I recently purchased a fixer-upper. It's a Cimbali Bistro. I am planning to take the machine to a pro for an overhaul. Right now I have a few questions.

The first is that there is some sort of device with tube to the left of the group head. It's NOT the steam wand (that's on the right side of the group head) What exactly is its purpose?

Another question is that it won't fit on my kitchen counter (cabinets are too low). I am considering putting it in my rec room in the basement (plumbing it in would be very easy there), but I need something sturdy -- shelving or a cart or something -- to place it on.) Where could I find something that would be ideal for this machine.

Next, this machine is, once again, a fixer-upper. It's going to need to have the boiler cleaned out, probably some valves replaced, new heating elements, etc. to get it in good working order. A local Cimbali repair guy has recommended a complete overhaul. What's a fair price for that kind of service?

I will also need to clean up the outside and would like to touch up some paint as well. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!!!!

I am guessing you saw this over on Coffeetime.

And if you are planning on keeping it, do the service yourself. You will learn more in a week than you might in several years.

-C

agreed with -C
plus have all that job done by a professional most likely is going to cost you a LOT of money.

do it yourself and be proud

Juanjo

CRCasey wrote:I am guessing you saw this over on Coffeetime.

And if you are planning on keeping it, do the service yourself. You will learn more in a week than you might in several years.

-C

No, actually I hadn't seen that; thanks for sending it my way.

Now as far as doing it myself: I'm a do-it-yourself kind of guy. I like the sense of accomplishment. But I haven't the foggiest idea of how to go about fixing this machine. I mean it sounds good, but where do I start?

The first thing I think I'll need to do is to clean up the boiler, which from what I hear involves dipping it in acid. OK, so I have no acid, nothing in which to dip it, and how do I responsibly dispose of the acid once I'm done?

Then I'm pretty sure the valves will need to all be replaced....

you can buy the citric acid here
http://www.dudadiesel.com/other_chemicals.php
and this http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1 ... ogId=10053 should fit your boiler easily.


take pictures from every angle while taking the machine apart.. that helps at the time of putting things back together.

ohh,
if you need parts for the Cimbali check this guys..
http://www.cafeparts.com/Espresso%20Mac ... imbali.asp
pretty sure they have everything you may need.


good luck and have fun

I'm still a little leery of this whole thing, but I've made some progress tearing the M31 down. I've realized now that I need a flare wrench set to take apart the tubing, so I went ahead and ordered a metric one (I would assume I need metric.)

Next thing I'm wanting to know is how can I check the valves to see if they work, and do I need to replace them; they're awfully expensive on cafeparts -- about $75 apiece. This machine has a bazillion of them. Or is there some way to repair the valves if they aren't working.

cyclones wrote:I'm still a little leery of this whole thing, but I've made some progress tearing the M31 down. I've realized now that I need a flare wrench set to take apart the tubing, so I went ahead and ordered a metric one (I would assume I need metric.)

Next thing I'm wanting to know is how can I check the valves to see if they work, and do I need to replace them; they're awfully expensive on cafeparts -- about $75 apiece. This machine has a bazillion of them. Or is there some way to repair the valves if they aren't working.

The electrical coils are quite heavy duty for the way they are used and usually will not fail.

The main problem will be sticking of the valve slide in the body and the build up of scale on the face of the valve seat. The ruby valve seal will almost never fail.

To clean up the valve, remove the coil by unbolting it from the side of the body, tear the valve down and descale it until everything is clean and moves freely.

Since you have not torn one of these down before have your trusty camera on hand for documentation and memory assistance. All of the valves except the 3 way by the head should be the same, but double check to be sure.

-Cecil

OK, well here's what I've got... I took apart one of the many valves that looked the same. It wasn't too bad. Just took off the coil and then the 4 screws. I've got some pictures here. Now I need the flare wrench to go further... there is some sort of washer type device in here... see pictures.

OK; question: is there supposed to be a spring in here, because I didn't find one.
EDIT: ok, I found it. It dropped out but I've got it.

Also, the second valve looks very clean... almost nothing in it. It was up towards the front, near the group head. None of that green stuff residue; anyone know what that is?

lime scale with copper-oxide mixed in which is why it is green. It needs a heavy descale. You would be best off to remove all the tubing and soak it in a tub of descale solution.