This product saved my fully automatic espresso machine. I wish I had been using it regularly for years.
I thought that these tubes would be smaller (especially considering the low price), but they are actually rather large. So, I now have a lifetime supply of an excellent quality food grade grease to keep my fully automatic espresso machine running like new. I took apart my 12-year-old Delonghi Magnifica fully automatic espresso machine because it was making absolutely horrible noises. Granted, it's an old machine, and I had gotten my money's worth out of it many time over. So, I was about to junk it. In addition to the absolutely terrible noises it was making, it was starting to freeze up and get stuck mid-cycle. The creaking, groaning and squealing noises coming from the machine made me think it was about to explode. Nevertheless, I thought I might be able to extend its life with some lubrication. It was at least worth a try. After pulling the machine apart, I realized that the jackscrew that is the heart of the transmission had absolutely no grease left on it at all. Furthermore, the infuser was so lacking in lubrication that I literally had to use a large dowel to press down on cylinder before I could even get it to budge. I finally got the infuser loosened up enough to take it apart (you can find instructions for doing this on youtube, as well as very clear instructions for removing the machine covers for access to the internal parts). I was then able to remove the O-rings that go around the infuser cylinder and clean everything up with hot soapy water. Next, I applied a liberal amount of the Petro Gel grease all over the sides of the infuser cylinder and the O-rings, and then I put everything back together. To lubricate the transmission jackscrew, I unscrewed the slider (which holds the infuser)--there are just two screws holding the slider--and then I used a 1/2-wide paint brush to apply a very liberal amount of the grease all along the jackscrew. I then reassembled the machine and ran the descaling cycle (without descaling solution) to really rinse out the machine. The machine now works and sounds like it did when it was brand new out of the box over 12 years ago. This Petrol Gel grease is a bargain and can really extend the life of your fully automatic espresso machine. What an excellent product. I now plan on lubricating the infuser cylinder about every four to six months and the jackscrew once a year. In fact, one can lubricate the jackscrew without even taking the machine apart. Just open the door, remove the two screws holding the slider, and use a paintbrush to get at the jackscrew. Read more
