Okay, so as some of you know I'm neck deep in a 2AV rebuild, which has gone "okay" so far.

A little background on the machine: La Marzocco - 2AV - 1997 - Single original owner, purchased new for a small Cafe in Lenox, Mass. She ran the business for about 2 years, with what appears to be minimal use on the machine. Cafe went under, she kept the machine and stored it in her basement. Jump ahead about 10 years to a few weeks ago when I was trolling around Craigslist for a Linea. Came across a post saying nothing more than "La Marzocco - Commercial espresso machine for sale - make offer" After a few emails back and forth to find out what it is, and what they wanted for it, I made an offer. (I won't tell you what I offered, as it might make some jealous ) Drove to Mass., picked up the machine, and returned home. I was told when I purchased the machine that it had an electrical problem, but they couldn't tell me what it was. (I found a popped fuse in the brain, I think it would be amazing if that was the only issue....)

Some photos of the machine here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24903269@N...732398271/
Although I have not updated the photos since I've started putting the machine back together.

So to the reason I posted this thread, other than to show off my new toy: Some questions:

1: Need to pressure test the entire assembly. Is there any easy way to go about this?

2: Any way to test the pump prior to first use? I've found that everything rotates freely, but I'd prefer to turn it on and make sure water is moving before flipping the switch on the machine.

3: Bought a PID, but prefer to test the machine "as built" first, to work out any kinks, this way I know they are not related to the PID, good idea or should I pop the PID in an run with it?

4: I don't have plumbing near my one and only 220v outlet (in my basement, in a boiler room... nothing like making coffee in a dungeon) So I've read it is not necessary to use to use a Flo-jet, but I need to set the brain to turn on pump during auto-fill? Can anyone point me in the right direction?

5: Anything else I've forgotten? I'm new to the world of Commercial machines, and rebuilding, first timer. I have a Quickmill Anita, as you can see in some of the photos. Any words of Wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Just arrived home.

Strip Down.

Clean up.

Starting to reassemble.
Thank you! (Sorry so long)

As I've started my own project on an Elektra I have been doing some reading before I really do anything in August (won't have time until then). A big one is to make sure you don't burn up the heating element. I don't know if there's a switch on there to turn on the pump without the element, so you can fill the boiler first, but that's what you want to do. Alternately, just disconnect power from the element, then fill the boiler if the pump works.

I've read threads on La Marzocco restorations as well as the Elektras, you may want to do the same as there's a lot of good general info not specific to each brand, stuff like info about pumps, how to repair leaks, etc.

Looks like a cool project, good luck!

J -

Very nice. I applaud you for your skill and, more important, your patience with this project. In response to your questions:
1. Yes, see below.



For this purpose, I would simply fill the tank with NYC tap water and keep the power switch in position I (no power to the heating elements).

2. Rig the pump up with a DPST switch and simply let it recirculate water from and to the purchased reservoir.

3. MOST DEFINITELY, completely test and operate the machine "as built" first.

4. I don't think you need to do anything to the "brain" but I defer to others more knowledgeable. AFAIK, this machine does not have any sensor to detect line pressure.

5. Your Anita and grinder installation duplicates mine - good choice - er - including the thermometer.

Everman,

Thank you for the reply, those types of threads are actually the reason why I took on this project. The Linea has a switch which will leave the heating elements off fortunately, as erics points out in his reply.

Erics,

Thanks for the info, good idea with a reservoir, but whats a DPST switch? (Sorry if that is a dumb question)

You said "see below" for the pressure testing, which part am I looking at? Sorry i'm a bit new, maybe bit off more than I can chew with this rebuild.

As for the Anita, your actually the reason why I have the Anita. I've read many of your posts, along with reviews, and I thought it was a great economical and practical choice. I love it personally, but I think the Linea may take over when I get it up and running. Although, I can't bring company to my dungeon to make them coffee.

DPST is double pole, single throw, basically a toggle switch, On/Off (thats the single throw) that switches 2 circuits (double pole)

BTW, great looking machine, I always thought If I came across a commercial machine like that I would sure try to get it going, nice job...

Most importantly, Which fuse was blown?

Very nice. Too bad these La Marzocco machines are really rare in Holland (as far as I can see at least oO)

But I definitely will be checking out this thread and your lovely album again Good luck!

You said "see below" for the pressure testing, . . .

Just letting the pump take suction from a reservoir, either with a direct connection (hardware store parts) or draping the hose into the reservoir similar to Anita except much larger hose.

I'd would also use this opportunity to set the expansion valve (12 bar or whatever LM specs out) and also purchase some new o-rings for the pump's pressure adjustment screw depending on the pump brand. That pump looks like a standard bypass Procon (red nameplate label - ) and they might sell these small items direct.

How about flushing boilers with a self-made venting device? - I realize everything was dipped but assembly can put little gicleur clogging particles in the wrong spots.

How about testing steam boiler safety valve (2.50 bar?) with a small, pressure regulated air compressor?

ANeat,

Thank you for clarification on the DPST it was the acronym that threw me off.

DurWiler,

The small tube fuse. Is there another one? I did some quick research, is that just for the Auto-fill?

Tpg,

Linea's aren't as rare here, but finding one that cheap enough is a little more difficult. They retain their value really well. I picked this up for a 1/3rd the price of my Anita though.

Erics,

Once again, thank you for the advice. I was actually trying to figure out a way to flush the boilers not that they are all assembled, I haven't installed the .06 Gicleurs yet, but plan too.
I replaced the safety valve, with a new one, should I still test it? Does testing it do anything to its integrity?

Some more questions with hopes that someone will have answers:

1: Loctite? Is it necessary on any parts? I see on the older Not WELDED studs, you should use Loctite 573 on the gasket. I have the welded studs, and I'm using the paper gasket, is the Loctite necessary? Is it necessary anywhere else? I did see green compound a few components, but I can't for the life of me remember which, and have no photos of them. Heating element?

2: Lubricant: Steam valves need lubricant, my guess is around the stem, should it be anywhere else? Anywhere else other than the steam valves on the machine?

3: I found on a http://marzocco.yemanha.de/ that he manually opened the solenoid valves to test for leaks, before even putting electronics back in. Anyone know how to do this?

I'm at this point, just before putting the wiring back in, and honestly, hesitant, feel like things have gone to smoothly haha.