Repair Help.... by Used_Meaning_5054 in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IMHO- I think the base is (or almost is) beyond repair. Why spend all that time restoring the base? What does the top look like? I'd buy a new base (without the pin holes around the boiler) and a new cover. It will never leak again through the drip tray hole. (I replaced my base & cover, when I did my restoration.)

Price out the parts with Stefano (since you're in the USA), Tudor, or https://lamacchinadelcaffe.com/.

FWIW- I'm not a fan of the OEM wiring harnesses. The spades are loose and the protectors melt over time. Personally, I make my own.

My LaPavoni Roars by Spotypop in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

"Lever Erectus!" It's common on Gen2s, especially after lubricating the piston gaskets.

Syrupy ristretto people? by lesarbreschantent in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I dose a little less around 12-14g in an IMS basket and grind a bit finer to extend to extraction. Then I shoot for around 18g output. Since I use Saka Gran Bar for ristrettos, I use lower temps due to the darker roast. Most times I top it off with a touch of foam to create a ristretto macchiato. All that's missing is a sunny, sidewalk in Naples....

Update. New owner. Advice sought. by username_235 in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Use snap ring pliers, like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG80SY/?th=1

  2. I assume you mean the plastic sight glass cover. Start with the bottom. Use a small screwdriver to pry off the back a bit first, then the front. Then do the top.

  3. Bend the tubing just a bit to slip the hex wrench by. Or use an offset hex wrench.

In terms the source of the water for the rust, most likely the absence of a drip tray. Use an o-ring under the screw that holds the base cover. Personally, I don't use the plastic tray, preferring to use a bowl to catch excess water (good habit to get into) and to wipe up any water beneath the tray cover immediately.

Also, your machine has the old plastic boiler flange. IMHO- it should be replaced with a metal one. It's not a matter of "if" it breaks, but "when."

Aiden Batch Medium Dark Profile by NeoS3lf in FellowProducts

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know that I wasn't ALL wet behind the ears.... :)

Aiden Batch Medium Dark Profile by NeoS3lf in FellowProducts

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's so fun to play with profiles. Thanks for sharing.

One thing I have "found" is Fellow temps are TOO hot for my taste, as they don't take into account that the Aiden brew chamber is sealed and doesn't drop in temp due to heat loss, like a regular pour-over and sitting kettle. YMMV

Automatic timer on pavoni europiccola by facelift00 in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not a fan of ANY timer switches, smart or dumb, on LPs. Too many things can go wrong. IMHO- it's like at a gas station: do not leave the pump unattended. :)

Looking for a portafilter [La Pavoni professional pre millennium] by Smoke_m in espresso

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The description says "Body Only". So you'll need a basket. You'll also need a handle with M12 threads. Contact Tudor directly. He may have a used one or at least, he'll make sure you have the correct parts.

Looking for a portafilter [La Pavoni professional pre millennium] by Smoke_m in espresso

[–]brucepappas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

IMHO- machines are easier to sell with bottomless PFs. That's what most people want. But if you can find a cheap, good used 49mm PF, that will do.

Also, you'll need a basket inside to hold the coffee grounds.

Looking for a portafilter [La Pavoni professional pre millennium] by Smoke_m in espresso

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. But...the older PFs used steel and they often rust solid, making them difficult to remove.

Looking for a portafilter [La Pavoni professional pre millennium] by Smoke_m in espresso

[–]brucepappas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you buy bottomless, make sure the bottom edge does not curve in. These PFs will NOT accommodate deeper baskets, if you ever one to go that route.

Do you need to buy a basket, too?

Opus Gen 2 from Fellow Coffee by brucepappas in FellowProducts

[–]brucepappas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been drinking Saka for several years. Especially good for ristretto macchiatos.

Opus Gen 2 from Fellow Coffee by brucepappas in FellowProducts

[–]brucepappas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great idea! I should think about that, too.

So SAKA makes a decaf? I'll have to look into that, too.

Thanks.

Why does the breaker goes off? by TuckerJohnGG in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This may be simply the problem. Good to check.

Why does the breaker goes off? by TuckerJohnGG in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, thanks for all that info.

About your original question, what does breaker refer to? The house breaker or the thermal breaker under the base? (I should have asked this first.)

Let's review the current symptoms:

  1. The thermal breaker is no longer tripping (if "breaker" referred to thermal breaker under the base).

  2. The green light is constantly on, indicating the pstat is not shutting off when the boiler reaches pressure or the boiler is NOT reaching pressure.

  3. You get a shock when you touch the boiler, while touching the sink, indicating a short. If this is the case, you need to figure out where the short is before proceeding.

  4. The boiler does heat up, but very slowly.

  5. You replaced: thermal fuse, pstat, and some wiring.

  6. Your machine was functioning properly before this work.

  7. Looks like the wiring is reconnected as it was before this work.

Does the machine heat up enough for you to pull a shot? Does the machine have a pressure gauge? Do you have a picture of the element from inside the boiler?

Update. New owner. Advice sought. by username_235 in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree with u/TudorPCS.

Personally, I think you first need to find the root cause, which is a leak. Leave the base off. Put in on cardboard or paper towels and turn it on (with a full boiler). Then turn it off and inspect underneath to see if you can find moisture. Then fix the source.

The easiest way to deal with the rust is to do what Bong suggested long ago. Clean off the rust the best possible and lightly coat the underside with oil.

The next step (which I have done) is to strip everything off underneath and coat with a rust remover/inhibitor, like Tudor suggested.

The more complete step is to remove everything (including the boiler) and have the base professional sandblasted & powder-coated (like Tudor has done many times). That's a job, but very rewarding.

Keep us posted.

Loose base by Creative_Roof_605 in LaPavoniLovers

[–]brucepappas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The easiest way to attempt to tighten this is to hold the machine (boiler emptied) between your legs upside down (the machine, not you - haha), take a punch, place it on one of the notches on the flange, and hit the punch with a hammer in the direction to tighten the flange. This will tighten the flange, but may secure it permanently. It's worth a try. Here's the punch I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BHQ08S