Hello-
I just picked up a Linea AV 2 group machine. It was pulled from working order at a college campus, but it surely needs attention.
Boy do I have a lot of questions, and after seeing the impressive rebuilds people are doing here I am scared about digging into this thing with no real knowledge of the mechanics of espresso machines.
I have worked as a barista, so I know how to use this machine. I have done some small engine repair, so taking things apart and putting them back together is in the realm of my experiences.

-I'm not sure of the year. the ser # appears to be 14434

-Are there scans of this Orange Maintenance guide I've been hearing about?

-Are there other Linea owners, Service Techs, or new parts in New England?

-Where do I start?

Thanks

The search engine on this site should be your friend. Using the key word "Linea" returns this:
http://www.home-barista.com/forums/search.php?keywords=linea&terms=all&author=&sf=all&sr=topics&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search
AFAIK, the Orange Book, aka Linea Espresso Machine Troubleshooting Guide, is only available in hard cover. Scanning those pages would be quite a task for anyone.

Todd's La Marzocco Find...What have I gotten into! will give you a good idea of what's involved, though yours won't need the "extreme measures" he faced. Paul Pratt's espresso restorations has helpful advice, e.g., thoughts on restoring vintage machines.

If the machine is in working order, there might not be that much you need to do.
At least to get it up and running.

Give it a good clean. Either by getting your hands dirty. Vacuuming, wet cloth, toothbrush etc.
Or you could just take all the panels off. Remove the cronos touch pads, cpu and the fan and hose it down with a pressure washer. Dry it of with an air compressor.
The electronics shouldn't take any harm from this.

Or just connect it to a water source and power, and fire it up.
Obvious leaks to look for are group head gaskets, solenoids, steam wands.

I can send you the linea tech manual and installation guide by mail if you are interested.

Thanks for the offer Martian, but I don't think I have time for this project right now.
Since it is a 10 year old machine it's probably time for a rebuild.
I was a little naive when purchasing this.
If any techs in New England could rebuild this or take it in trade I would be interested.
Or if someone is looking for a 2 group linea you can contact me.

If that serial number is on a plate from Italy I reckon it is a good 15+ years old. If it is on one of the ESI built machines I have no idea of the age but from the machines I have seen their serial numbers started with a letter (?).

I've rebuilt a few of these and use one in my coffeehouse everyday. As heretical as it may sound, the machine doesn't necessarily have to be clean to work properly. If I were just trying to assess it quickly I would find the closest 220v outlet and put a plug on the end of the service cord. It would be the big one. Connect the water pump to a supply. Often the best place is at the site in a house where the water and power are set for the washer and dryer. Make sure the off/fill/on switch is off. Turn the water on and see if there are any leaks without the pump pressurized. If not, plug the machine into the outlet. Turn the switch to the mid-position which will allow the level sensor to fill the machine without energizing the heating elements. Watch the sight glass to see that you have at least half the glass filled with water. If you hear the pump engage and water flow and then shut off that is a good sign. If you see at least half the sight glass covered with water then turn the switch all the way on. This will close the circuit for the heating elements. As the heating elements in the boilers are working watch for any leaks. It's not uncommon to have small leaks while the machine is heating if it has been setting for a while. Note where they are. Once the machine has reached operating temperature cycle the brew switches a few times to run some water out of the brew boiler and make sure the auto-fill is working. If that checks out put in a portafilter that is loaded and pull a shot to see how the pressure shows on the gauge. If the gauge shows pressure and the steam gauge shows pressure you have a working machine. You can then decide if you want to go back and clean it, adjust pump pressures, adjust water levels, etc. You will probably want to pull the dispersion screens and soak them to clean them or replace them. If the pf gasket isn't snug and without leaks you can replace them easily. They come in several sizes to accommodate wear on the ears of the portafilter. As long as you don't have major leaks, the auto-fill works and the manual brew buttons work you have a serviceable machine. I know of several commercial machine installs that don't even use the volumetric functions of the presets on the keypads. Just manual operations. Good luck.
Bernie

I have found a super experienced resource to help me out locally, so I have decided to keep it.
Now I'm excited to tear into this baby.

Thanks everyone