What are signs that europiccola gaskets need replacement?

[caeffe]

I have a pre-millenium europiccola. The one with a I and II switch. I bought it used off that online swapmeet, had it now for ~3-4 months, used ~2x a week, pulling 2-3 shots max each time

During the last 2 times I've tried to use it - I noticed that a lot of water basically comes out of the grouphead even before I pull the lever up. This happens when I have it on II. Also, I noticed that steam no longer comes hissing out of the relief valve - it basically comes out of the grouphead now. When I try to pull up on the lever, I don't feel water coming into the PF and also notice that water level doesn't drop. I get no resistance when I pull (or in my case push) the lever down. Matter of fact, nothing comes out. I end up pumping the lever a couple of times - more than 3 pumps. It just doesn't feel right. For now, no espresso using the europiccola. Fortunately I have my NS Oscar for my caffeine fix (or my Krups Moka Brew)

Are these signs that its time to replace gaskets? I've already bought an overhaul kit from partsguru but have held off overhauling.

[orphanespresso]

Hi Caesar! I think it's time to break out the rebuild kit! It's a pretty easy rebuild job and well worth doing!

[fac10]

The leaking is a sure sign of water escaping past the piston gaskets, so those at least need to be replaced. Since doing that requires disassembly of the grouphead, you might as well also replace the grouphead gasket, piston shaft gasket, and group-to-boiler gasket. As the other gaskets require disassembly of different areas of the machine, you may choose to just leave them alone unless you have other symptoms, or unless you are feeling the need for a full disassembly and cleaning of the entire machine.

I just replaced mine a couple of weeks ago, and in addition to stopping my leaks, the improvement in my shot quality has been dramatic.

One hint I have from my experience: if you've read any of the various instructions online, you know that you'll need retaining ring pliers to get at the piston shaft gasket. I discovered the hard way that not all such pliers are equally effective. I bought a model that had replaceable tips, which seemed like a good thing as it makes the pliers more versatile. However, as a side effect, because of the way the tips are attached, even at the 'closed' position on the pliers, there is a gap between the tips. It was just enough of a problem to make dealing with the retaining ring a real struggle, where it otherwise would have been very easy. So, in short, if you're going to go out and buy yourself some retaining ring pliers, make sure you get a pair where the tips come FULLY together (i.e. touching or very nearly touching) when the pliers are closed.

[jamhat]

I'm glad you put this post out there, Caeffe. It will be interesting to read the responses as they come in.

I was wondering the other day if I needed to replace gaskets. Twice in a row, when I pulled a shot on my Factory, hardly any water came out at all. I pulled the lever all the way up and only a little water went into the piston. When I pulled the shot there was very little resistance at the beginning of the pull and then a little toward the end. Oddly enough, the problem dissapeared the next day.

Even though I have not had any more problems with low amounts of water in the piston, I am still curious to know how I will be able to tell when it is time to change the gaskets. Caeffe, it does seem like you need to replace yours, however.

Jamhat

[caeffe]

....snip
Twice in a row, when I pulled a shot on my Factory, hardly any water came out at all. I pulled the lever all the way up and only a little water went into the piston. When I pulled the shot there was very little resistance at the beginning of the pull and then a little toward the end. Oddly enough, the problem dissapeared the next day.

Even though I have not had any more problems with low amounts of water in the piston, I am still curious to know how I will be able to tell when it is time to change the gaskets. Caeffe, it does seem like you need to replace yours, however.

Jamhat

Yes, I agree it does appear that it's time to replace them. I do wonder however whether there is some sign of 'graceful degradation' I waited another day to see if the symptoms would disappear to no avail
I do recall that I was getting some water leaking as the unit started to heat up. I think I didn't use my machine for about 1 week and IIRC, the machine did have some leakage, ~ 1 oz. However, the last time I used it, it still seemed to whistle while in position II. This time however, no whistle through the relief valve, gobs of water through the grouphead and whistling through the grouphead. It seems that there would be some gradual sign of detoriation rather than what I experienced. Oh well, I was prepared for this event as I did buy the overhaul kit based on recommendations by mogogear and others when I first both the machine. It didn't come with a basket and drip trays so I went ahead and bought an overhaul kit at the same time. In hindsight I should have both 2 baskets also ...