Install and Adjust the Flow Control Device on Profitec and ECM Machines

This guide shows how to install a flow control device on ECM and Profitec E61-group machines. You’ll remove the stock mushroom and lower valve, swap in the included stiffer infusion spring, fit the new flow-control mushroom with needle valve and cap, install and clock the brew-pressure gauge, and perform leak checks and startup verification. Beginner: Comfortable using basic hand tools, removing and reinstalling group components, and checking for leaks. Adjustable wrench (mouth wrapped with electrical tape to protect finishes)5 mm Allen wrenchShop towel or ragBlind filter/disc for testingOptional: Small hammer or the blunt end of a wrench (for lightly flattening a seal if needed), PTFE/Teflon tape (sparingly, for gauge threads if required)Power down, unplug, and let the machine fully cool. Hot components and pressurized hot water can cause burns.Warning: Never work on a hot machine. Ensure the group is cool to the touch.If plumbed in, close the water supply valve.Warning: Removing the mushroom/valve with the supply on can spray water.Raise and lower the brew lever a couple of times to drop the water level in the group cavity (reduces mess).Protect finishes: wrap the wrench jaws with electrical tape (“sacrificial hand” technique) to avoid marring.Remove the top mushroom.Loosen with an adjustable wrench (protect faceplate), then spin off by hand.Pull off the entire mushroom, including its Teflon seal. (New assembly includes its own seals.)Remove lower valve cap (bottom of group).Loosen (remember orientation is inverted; expect spring tension).Support the part as the last thread disengages to keep it from popping/falling.Remove the lower valve and original infusion spring.Remove the front bleeder screw (5 mm Allen) from the group face.Retrieve the white Teflon seal that may remain in the port; save it.You’ll use the gauge with a green O-ring and white seal, but that spare seal can help fine-tune gauge clocking later.Place the new, stiffer infusion spring on the lower valve.The new spring is slightly thicker and noticeably stiffer (prevents the valve from cracking open when flow control is fully open).Lift the lever so the cam faces up to ease spring compression.Press the spring/valve assembly into the lower group and start the threads carefully by hand.Close the lever and snug the cap with the adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.Verify there’s a white Teflon seal seated in the upper group port.With the flow-control mushroom assembly prepped, press down and start the threads by hand; snug with a wrench.Tighten firmly but don’t crush Teflon seals; you can snug again later if needed.Close the needle valve fully (turn clockwise gently).Caution: Do not over-tighten the needle. Mashing the needle into the jet can pull the jet when reopening and limit range of motion.Install the top cap/knob with ~credit-card gap between the cap and the mushroom top.This prevents scraping and ensures you can reach true “no-flow” when fully closed.Check the range of motion end-to-end.Start simple: fit the gauge using one green O-ring + one white PTFE seal.Hand-thread only—go slow to avoid cross-threading. Stop when snug.Assess clocking. If the gauge isn’t level/upright, adjust by trying:Only the O-ring, only the PTFE, or both;The spare white seal you saved.Lightly flattening a seal (gentle taps) to fine-tune thickness;Very sparing PTFE tape near the base of the gauge threads (keep tape away from the group’s internal passages).Caution: Loose PTFE strands can block tiny orifices in the group. Use minimally and keep it toward the outermost thread start.Use the reservoir for the test (even if normally plumbed). Fill the tank.Keep the machine cold for initial checks. Insert a blind disc and raise the lever.Observe: No water should leak at the top mushroom, gauge, or lower cap.If dry, restore normal setup and heat the machine.Watch during warm-up; thermal expansion can reveal slow leaks.If you see a weep at the top, lightly snug the mushroom.If the gauge weeps, revisit the seal stackup/clocking combinations above.Once leak-free, you’re ready to use flow control.The stiffer infusion spring is required so the lower valve stays sealed when the needle valve is opened widely.If you ever over-closed the needle and pulled the jet, there are fixes—avoid by closing gently.ECM vs Profitec: only the faceplate color differs for this procedure.

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