I have been using one similar to the Taylor you posted for many years and it accurately reflects changes in water temp throughout the brew process. We're talking about 9BAR of pressure here, so the water will displace any air which is far less dense

It probably needs a descaling, I would just use citric acid. If you remove any gaskets then they should be replaced with new gaskets. The machine is pretty simple, I'm sure you can handle it

On my earlier model 2gr Elektra I really had to work on getting a heat exchanger pipe installed. Things had to be loosened up, pushed and prodded, rather difficult but it did fit. It may or may not be the same case for you, just fyi it could just be a pain to do. Looking good though!

It's good to hear that the pump works, but be wary of running it without line pressure, damage could occur, although I've seen plenty of people do it without reporting harm to the pump, it is not advised. You can certainly expect to replace most, if not all, of the gaskets. I'd recommend descaling t...

I have some suggestions I learned through my own restoration experience. If you're going to function test it, I recommend disconnecting the heating element first. Then fill the boiler if the pump and motor work. If that works, reconnect the heating element and test that, if it works you should find ...

Can we add Revolution Roasters in San Diego? I am really enjoying the Dancing Goat as espresso right now, I believe it's mainly African beans with a nice fruity flavor

Sounds interesting. It makes me wonder what would happen if it used nitrogen. Some people are now putting cold brewed coffee on a nitrogen beer tap and it's supposed to be great

This is similar to what I've read about the Slayer when using the adjustable pump pressure, you can grind a lot finer. I'm not too sure on the consequences relating to flavor though. It seems like a fun thing to play with and just might try it out myself

How about Synesso? I mean, whatever machine you get could certainly last you the next 30 years or more, maybe the rest of your life, and then it becomes an heirloom for your children! Slayers look interesting too, is their single group out yet?

Given the age of the machine, and I suppose that light bulb is original, it's probably something like a neon tube. I bet someone at a sign making shop could identify it for you