Restoring 1960 Faema Urania Three pull, need advice - Page 2

[Paul]

With regards to the boiler ring, count the holes and see if any of these match up:

http://www.coffeeparts.com/fae/fae24.html

I had a boiler ring come apart like this once. I reused it in several pieces and it works fine. This may be risky and your mileage may vary.

cheers
Paul

[LaMad Capo]

9 Bolt holes, who would have figures an odd number of studes,
Regards,
Bill

[Paul]

How about getting a local engineering firm to make you up a ring from brass plate?

How is the rest of the progress going?

cheers
Paul

[happytamper]

Hi Madcap,

Perhaps a bit late to be helpful.

The boiler ring on my machine also came off in almost two peices. But like Paul, I used it again with no problems. The boiler gasket was not easy to remove. I think it was leather and it was really stuck to the tank. I used a drill with a wire brush and in the end sandblasted it to remove all the bits.

Have you found a new gasket yet? If you can not find one I can get some more gasket material here in Montreal.

[LaMad Capo]

Hello all, Sorry I have not replied to all of you replies in a while. I have been busy with work. This project is turning out to be harder than building the pyramids. I got some citric acid and plan on soaking the boiler this ween end. Got some glo-joe to soak the othe parts to remove the coffee oils. I hope that works. I have not gotten the replated parts back - but soon. I am having new labels made. All in all not too shabby. Keep the encouragement comming. Michel, as to the gasket material, I will keep it in mind, many thanks.


Regards,
Bill,
LMWDP #78

[Paul]

Bill,

With regards to your boiler ring, have a look at what this guy did (remanufactured out of s/s):

http://tinyurl.com/yxmf9h

I have a urania 1gr lined up for resto and will probably go the same way (but definitely will resist the urge to gold plate anything!)

[LaMad Capo]

Paul,
That is one beautiful machine. Thanks for the tip.


Regards,
Bill,
LMWDP #78

[LaMad Capo]

All,
These might be simple questions but after seeing the gold plating, what constitutes a complete restoration?
Do I have to replace all of the handles and knobs with new? How far do I go with the plating? What is the final look. Once restored can the unit be used? Any specific information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Bill
LMWDP #078

[happytamper]

Hi madcap,

For myself, the restoration begins with getting the machine to make great coffee again, the rest is up to the individual. My faema is still missing some knobs and maybe there are still some minor leaks but the coffee is wonderful and I am not afraid to scratch it.

The inlet knob was missing and is now a pair of vise grips fastened to the valve where the small lever handle once was and that is my next point of attack. Just got back from the foundry last week with a cast bronze handle and will try and figure out a way to attach it this week. Hopefully I will not have to remove the whole valve from the machine. If so the handle might sit on the driptray and stare at the smiling vise grip for a while. Another minimal restoration rule, If anything is being held by ducttape you have not gone far enough.

So my advice is, Just get the machine to make some espresso. And then while you are drinking the great brew sit back and see what is next. And then when you decide, have another espresso.

Good luck.

[LaMad Capo]

Hello Mitchell,
You Sir are a Philosopher.
Thanks.
Any one else?

Regards,
Bill,
LMWDP #78

[Paul]

I personally don't take things as far as that chap's urania. It looks to be a very neat job but in my opinion is perhaps a little over done. As far as I know, the gold is not original (at least, it isn't on my own example). Personally, I don't bother polishing the outside of the boiler though I do try and replace all valve knobs.

Don't get too hung up on the details. Once your boiler is descaled and the groups have new springs and seals it will be making shots as good as ever.

[LaMad Capo]

Paul,
Many thanks,

Regards,
Bill
LMWDP #078

[LaMad Capo]

Hey all,
Rechromed and power coated, now the groups. The machine was only operated for 4 years. What do I need to replace?

[Paul]

welcome back Bill!

gr - replace piston lip v and w seals. descale the little bits to clean up, you might not need to replace anything else. You may or may not want to replace the big springs. I guess they weaken over time but have never measured it. Also, fit new shower screen and group head seals.

do you have any more pics?