Just received my 1991 Olympia Cremina

[Avi Fischer]

I am delighted to join this interesting site. Searching for a lever machine on e-bay (I have had a LaPavoni Europiccola for several years) my eyes caught sight of the Olympia Cremina. I then came across this site. Steve Robinson's rebuild of his '67 was done with such love for the machine and its product, that even though I had to pay more than he would have recommended, I decided to take the plunge (I apologize for driving the price up, but...). The unit arrived yesterday and I was delighted to find that it is in pristine condition, little evidence of use. It was purchased at Zabar's September of 1991 for $395! (they sent me the original receipt) There is not a spec of rust or damage to the paint or the chrome, although I can see that the gaskets are a bit dry, so I took Steve's advise to others and ordered a set from 1st line. One interesting finding is the drip tray is made of plastic...any one seen that before? also, is there a delicate way to remove the plug that covers the steam knob?. I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out the system here. The quality and simplicity of construction of this machine.......amazing. I truly think that these units will become collector items....

[bobcraige]

Congratulations on your new purchase. They are wonderful machines.

Removing the plug on the steam knob is easy. Simply push in on the cover off center with your thumb and the cover will pop up on the opposite side-now simply lift it out.

It is curious that the drip tray is plastic, I have not seen a plastic one. Please post some photos so we may see.

What is the serial number? The fist two digits ususally indicate the year of manufacture.

Actually, I think they are already collectors items.

[Avi Fischer]

thank you Bob for your suggestion. Besides the original reciept, the serial number begins with 91. I have a suspicion that the plastic tray was a short lived attempt to cut production costs...you know the company was sold a year later in 1992, but I have not seen any post with this tray. I'll try to post some pictures this coming weekend

Avi

[Avi Fischer]

You can see the plastic drip tray in this image. This is from the E-bay post. I now know how to post.....more coming soon.

[Avi Fischer]

My excitement at seeing the exterior of the machine was short lived as I disassembled the unit in preparation for replacing the gaskets. All the gaskets were rock hard and adherent just as S. Robinson describes. I used his technique to remove them (drill through the gasket, then gently pry it off) that worked great. All the metal parts are in good shape, so I am still optimistic. I am reluctant to open the water tank, but I see that it has a moderate buildup of scale. I was thinking of using a mild solution of citric acid to soak it, rather then try to open and clean it mechanically, Would that be a sound method? Do you recommend replacing all the gaskets periodically or replacing the group head gaskets enough? I realize that many of these questions have answers in other threads, I'll keep looking, and understand if you don't feel like answering. Thanks.



Just adding a photo of the diasembled and cleaned grouphead and few other parts

[mogogear]

Avi,

Don't be scared of your boiler. But do try to descale with it in first. That way you can flush descaler through the entire machine. I have a 1981- same color as yours, maybe- mine is 70's burnt orange.

You sound like you know how to do the descaling. Mix it up add to the boiler fill and heat it up, let it sit, powered up for 15 minutes or so and turn off. Just let it soak. Then power it up to temp again, etc maybe for about 4 cycles or so. At least thats what I did. I also flushed through the steam arm, pumped several shots through the group etc. I also removed the steam arm.
Top up the tank in between cycles. After you are happy with the degree of clean. Flush several tanks through.

Ciao!

[srobinson]

Avi, great looking machine. I has watched that one since I've been wanting to a Ferrari themed build. Now bring my fantasy to life and put a 6-speed shift knob on the end of that baby. You have a great year and with the new gaskets it should be running well shortly. I would hold off taking the base off the boiler until you have a new gasket in hand to reduce any chance of leaking. I rethought your price and think you got a pretty good deal when you factor in that you have $125 worth of double baskets there.

Please post more when you get her tuned up.

[Avi Fischer]

Thank you Steve, I have a feeling that most people following this forum are aware of the machines flowing through e-bay. So I knew I was being watched. I did think that the filter baskets were a selling point, as they retail for at least $25 each, and I like your idea of preparing them in advance and running a batch before overheating the head (I often experience that on the Pavoni). I got the gaskets today from 1st line (very quick shipping) and in no time had the unit reassembled and fired up. Seems to work well although I still would like to measure pressures. No leaks---. I misplaced my camera's cable...I will look for it tomorrow and post some photos. Thanks for your help and encouragement.

[Avi Fischer]

Here are some pictures of the newly gasketed and cleaned Oly:

[mogogear]

Your machine looks great- That red paint job is pretty Italian for a Swiss beauty!! I even questioned the seller you bought from on eBay to ask him if he would sell me a double basket cheap??? He never replied.

For what it is worth to the Oly owners - One small detail- Old La Pavoni double baskets are 49mm also- The outer lip does flare ever so slightly more than the Olympia models causing them to hang when removing the portafilter.. When I was at Home Espresso repair in Seattle last week I checked it out. Bought a few $5.00 LP baskets. Used a small tack hammer on the horn of my vise and tapped around the lip of the baskets. In a couple of minutes I had a nice fit and $20 cheaper. Line em up!!!

[Avi Fischer]

I agree the color is very Italian.....I love it..even though I think it might look better in the Brady Bunch Kitchen....remember that reddish-orange formica.....some people are saying that those colors are coming back ........

[srobinson]

Looks great....goes with your other high end appliances. Wife is redoing the kichen....so new appliances cohabitating with the Oly was key.

[Avi Fischer]

The Oly is very comfortable in our kitchen. It is surprisingly compact, does not really occupy more of the counter-top real estate then the Europiccola did. The problem is that now my appetite is whetted and I have been staring at a mini Mazzer (I am using a Gaggia MDF). I have been using Espresso Authentico with the Oly, trying to find the right combination of tamp, grind and pull. My shots are not ready for public view, although the Oly produced better results for me right from the start, I think the temperature is more stable and it is somewhat easier the apply steady pressure on the lever. In fairness to the Pavoni, I was really not aware of all that I have learned since finding the HB site, so maybe when I finish restoring the Pavoni I can do some honest side by side comparisons, and let people know what an amateur lever puller (I don't want to dignify my self with the word Barista) can expect out of these machines.......
A question: is there a consensus regarding what tamper works best with Oly? (flat or convex?)

[srobinson]

A question: is there a consensus regarding what tamper works best with Oly? (flat or convex?)

I like a flat. I have both a 48 Reg and a custom made thor that both do the trick will a bit different technique on the smaller size.

[Avi Fischer]

I just received and started to use the flat RB tamper. This is real help.....the weight and fit really helps me get a more even tamp and as a result my shots are much improved........I'm ALMOST ready to go public with my shots.. ..Thanks for all your help....next will be a question of whether to upgrade the Gaggia MDF.....I noticed that you use the Rancilio....if its good enough for you.....it is significantly cheaper than the Mazzer or even the Macap...

[srobinson]

Dan keeps cracking on my grinder, but it does a great job for me. Also being on the HB team I get to test out alot of grinders which helps calm my upgrade fever down. What I really like about the Rocky is the compact size. And that Versalab.....

[espressme]

Congratulations!! Lovely!
Cheers
rp / espressme

[IMAWriter]

Dan keeps cracking on my grinder, but it does a great job for me. Also being on the HB team I get to test out alot of grinders which helps calm my upgrade fever down. What I really like about the Rocky is the compact size. And that Versalab.....

Slight OT...apologies to Avi...Steve, the Rocky DL is a terrific grinder...too bad with that little basket you can't do the WDT...or can you...do they make yogurt cups THAT small?
Avi...your machine is beautiful. Enjoy it in good health!

[espressme]

Hi,
I found that the plastic condiment cups from fast food Taco joints work quite well. Just cut the bottom out of the two ounce plastic cup and Voila!
Cheers
Richard / espressme

[IMAWriter]

I just received and started to use the flat RB tamper.

Hi...I just got a picture from Reg of my soon to arrive 51mm...I decided to try his newest piston...a hybrid they call "C Flat'...as a music guy, that struck a note...(sorry)
It's a combination for flat and concave surface!