To all who are following this thread (especially the OP), I have some definite advice: the group head needs to be cleaned, and if it is a machine that was not super well maintained (like the OP's machine), you will need a hammer and a screwdriver to remove the old gasket! I removed mine this morning, and the dispersion screen was completely plugged with gunk, and the gasket was ROCK HARD. Be warned, this is not a job for the squeamish... Good thing I ordered a new dispersion screen and gasket from Astra this week!

I HAVE MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE ASTRA SEMI-AUTOMATIC, INCLUDING COMPLETE REBUILDING. REPLACE YOUR GROUP GASKETS EVERY 6-8 MONTHS IF YOU LEAVE YOUR MACHINE ON ALL THE TIME. THE HOT HEAD COOKS THE RUBBER AND MAKES IT BRITTLE. IF YOU TURN IT OFF, PERIODICALLY CHECK THE GASKET'S SOFTNESS BY USING THE PORTA FILTER. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE A WATER SOFTENER. IF YOU DO NOT YOU WILL END UP REPLACING PARTS VERY FAST. EVEN THE HEATERS WILL CORRODE QUICKLY. TO CLEAN THE HEAD, I USE AUTOMATIC DISH WASHING POWDER. WORKS VERY WELL, IS COST EFFECTIVE AND IS CHEMICALLY SIMILAR TO COMMERCIAL CLEANERS. GOOD LUCK