La Pavoni P3 V1 Pub Model Troubleshooting and Restoration

Equipment doesn't work? Troubleshooting? If you're handy, members can help.
clarinetjoe
Posts: 1
Joined: 14 years ago

#1: Post by clarinetjoe »

Hi!
I recently bought a La Pavoni P3 V1 Pub model automatic espresso machine. I am completely new to espresso machines and need a lot of help with some troubleshooting. I have the machine hooked up to a water line. The machine has a manual fill button for the boiler and the tank fills well and the boiler heats up. I am getting steam out of the steam knob. Here are my problems:
1. When I push the button for a shot, no water comes out. I hear the pump click on to a soft hum, but nothing happens after that.
2. There is no water coming out of the water knob.

Questions:
1. Does the pump need to be replaced?
2. Besides a thorough cleaning and seal and gasket replacement, what else needs to be fixed on a machine that is about 15 years old?
3. Is it worth it to fix it up for home use, or should I just go ahead and get a new and smaller home machine?
4. How much does a restoration cost?

History: 15 year old machine purchased at a restaurant auction. Sat around for about 3 years before I got my hands on it.

Thanks so much for your guy's help!

benvp
Posts: 7
Joined: 15 years ago

#2: Post by benvp »

Hi,

I am restoring the same Pavoni as yours but with two groups (P3V2). It's a superb machine that is very well built, so if I were you I'd try getting it to work again.

I faced very similar issues when I first started up my Pavoni that hadn't been used in 10 years.

1. The Procon pump is probably stuck like mine was. Turn the machine off, separate the pump from the motor, and try turning the pump's shaft with a wrench. Put it back together and see if it works when pressing a brew button.
If you have the machine hooked up to a water line, this is sufficient pressure to fill the boiler. Both steam and hot water are connected to the boiler. To get water out of the groups you need the pump to work.

2. There is probably some scale in the copper pipes. Descale the machine to solve the problem. Do a search to find out how.

I hope this helps!

User avatar
CRCasey
Posts: 689
Joined: 15 years ago

#3: Post by CRCasey »

benvp wrote: 1. The Procon pump is probably stuck like mine was. Turn the machine off, separate the pump from the motor, and try turning the pump's shaft with a wrench. Put it back together and see if it works when pressing a brew button.
Just a note, if the vanes in a Procon pump are that badly welded to the side of the pump than a $40.00 rebuild would be in order. It may work for a while, but not long term. The death of these pumps is sitting without a load.

-C
Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love-CMdT, LMWDP#244