead to two sensors and to the green/yellow protective conductor connection. The mechanical mounting consists of four long screws with nuts.

Remove the two spade terminals from the microswitch for the upper piston.

The pressure hose from the pump must be disconnected. Pull out the metal clip on one of the connections (on the pump or on the heater) and detach the hose. It is sealed with an O-ring, which can be either stuck on the connection or on the end of the hose. Replace it when reassembling.

Four long screws secure the heater. There are 7mm nuts on the opposite side. Loosen the nuts and unscrew the screws. Pay attention to the washers.

The two front screws are very long.

The two in the back are slightly shorter.

Lift the heater up a little. A pressure hose is attached to the underside, which leads to the hot water outlet. Pull out the metal clip. Detach the hose and again pay attention to the O-ring.

Pull off the black hose on the opposite side.

Lift up the heater. The upper piston is located on the underside. If you only want to work on the upper piston, you can leave the other connections, otherwise you will have to detach them.

Unscrew the two Phillips screws that secure the upper piston to the heater.

Pay close attention to the microswitch, which now falls off easily. Do not lose it,

Pull the heater off the upper piston.

Pull out the white plastic connector between the upper piston and the heater. The three seals on this appliance are in urgent need to be replaced

The upper piston and the heater are free.

Remove the valve spring with piston. Do not lose it.

Unscrew the recessed Torx T10 screw. It secures the holder that keeps the upper piston in place.

Remove the screw and the holder.

Pull off the upper piston.

This one was really extremely dirty.

Unscrew the two Phillips screws on the brewing sieve.

Remove the brewing strainer and the large sealing ring.

Unscrew the Phillips screw at the bottom of the piston.

Carefully press out the riser tube inside the piston.

Pay particular attention to the two springs inside the piston.

Remove the white upper part of the piston from the retaining plate. To do this, press it out and turn it 180°.

Clean all parts very thoroughly. Replace all sealing rings.