Rebuilt La Peppina leaks

[The_Mighty_Bean]

Hello! I could really use some help with La Peppina. I finally rebuilt her with some assistance from Dad, using the wonderful step-by-step photo instructions from Doug and Barb..

The process seemed to go smoothly, except for one snag- I left the screwdriver jammed into the back opening for a few hours and then when I was ready to reassemble, the sides did not want to come back as close together as they used to be. We had to squeeze those lips together with pliers in order to get them close enough together to get the screw back through and into the nut. When we were finally done, the kettle was riding about 1/3-1/2 inch higher than it used to be- it did not want to fully seat.

Nonetheless, the unit held water with no problems, and dispersed it evenly through the shower screen on a test pull (which felt normal), so I figured I'd try some test shots. Unfortunately, after the first shot had been pulled, water began a steady drip out of the grouphead and would not stop, until the kettle was fully drained.

I'm guessing the flat washer somehow got jostled out of place? I can't take it apart yet, it's still hot, but I will be opening her up again in the morning, and would appreciate any tips on troubleshooting and getting this right on the second try.

Thanks,

~tMb

[espressme]

I think you have the right of it. I found that I needed loctite on the little screw that holds the group flat washer. After a few rebuilds or the hole being re-tapped after the screw breaks off, it becomes loose in the tapped hole. It wiggled out and then i had a drip and a spray around the dispersion screen when i pulled a shot with out the pf and basket in place as you mentioned.
Not a big problem.
Cheers
Richard

[orphanespresso]

Whoa, sorry to have missed this post! Maybe you have gotten it all figured out by now, but if not...... You simply don't have the kettle installed all the way in to seal the big inside washer. I think what happened is that you got the piston kind of jammed a bit, which is why you could not get the clamshell back together. If the kettle is 1/2 inch high the piston will not travel to the top of the cylinder and hold the big washer shut properly, or at all. You need to start over and get the kettle seated properly , likely by holding the top of the kettle in one hand, and with the back seam wedged open bothpush down and wiggle the kettle while you also pump the handle slowly from all the way up the all the way down. You should feel the point of the lever movement when the kettle moves down the easiest. You may want to also rotate the kettle a bit to get it going. When you do get it all the way down make sure the kettle is flush with the base, once again by moving the lever a bit while you examine and then tighten,

Another possiblility is that you do not have the big washer seated on the screw all the way. the center hole of the washer fits exactly on the shoulder of the screw and then the screw is driven home until it is metal to metal.

So take the kettle off and start over, checking the big washer installation and then wiggle the kettle on to the base all the way. and you will be in the espresso.

Sorry to have missed you last week on the post, but just pm and we're there, almost 24/7. or at least 16/7. Just rebuilt 3 La Peppinas yesterday, so it's pretty fresh in my mind.
Doug

[realdoctor]

Any idea where I can get hold of a gasket set for a Peppina? Thanks!

Jim

[orphanespresso]

Hello Jim, you can get the gasket sets from us at Orphanespresso.com.