Rancilio silvia machind struggles to push water thru coffee , coffee coarse grind as well as very fine, very little coffe comming thru , sounds like machine is struggling. afriend has the same machine . his seems to have more pressure than mine. there is a pressure setting , not sure if I must ajust this.

If your machine is recent it is a v3 which comes with an adhustable over pressure valve. It is possible to test the pressure (without the expense of a gauge) be using the balnking disc and measuring flow with a measuring jug (or scales) and a watch. check the make of pump and google for it - the Rancilio site also has the data flow rates for the pumps used. If you get the correct flow rate - the machine is fine and it comes down to grind and tamp... the stuff of alt.coffee and countless forums. Also have your freind use his coffee in your machine and see if he gets different results to you.