leaky steam valve (Synchronika)

[loud moth]

Over time my Synchronika steam valve has stopped sealing up immediately once the joystick is back to center and valve should be closed. This means it continues to shed steam and dribble a bit post steaming. It eventually seals but takes 15-30 seconds. Curious if there’s something serviceable in this valve that I can replace?

Here is the parts diagram, but I haven’t pulled this apart so I’m not entirely sure how it works looking at it.

[mortal mason]

Part 3 is whatever seals the steam off.

It could also be due to the steam pressure being close to the spring force. Either because your steam pressure is set to 2.5 bar or your spring is getting weaker

I find the synchronika being notorious for super weak steaming power compared to the pressure, I’m not sure if it’s because of the internal tubes, valve or the wand

Whatever you’re showing also could be because there’s a ‘blockage’ (restriction/ factory..) in the wand

And there’s residual pressure in the wand which takes a short while

[loud moth]

Thanks @mortal mason - my understanding after some research is that part 3 seat can get messed up after a few years. I’m gonna replace it and see what happens. Agree with you on the weak steam power though!

[mortal mason]

You could try lubing or turning over the Viton seal in #3 for a quick check

The back side is like new probably, but getting it out is hard, the little protruding square can be turned off (it’s threaded) but often breaks

And if you’re rebuilding the levers with new seals, also get seals 11 & all the ball joint seals

And some loxeal no4 or Molykote (111? Not sure)