Elektra T1 Deliziosa

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Mouldy
Posts: 148
Joined: 11 years ago

#1: Post by Mouldy »

I recently joined the forum having seen a few extremely useful and well documented Elektra machine rebuilds from the likes of mhoy and shadowfax; whose topics provided and generated a huge amount of great information, so thanks to them and all those who contributed to their posts.

I recently purchased an Elektra T1 Deliziosa from a restaurant in Paris (France) that is closing down. It included a stainless steel DVA LT8 water softener. When I went to the restaurant to inspect, I expected it to be in pieces or at least not working; however when I arrived I could see that it was still sitting on the bar, all plumbed in, switched on, and still providing coffee to the patrons. This (together with the fact that there was a water softener installed in the supply line) I thought is a good sign; however there is no doubt that it will need a full strip-down, clean, and some repairs/replacements at the very least).

First pics, in the "as purchased" state.



Luckily, the beautiful logo is in good condition; although I notice some small bits of red paint splatter (hard to see in the pic) that may be tricky to remove.



Like other posters on this forum, the portafilters are in a completely rancid state, and will take quite a soaking and a heap of elbow grease. I'm not even sure if I will be able to get them back to a decent state. I also notice a crack in one of the portafilter handles. Not sure yet what I might have to do about this if anything.





First view of the inside. Lots of dust and muck.



Now all I need to do is find somewhere in the house I can set up to start working. It may take me some time; however I hope to contribute some useful information as I progress.

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allon
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#2: Post by allon »

Congrats! This machine belongs in Bragging Rights Thread: Great Coffee Gear Scores!

Seriously. That is a great score.
Sure it needs a little cleaning (new seals wouldn't hurt either) but for a solid commercial machine of that caliber, you did very well.

Look forward to reading more :-)
LMWDP #331

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Mouldy (original poster)
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#3: Post by Mouldy (original poster) »

After about 3 soakings in espresso cleaner, and lots of scrubbing some of the rankness has gone, but will require a fair bit more effort to get them looking close to respectable.



I should have mentioned also, that the machine was manufactured in 2000. Perhaps a relative of mhoy's machine (see link above), which was also manufactured in 2000.

Happy to hear any tips on where to start with the machine cleaning and internal assessment of what sort of parts might be required. As can be seen on the front, the right hand side indicator light is missing. Not sure what the deal is with that, but hoping I can replace easily enough. I've seen a listing for a replacement on espressocare but I need to check the connection point in the machine to see what's actually still there.

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TomC
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#4: Post by TomC »

I think we all make a collective shudder when we picture people drinking beverages that came in contact with that much portafilter goo. Nasty...

Great looking machine though. Personally, aside from the grime on the portafilters, I think the small crack gives it a bit of character. But if it bothers you that much, you should have Dave ( cannonfodder) make you a nice handle or two for it. He's about as well versed on the Elektra T1 as anyone on this forum too.
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Mouldy (original poster)
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#5: Post by Mouldy (original poster) »

Thanks kindly to TomC and allon for their nice words.

I'm wondering if anyone happens to have an electrical schematic for the Elektra T1 that will help me in replacing the two neon lamps near the top of the machine, either side of the group. One (the green?) is missing all together and I (at first glance) couldn't find the cable inside that powers that lamp so will need to check where it's powered fom if the cable is missing. I'm not sure what these lamps indicate as I haven't been able to locate this information in any of the resources I've found on the forum.

Thanks in advance if anyone can provide any assistance.

DJF
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#6: Post by DJF »

The one on the left (red) indicates when the pump fires for the auto-fill. The green one on the right indicates when the brew cycle is operating. Or in the case of my manual A3 when I flick the brew lever.

Stefano has them and Coffee Parts also. Make sure you get the ones with the screw-on fittings, spade connectors and chrome bezels. I have a diagram here somewhere. I'll post when I find it.
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I don't think so."

DJF
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#7: Post by DJF »

Go down and download Elektra Sixties parts book. I printed it out for my bible when I stripped the A3. Marvelous.

http://www.espressoworkshop.com/shop/shop1037.html
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I don't think so."

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cannonfodder
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#8: Post by cannonfodder »

Odd that the pump is external A3 and T1's have an internal pump. Must be a early version of a modification made to the machine. The indicator lamps are all amber so you end up with an odd color, amber bulb with a green cover. All 3 of the indicator lamps are the same. Personally, I would not tear it down. It does not appear to need a full disassembly. You can descale the system in place, lots of information on descaling machines on HB. Just do a search for descale or look in the FAQ's. If you take the group bolt (big hex bolt on the top of the group) you can get a good idea of what the machine internals look like. If the scale is modest or nonexistent, I would not take it all apart. Under the group bell, the brass water dispersion block is held on with one screw. Take it off and soak it as well and check the little water jet holes. They are prone to plugging. I take mine off every couple of months and soak it and run a push pin through the holes to make sure they are clear.
Dave Stephens

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Mouldy (original poster)
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#9: Post by Mouldy (original poster) »

Odd that the pump is external A3 and T1's have an internal pump. Must be a early version of a modification made to the machine.
Not sure what you mean here? The T1 is internal pump as you say, and the pump on this machine is no different. Not sure if I've misinterpreted your comment, but apologies if I have.

In regards to the indicator lamps, I need one full replacement (the light indicating the brew cycle is active) as the lamp, cover, ferrule etc are missing. Also the pump auto-fill cycle indicator light is broken and needs replacing, so I was assuming I just order the corresponding parts as listed on the exploded parts diagram?
If you take the group bolt (big hex bolt on the top of the group) you can get a good idea of what the machine internals look like. If the scale is modest or nonexistent, I would not take it all apart.

Thanks for this. I will do as you suggest and check. I was thinking that based on the portafilter condition that the group head would be in a similar state. The main reason I was looking to pull apart is that there is a fair amount of dust and grime inside (as well as half a wine cork, and a few other odd bits of rubbish).

Also, I would like to check all the wiring is o.k and to ensure there is no exposed or dodgy cables. Is there a recommended way in which to ground the machine? I don't want to have to rely on GFI (earth leakage detection) on the circuit in the event that at some point there is an exposed cable touching the frame.

DJF
Posts: 787
Joined: 14 years ago

#10: Post by DJF »

The A3 pump is internal also. Everything is the same except for a few deletions and additions for the volumetric configuration.

Coffee parts list the same lights as a generic part.
http://www.coffeeparts.com.au/misc/indicator-lights

Stefano has them as Elektra parts.

I would suggest the missing wires for the pump light are still there somewhere, probably tucked up into the loom. Big job to pull them all out.
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I don't think so."

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