Kees van der Westen Speedster Operating instructions

USER and MAINTENANCE MANUAL
February 2012

CONTENTS
Speedster page 1
Parts identification ................................................................................................. 3
Welcome .............................................................................................................. 4
Notice .................................................................................................................. 4
Water quality ........................................................................................................ 5
Unpack................................................................................................................. 6
Installation ........................................................................................................... 6
Connect water supply.......................................................................................... 6
Connect water discharge ..................................................................................... 8
Connect electrics ................................................................................................ 9
Using the machine ................................................................................................10
Brewing espresso ..............................................................................................10
Hot water .........................................................................................................10
Steam..............................................................................................................11
Set boiler temperatures......................................................................................11
Adjust pump pressure ........................................................................................13
Cleaning the machine............................................................................................15
Remove filter basket ..........................................................................................15
Filter holder ......................................................................................................15
Steam wand .....................................................................................................15
Body................................................................................................................16
Back flush group ...............................................................................................16
Maintenance ........................................................................................................17
Recommended maintenance scheme....................................................................17
Replace group seal ............................................................................................18
Clean group dispersion plate. ..............................................................................18
Regenerate water softener .................................................................................19
Maintenance inside the Speedster...........................................................................21
Remove body panels..........................................................................................21
Replace anti-vacuum valve .................................................................................23
Grease wands and check play between nut and ball ...............................................24
Check jet in group on scale build-up ....................................................................25
Safety valve on steam boiler...............................................................................27
Expansion valve on heat-exchanger system ..........................................................28
Rebuild valves...................................................................................................32
Clean probes, level and safety ............................................................................34
Check O-ring and spring in progressive pre-infusion cylinder ..................................36
Replace all solenoid valves .................................................................................39
Adjust brewing lever ..........................................................................................41
Drain all water when freezing is possible ..............................................................42
Maintenance Records .........................................................................................45

CONTENTS
Speedster page 2
Technical information............................................................................................46
Dimensions.......................................................................................................46
Boiler capacity ..................................................................................................46
Electricity .........................................................................................................46
Weight .............................................................................................................46
PID-parameter settings ......................................................................................47
Steam/hot water boiler temperature controller......................................................49
Exchanging jets for different infusion ...................................................................51
Parts included in standard shipment........................................................................52
Contact information ..............................................................................................53

INTRODUCTION
Speedster page 3
Parts identification
Figure 1. Showing main operational parts of the Speedster
1. Main switch
2. PID with coffee boiler temperature display
3. Hot water spout
4. 3-way brewing lever
5. 3-way hot water toggle switch
6. Coffee boiler pressure gauge
7. Hot water valve
8. Hot water valve knob (no operational function)
9. Visible end of progressive pre-infusion piston
10. Group head
11. Steam valve knob
12. Steam valve
13. Steam boiler pressure gauge
14. Steam tip
15. Drip tray
16. Filter holder
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
13
14
16
9
12
15

INTRODUCTION
Speedster page 4
Welcome
Thank you for ordering a Speedster espresso machine from Kees van der Westen
Espressonistic Works B.V. The Speedster is a professional one group machine which is
hand built and individually tested at our shop in Waalre, the Netherlands.
Standard shipment includes an external water pump with electrical motor, water
softener, 3 high pressure water supply lines and several accessories. The frame, body
and both boilers are made from high grade stainless steel (group and boiler: grade
316L).
The Speedster functions according to the so-called double boiler system in which there
are separate boilers for both coffee water and for steam/hot water supply. This system
allows for very accurate temperature stability of espresso and steam/hot water, also with
large quantities over long periods. The coffee boiler is equipped with a PID
1
-regulator
which is a very user friendly device ensuring near perfect temperature stability.
An in-house developed pre-infusion system is incorporated within the Speedster. A “soft-
start” mechanism (progressive pre-infusion cylinder) absorbs pump pressure such that it
increases gradually to 3 Bar which ensures pre-wetting and swelling of the coffee grinds
before extraction starts. The 3-way group operation lever with positions “off”, “pre-
infusion” and “pump active” gives the barista total control over the pre-infusion phase by
increasing the pre-infusion time as desired. The combination of these techniques
guarantees that the delicate coffee flavours can fully develop and conveyed to the cup
during extraction which results in more taste and aroma.
Both the steam boiler and the coffee boiler are equipped with an individual electronic
safety shut-down system which interrupts the power to the heating elements. An
expansion valve in the coffee water system is adjusted to 10-12 Bar at our workshop and
a safety valve of 3 Bar in the steam boiler ensure that the pressures in the Speedster
cannot exceed safety values.
Notice
Filled with water, the Speedster espresso machine has a mass of approximately 45 kg
(100 lbs), produces heat and measures approximately 50x60x40 cm (width x depth x
height; 20x24x16 inch). To properly operate the Speedster a sturdy platform with a fully
horizontal surface is essential while space is needed above and to the sides of the
machine for coffee grinder, knock-box, tamper and other accessories. The pump and
water softener should be placed in the proximity of the machine and water supply and
discharge, as well as an AC socket with earth connection (minimum rating 3100 Watt =
13.5 Amp at 230 Volt) is needed for installation (see also “Technical specifications –
Electricity”). The location of your Speedster should account for these.
1
PID: Proportional Integral Derivative; a very fast and precisely responding electronic
feedback system.

INTRODUCTION
Speedster page 5
Water quality
Since water content in an espresso is more than 90%, the quality of your water supply is
highly important for the taste of your coffee. While too much mineral content will hasten
damaging lime scale build-up inside your Speedster, an absence of minerals will give
your espresso a flat taste while also harming the boilers inside the machine. As a rule of
thumb, the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in your water should be 100-150 mg/l
(=ppm).
Calcium and magnesium in the form of carbonates dissolved in water are the two most
common minerals that make water "hard”. It is recommended that water hardness is 3-4
German degrees (50-70 mg/l Ca/Mg carbonate). When properly regenerated, the water
softener supplied with your machine will establish these values. Hard water treated with
an ion exchange water softener has sodium added, and so it is wise to further treat your
water with an activated carbon or a carbon block water filter. These kinds of filters also
remove other impurities that affect taste, but, on their own, are not able to remove
water hardness.
The acidity (pH-value) of your water should be close to neutral (pH=7). A lower value
(pH ˂6.5) will make your espresso start to taste acidic and is corrosive to the metal
parts in your machine. A higher value (pH ˃7.5) results in bland tasting brews although
it can also neutralise slightly acidic coffee grinds. You are advised to check the acidity of
your water every once in a while.
Chlorine should not be present in your water since it has a highly corrosive effect on all
metal parts (copper, brass and even stainless steel) inside your machine and makes your
espresso smell and taste awful. Chlorine treated water should therefore not be used in
your machine unless chlorine is removed from the water after the chlorine treatment
(e.g. by use of an activated carbon or a carbon block water filter).

INSTALLATION
Speedster page 6
Unpack
Tools needed
Phillips screw driver no. 2
Procedure
1. Remove the lid of the crate.
2. Remove the side panels.
3. Lift the machine by its legs.
Warning!
The valves at both sides of the group are not designed to lift the machine. Lifting the
machine by these may cause the frame to bend which results in unrepairable damage.
Installation
Parts needed, included in shipment
Machine
Water softener, height 40 cm (16 inch), diameter 19 cm (8 inch), taps protrude 7
cm (3 inch)
Brass fitting
2 high pressure hoses, each 1.5 m (5 ft)
1 high pressure hose, 0.5 m (20 inch)
Pump with motor, 29x14x19 cm (length x width x height; 12x6x8 inch)
Discharge hose with stainless steel clamp
Tools needed
Spanner 20-22 mm
Spanner 18-19 mm
Spanner 30 mm or adjustable spanner
Teflon tape
Screw driver
Sharp knife
Side cutter
Bucket
Connect water supply
1. Tighten the special brass fitting to the washing machine tap with a 30 mm or
adjustable spanner. Apply a few windings of Teflon tape on the tap first to
eliminate leakage.
2. Use a 20 mm spanner to attach one end of a long high pressure hose to the fitting
on the tap. A gasket is not needed, the ball-shaped brass end will seal upon
tightening. Use a 30 mm spanner on the brass fitting to refrain it from tightening
further.
3. Attach the other end of the high pressure hose to the upper tap on the water
softener (see figure 2). Tighten with a 20 mm spanner while securing the tap with
a 19 mm spanner. Do not use excessive force.

INSTALLATION
Speedster page 7
Figure 2. Water softener on right is connected to the pump on the left. Water flow is
according to arrows. Both handles on water softener are in “9 ‘o clock” position. Washing
machine tap is right of figure, Speedster will be to left of figure.
4. Attach the short high pressure hose to the lower tap on the water softener.
Tighten with a 20 mm spanner while securing the tap with a 19 mm spanner.
5. Attach the other end of the short high pressure hose to the inlet of the pump.
Beware! The inlet of the pump is marked with an arrow pointing down, towards
the pump-housing (see figure 3). Tighten with 20 mm spanner.
6. Attach the second long high pressure hose to the outlet of the pump.
Beware! The outlet of the pump is marked with an arrow pointing upwards, away
from the pump-housing (see figure 3). Tighten with a 20 mm spanner.
Figure 3. Pump with inlet and outlet shown.
7. Make sure that both handles of the taps on the water softener are in a horizontal
“9 ‘o clock” position as shown in figure 2. Place the loose end of the high pressure
hose in the bucket and open the washing machine tap such that water runs
through the water softener into the bucket. The water can be brownish-yellow at
Water softener
pump
inlet
outlet
inlet
outlet

INSTALLATION
Speedster page 8
first; this is from the resin in the water softener and is harmless. Flush until the
water runs clear.
8. Close the washing machine tap and connect the loose end of the high pressure
hose to the water connection on the bottom of the Speedster with a 20 mm
spanner. The Speedster may be tilted in such a way that it rests on the two hind-
legs and the back of the machine, see figure 4.
Figure 4. Speedster is tilted on its back, water supply is connected. Discharge pipe is
indicated.
9. Re-open the washing machine tap and check the earlier made connections for
leakage. Tighten when needed but do not use excessive force. In the meantime,
the front (coffee) boiler will fill with water.
Connect water discharge
1. Position the stainless steel hose clamp on one end of the discharge hose. Slide the
end of the hose over the discharge-pipe of the drip tray (see figure 4) and tighten
the hose clamp.
2. Insert the other end of the discharge hose into the sewer or a discharge
container.
Beware! To prevent sedimentation of smudge, the discharge hose should slope
down to your sewer or discharge container over the entire length of the hose.
3. When necessary, cut the discharge hose to desired length (cut the inforcement
with side cutters).
4. Put the Speedster back on its feet.
discharge pipe
water supply

INSTALLATION
Speedster page 9
Connect electrics
Beware!
The Speedster has a maximum power consumption of 3100 Watts from your AC-outlet.
This occurs when all three heating elements and the pump are active simultaneously. At
230 Volts this is equivalent to approximately 13.5 Amps. We therefore recommend that
the machine has its own power circuit breaker.
1. The thinner electrical cord attached to the Speedster is the pump cable and has a
special type of connector. Attach the pump cable to the pump motor using the
special connectors.
2. Attach the other cable to a 230 VAC earthed power outlet.
3. Make sure that the Speedster rests on its feet. Turn the main switch on the
machine to “ON”. The main switch is mounted on the model tag on the front of
the machine (see figure 1, item 1).
The machine will now fill both boilers (when the front boiler is not already filled). Put the
3-way brewing lever on the right hand side of the machine (figure 1, item 4) in the
lowest position (“pump on”) until water without air leaves the group. This procedure
expels all air from the coffee boiler.
The display of the PID temperature regulator in the centre of the model tag (see figure 1,
item 2) will not show any value until a minimum water level in the steam boiler is
reached.
When the temperature in the steam boiler reaches boiling point some steam will escape
through the anti-vacuum valve which makes a hissing or sputtering sound inside the
machine. This will stop when the valve is shut by the increasing pressure inside the
steam boiler.

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 10
Using the machine
Brewing espresso
The 3-way brewing lever on the right hand side of the machine (see figure 1, item 4)
operates the group valve and the pump. The lever can be fixed in 2 slots and thus has
three operating positions:
1. Lever in upper (resting) position: Group valve is closed and pump is off. Water
cannot flow from the coffee boiler to the coffee bed.
2. Lever in middle position: Group valve is open but pump is off. In this position
(hot) water under line pressure can reach the coffee grounds which will wet and
swell. This process is called pre-infusion. You may adjust the timespan of pre-
infusion to your liking.
3. Lever in lower position: Group valve is open and pump is activated. The water
pressure on the coffee bed will increase to 9 Bar.
Switching off is easily accomplished by a short down-right tap on the left hand ball on the
lever. The lever will return to its resting position and the remaining pressure in the coffee
filter will be discharged.
When you switch from resting position directly to the lower position, the primary
increasing pressure is absorbed by a piston and spring within the so-called “progressive
pre-infusion cylinder” up to approximately 3 Bar. As soon as the piston reaches its
ultimate position, the full pump pressure of 9 Bar is applied to the coffee bed. You can
easily check the functioning of the progressive pre-infusion as the guiding rod of the
piston will protrude through an opening in the front panel of the machine just left of the
hot water tap (see figure 1, item 9).
The extraction can be further manipulated by switching the lever from lower to middle
position near the end of the extraction phase. Water pressure will then decrease fairly
quick to approximately 3 Bar but remains at that level.
The progressive pre-infusion cylinder has the extra advantage that clean water in the
cylinder is pushed through the group valve into the discharge after each extraction, thus
rinsing the valve.
Note
Filling of the steam/hot water boiler is disengaged during brewing (brewing lever in
middle or lower position) in order to prevent differences in extraction pressure.
Hot water
A three-way toggle switch, located on the right hand side between the brewing lever and
the hot water spout, controls the hot-water distribution (see figure 1, item 5). The tap
knob itself (see figure 1, item 8) is purely visual and has no operational function.
When the switch is pushed downwards the machine will automatically mix a small
amount of cold water with hot water from the steam boiler. The main advantage is that
the result is a steady, non-sputtering, flow of hot water. The addition of cold water has
as extra advantage that less water from the steam boiler is used for the same amount of
liquid thus diminishing the load on the steam boilers heating element.

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 11
When the switch is pulled upwards no cold water is mixed with hot water from the steam
boiler. In this position near-boiling water with some steam may leave the spout.
The steam boiler will re-fill automatically, also activating the pump. A flow restrictor with
an opening of 0.6 mm diameter regulates the inflow such that the heating element can
warm the incoming water as efficiently as possible.
However, the boiler will not fill when a shot is pulled as not to disturb the process of
espresso extraction by a fluctuating water pressure.
Steam
The left valve is the steam valve (see figure 1, item 12). Turning the steam valve knob
(figure 1, item 11) counter-clockwise will open the valve. Before steaming milk it is
necessary to open the valve for a short while to purge the water from the steam wand.
This water is condensed steam from the last use and new condensation from steam
coming in contact with the cold tubing, valve and wand. Position the tip of the steam
wand over the drip tray when purging the condensation.
Warning!
The steam valve is a spring loaded valve with the spring actually keeping the valve
closed. Use no force to close the steam valve since this will wear down the rubber and
silicone parts within the valve. Fasten just until no more steam is leaving the tip, at that
point the valve is closed. Total travel of the knob from close to fully open is about ¼
turn.
Set boiler temperatures
The factory settings of the coffee boiler temperature and steam boiler temperature are
93 and 135 degrees Centigrade (°C) respectively. The 135 °C is approximately
equivalent to 2.4 Bar steam pressure.
Coffee boiler
The display of the PID-regulator of the coffee boiler is located on the front panel of the
machine in between the on/off switch and the model tag (see figure 5).
Figure 5. Showing on/off switch and PID-regulator.
Procedure to change the coffee boiler temperature
1. Press the P key on the PID shortly. The display will alternating show “SP” (set
point) and the currently set temperature value.
PID-regulator
on/off switch

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 12
2. Press the key with arrow up (˄) to increase the temperature, press the key with
arrow down (˅) to decrease the temperature.
3. When you have set the temperature as desired refrain from touching any key;
after a few seconds the regulator will return to its normal operation and will bring
the boiler to its newly set temperature (mind you, cooling down to a lower set
temperature will take longer than heating up the coffee boiler).
Note!
The temperature of the coffee water is measured by a probe in the coffee boiler. The
temperature reading on the PID is thus the temperature within the boiler. The
temperature of the water that leaves the group at the group screen on top of the coffee
bed will be 2.5 to 3 degrees lower. You may account for this when fine-tuning the
temperature setting on the PID.
Procedure to adjust temperature offset
1. Press the P key on the PID shortly. The display will alternating show “SP” (set
point) and the currently set temperature value.
2. Press the P key for more than 2 seconds. The display will alternating show “AL”
and the currently set value (1.0).
3. Press the P key several times shortly until “Y .0” is displayed, alternating with its
set value (0).
4. Press the P key for more than 2 seconds. The display will alternating show
“C111” and the currently set value (001).
5. Press the P key several times shortly until “OFFS” is displayed, alternating with
the currently set value (0.0).
6. With the arrow keys you may set the offset value.
When you adjust to -2.5, the display will show the boiler temperature minus 2.5
degrees Centigrade, That is approximately the temperature difference between
the coffee boiler temperature and the group screen.
7. Press the P key to confirm the newly set value.
8. When all keys remain untouched for approximately 10 seconds, the PID will return
to its operating state.
See “PID-parameter settings” for original factory settings of all parameters.
Steam boiler
The electronic temperature regulator of the steam boiler is positioned in the back of the
machine on the left hand side (see figure 6).
Warning!
Parts of the interior of the machine will have a temperature (nearly) as high as the set
temperature of the steam boiler. Take the necessary precautions.
Procedure to set the temperature in the steam boiler
1. Remove the left hand side panel from the machine, a 13 mm spanner is needed
for the nuts.
2. Press the P key on the regulator until “AL1” appears on the display (it will
alternate with the set value of AL1).
3. Press the P key again, the display will now read “AL2”, alternating with the set
value for AL2.

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 13
4. Change the temperature by pressing one of the arrowed keys. The newly set
value appears in the display.
5. Press the P key twice to enforce the newly set temperature.
Figure 6. Showing steam boiler temperature regulator.
Adjust pump pressure
The right hand side pressure gauge displays the pressure in the coffee boiler. The
minimum value is the pressure of the incoming tap water (as in other water taps in your
house). Factory setting of the maximum pressure in the boiler is 11-13 Bar. Above this
value an expansion valve on the machine will open thus bleeding excessive pressure until
the maximum value is no longer exceeded (this occurs when water with a lower
temperature than the set value enters the coffee boiler, heats up and thus expands).
While brewing espresso, with the group valve “open” and the pump activated, the
pressure is supposed to increase up to 9 Bar (factory setting). The pump pressure can be
adjusted by turning the set screw on the right hand side of the brass pump housing (see
figure 7).
Tools needed
Screw driver
Procedure to adjust the pump pressure:
1. Place a filter with ground coffee in the filter holder (this may be used coffee).
2. Activate the group by slotting the brewing lever in its lower position.
3. Observe the right hand pressure gauge to check how the pressure evolves.
4. To increase the pump pressure turn the screw in the pump housing clockwise.
Turn the screw counter-clockwise to decrease the pump pressure.
Beware! The set screw is made from brass and is easily deformed. To avoid
damage use a screw driver that snugly fits the slot.
Steam boiler temperature regulator

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 14
Figure 7. Showing the set screw on the pump to change pump pressure.
Notes
Do not set the pump pressure with a blind filter in the filter holder. When a blind filter is
used water in the system is trapped between a one-way valve and the blind filter.
Therefore, the coffee boiler pressure will not drop when the set screw is turned counter-
clockwise.
When pump pressure exceeds approximately 12 Bar, the expansion valve will open.
Increasing the pump pressure further will not result in higher coffee boiler pressure.
Do not set the operational pressure above 9 Bar since this will reduce the life-span of
valves, etc. in your Speedster dramatically.
Set screw

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 15
Cleaning the machine
Remove filter basket
Materials needed
1. Wide screw driver (or back end of teaspoon)
Procedure
1. Remove the filter holder.
2. Pry the filter basket (e.g. with a teaspoon) from the filter holder (see figure 8).
3. When remounting the filter basket, make sure the spring snaps into the basket.
Figure 8. Pry filter basket from filter holder with e.g. tea spoon.
Filter holder
Remove the filter basket from the filter holder and clean it with a little washing up liquid
and plastic scouring pad. Place the metal part of the filter holder for 10 minutes in a
solution of 1 tablespoon of coffee dissolving powder in hot water. The plastic handle will
corrode in this solution and should thus be kept out of the solution.
Beware!
Never clean the filter holder in a dish washer as dish washer detergent will ruin it.
Steam wand
Milk easily sticks to the hot surface of the steam wand and tip and eventually leaves
baked on remains. Therefore, the steam wand and tip should be cleaned with a damp
cloth directly after each use. Do not use this cloth for anything else than the steam
wand.
Beware!
Immediately after steaming milk you should flush the steam wand with a little steam.
This will prohibit milk creeping into the pipe, and even into the valve house, through the
so called capillary rise.
Flushing also prevents the 4 holes in the tip to clog. In the event that clogging occurs,
place the end of the steam wand and tip for several minutes in a glass of hot water. The
remains will soften and can be wiped off easily. NEVER scrape, grind or cut the steam
wand or tip since it leads to avoidable damage.

USER MANUAL
Speedster page 16
Body
The outside of the machine can be cleaned with window cleaner in a hand spray flask in
combination with a soft, often washed, cotton cloth. When the machine is turned “on” it
will be warm and you have to work swiftly to prevent stripes: spray and immediately rub.
Lift the drip tray grill from the machine and clean it with washing up liquid and a sponge.
Activate the group (without filter holder placed) or let the hot water tap run for a
moment and use a brush to push remains into the drain.
To prevent clogging of the drain hose pour, as often as needed (with regular use once
every 2 days), one teaspoon of coffee dissolving powder into the drain and flush it with
some hot water down the drain.
Back flush group
Back flushing cleans the group and conduits from coffee residue which influences the
taste of the extraction since fresh (hot) water is transported to the coffee bed through
these parts. It is advised to back flush the group at least once a day and when
intensively used several times per day. A blind filter is a filter basket without perforations
in the bottom.
Materials needed
Plastic group brush (included in shipment)
Blind filter (included in shipment)
Coffee dissolving powder (included in shipment)
Wide screw driver (or back end of teaspoon)
Procedure
1. Remove the filter holder, activate the pump (lever in lower position) and flush the
group for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Clean the group screen and rubber group seal with the plastic group brush.
3. Pry the filter basket (e.g. with a teaspoon) from the filter holder (see figure 8)
and replace it with the blind filter.
4. Scoop 1 teaspoon of coffee dissolving powder in the blind filter and place the filter
holder in the group.
5. Activate the pump until full 9 Bar pressure is reached (lever in lower position for
approximately 5 seconds) and shut off the pump (lever in upper position).
6. Wait for approximately 3 seconds (the pre-infusion cylinder should have time to
empty) then activate the pump again for approximately 5 seconds.
7. Repeat the last step 9 times (wait 3 seconds, activate pump 5 seconds).
8. Remove the filter holder from the group, clean the blind filter by flushing it under
the tap, activate the pump for approximately 5 seconds to remove possible
powder from the group screen.
9. Repeat step 6 (3 seconds pump “off”, 5 seconds pump “on”) 4 times but remove
the filter holder and pour out remaining liquids between each flush.
Note!
Removing the filter holder is essential to prevent remnants of cleaning powder to
settle between the plunger and housing of the 3-way group valve.
10. Pry the blind filter from the filter holder and replace the filter basket.

MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Speedster page 17
Maintenance
Below is the recommended maintenance scheme followed by a description of how the
individual maintenance items should be carried out. Up to one year, the maintenance is
easy and does not require any technical knowledge. However, checking and replacing
parts inside the machine should be done with care and requires some technical skills.
Recommended maintenance scheme
Daily (depending on use, see description in previous section)
Clean filter holder
Clean steam wand
Backflush group
Weekly
Clean group dispersion plate
Clean group screen
Clean filter holder
Every 3 months
Re-generate water softener
Check pump pressure
Check and replace if necessary:
rubber group seal
group screen
filter basket
filter holder clip
Every 6 months
Replace rubber group seal
Check anti-vacuum valve for leakage
Check safety-valve on hot water/steam boiler for leakage
Check expansion valve on heat-exchanger system
Check O-ring and spring in progressive pre-infusion cylinder, grease O-ring and
piston shaft
Every 12 months
Replace:
group screen
filter basket
filter holder clip
Replace anti-vacuum valve
Grease steam wand ball and check play between nut and ball of steam wand;
replace nut if necessary
Check restrictor in group on scale build-up
Every 2 years
Rebuild steam valve
Clean probes, level and safety
Every 5 years:
Replace all solenoid valves

MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Speedster page 18
Replace group seal
The group seal is made out of rubber and will harden in time. We advise to replace the
group seal at least every 6 months or more often when needed.
Materials needed
Wide flat screw driver (or back end of a fork or spoon)
Replacement rubber group seal
Procedure
1. Pry the group screen gently from the group using a wide screw driver as lever
under bayonet-ring and against the side of the group screen (see figure 9a). Pry
left and right for even distribution of force. The screen will fall out together with
the rubber group seal.
2. Remove the rubber group seal from the group screen.
3. One side of the rubber group seal has a somewhat more rounded surface. When
replacing the rubber group seal, make sure the rounded side of the ring is
inserted into the group (facing upwards). Push the group seal not all the way to
the end of the group screen (see figure 9b).
4. Remove the filter basket from the filter holder. Place group screen with rubber
group seal on the filter holder and insert into group, pushing upwards. Turn filter
holder in bayonet, then remove filter holder.
5. Insert the filter basket to the filter holder. Turn into the group to finish pressing
the rubber group seal into the group.
Figure 9a (left). Pry left and right with screwdriver to remove group screen and rubber
group seal.
Figure 9b (right). Mount group screen with empty filter holder and group ring not pushed
all the way on the group screen.
Clean group dispersion plate.
The group dispersion plate ensures more uniform wetting of the coffee bed. When dirty,
the wetting will become less uniform.
Materials needed
Wide flat screw driver (or back end of a fork or spoon)
Screw driver no.2
procedure
1. Remove group screen with rubber group seal.
2. Turn out 2 screws holding black POM dispersion plate (see figure 10).
3. Pull down black dispersion plate.

MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Speedster page 19
4. Clean all.
Beware! Do not scrub the POM dispersion plate as it will scratch easily.
5. Re-install.
Figure 10. Shows dispersion plate mounted with 2 screws (left) and dispersion plate
removed from group (right).
Regenerate water softener
All tap water contains dissolved elements, one of which is calcium carbonate. While an
increase in temperature normally leads to better dissolution of elements, precipitation of
calcium carbonate (scale) is favoured by high temperatures. Scale in your machine will
inevitably lead to costly repairs and may eventually cause your machine to break down.
To avoid the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the tap water in your Speedster, a
water softener is included in your shipment to capture the calcium carbonate before it
reaches your machine. We urge you to never use your Speedster without a properly
functioning water softener.
Calcium carbonate is taken out of your tap water and stored in the water softener (also
called: ion exchanger) which will decrease its proper functioning. By regenerating the
water softener the calcium carbonate is expelled from the water softener thus restoring
its proper functioning. For assurance, the water softener delivered to you was
regenerated in our shop before shipment.
How quickly the functioning of your water softener decreases depends mainly on the
quality of your tap water and the amount of use. We advise you to regenerate your water
softener at least every 3 months, more often is never wrong.
Warning!
During regeneration the water supply to your machine is cut off, therefore you must shut
down your machine before regenerating the water softener.