Hi everyone,

Long time lurker here, but finally registered for an account *waves*

I recently decided to give a lever coffee machine a try and picked up a beautiful second hand brass La Pavoni Europiccola.

All seems to work fine, but the connection between the boiler and the steam tap body seams to be a bit loose - the steam tap body rotates a bit with little effort and when the machine is on, there is a constant hiss of steam from this connection - which doesn't seem right?

This is the steam tap body part I'm referring to (parts 46/65/66)
http://www.espressoservices.co.uk/46_-_ ... me_st.html
http://www.espressoservices.co.uk/la_pa ... rts_2.html

So my question is - how do I tighten that connection? I can't seem to get any purchase on the bolt inside the boiler to title it when accessing either through the top or the front.

Any pointers would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

A few options, with the element off and a swivel on a socket 16mm

Or bend a wrench,

http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/La_Pa ... zi_eng.htm

There is a thread here somewhere that I think Stefano shows the bent wrench.

Hi,

It's a bit tricky to get at but it can be done with a socket wrench, extension, socket swivel adapter, and correct socket, through the bottom, with the element removed. I've done it before. It's possible you might still get a slight leak after tightening it down. I've used a food safe high temp silicone sealant with success in that area to provide a leak free seal.

You may also be able to grasp it with a curved tip pliers and rock the steam tap body back and forth to tighten.

You may be able to find a tool that is already bent to the correct shape. You will need to heat them to red heat to bend them. It is best to find an inexpensive one to do this. I have done this before.

Thanks for all the replies!

I was hoping to be able to tighten it without taking the bottom off, but that might have to be the answer - I'll have a go!

@crazy4espresso - when you say you've used "a food safe high temp silicone sealant" here before - do you have a recommendation? I fear I may need to do that even if I do manage to tighten the bolt properly!

Available on ebay.