Hi,

I just pick up a 2 Group Linea EE. Date on the plate says 2003 Dec machine.

It's the machine with the group welded to the boiler

It's in pretty good condition.

I will be stripping it down to clean it up and doing some upgrade.

I have few questions.

1) What is the best heating element gasket? I see
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/P_ ... LR360.html
http://www.cafeparts.com/productDetail1 ... emID=53423
http://www.cafeparts.com/productDetail1 ... emID=48989

2) For the steam wand, does it suck up alot of milk? Would Anti-siphon be any good?
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/MZ ... _Wand.html
Can I just tap and install a normal Anti-siphon on the existing wand?

3) There are 3 choices for the Steam boiler safety valve. OEM, aftermarket and aftermarket certified.
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/MZ ... _L180.html
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/V_ ... Valve.html
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/V_ ... Valve.html
Which one do you recommend? Also should i replace the old one? It looks pretty new, what's the best way to test it.

4) The Piero group mod, is it worth it? Does it make that much of difference? Can i just mod 1 group?
http://www.espressoparts.com/product/MZ ... 940EE.html

5) The closing valve on the steam boiler, it looks like Red locktite was used? Is that correct?

6) The machine state that it uses 220/230v, Will it also work with 208v? What need to be change? Or do i need to get the transformer.

7) When threading the Safety valve, Anti-siphon valve, should i use the teflon tape or plumber paste.

8.) I will put PID for the brew boiler, does it make sense to put PID on the steam boiler? That would get rid of pressurestat etc...

9) What is the prefered portafilter? The original with 15 degree rubber handle or aftermarket one.

10) Does any have the downloadable manual and troubleshooting guide?

thanks
Steve

1) The first one.

2) Doesn't suck up a lot of milk if you're thoughtful - but the anti-syphon is nice to have (just in case).

3) Ask Terry and the guys at EspressoParts for their thoughts.

4) Yes. Yes you could, but I'd do 'em all.

5) see #3 above.

6) I have no idea - but I'm sure a dozen people here will have answers (also see #3 above).

7) again, see #3.

8) No. Just on the brew boiler.

9) I (personally) prefer the rubber handled 15degree.

concerning question 10 (Linea Troubleshooting Guide a.k.a. the Orange Book).

I ordered one a couple of months ago from EPNW, but they're apparently out of print. Checked Amazon, eBay, CL, the Google ... no luck.

Does anyone have an electronic version or even a hardcover version laying around that they'd be willing to sell?

Like when I buy a car, I like to get the Chilton book before something goes wrong so I can fix it right away.

Thanks,

It looks at though EspressoParts was provided with a certain amount of Orange Books. I first saw it on a Tweet, and then I saw it here, in the MarketPlace. Their website lists it.

I actually have found a 2group av as well, so Ive been looking at prices on parts and various things needed/wanted for rebuilds...

Anyway, my point..

Espresso Parts Sells rebuild kits for the Linea/FB70. They have a couple different ones, "basic", "standard" and "deluxe". Might be worth getting one of those, depending on which things you need. Though I imagine, if you compile a list of everything you need and call them for the whole order at once(or the majority) they might be able to work out some kind of deal.. But I'm just guessing here, wishful thinking for myself as well


Deluxe Kit
Standard Kit
Basic Kit

The Deluxe and Standard come with the Orange book.. The basic does not.


And...If I might ask a side question....

Ive been leisurely searching for a 1/2group linea, preferably EE, but AV is cool with me too. I've found a 2grp about 2hrs from me, with bolt-on groups. All welds in-tact, and machine works, but its needs a strip-down for me to be happy with it. Main question.. Is it "easier" to work with the welded or bolted group/boiler setups, or is it a non-issue, so to speak?

OK.. done stealing the thread.

Have fun with the restoration!