Hi,

I'm rebuilding a 1995 vintage MPN. I have everything stripped down now (and cleaned ) except for the base of the bean hopper.

That base is comprised of two plastic parts which I want to separate because there are old beans and dirt in the cavities between them. It looks like they're held together by two short legs on the smoke-colored hopper that fit into holes in the red base, shown in the photos.

Has anyone successfully separated these two, and if so, how did you do it?

Thanks,

Fergus.

I've had a few of these guys. The two parts are somehow glued (welded?) together and not easily separated. I have reglued a couple to repair.

Paul is correct on that one. I could only suggest drilling a couple holes in the red piece out of sight and flushing with detergent solution.
Those two posts you mention may be filled in Phillips head screws. On mine they hold/trap the hopper shut off slide. Your slide seems to be missing which allowed the grounds to enter the space. It is a 1mm space/opening all around the hopper exit. They may come loose and allow the base to be removed. I didn't try it as mine didn't need cleaning. Then again, you may be able to slosh enough solution into the space by closing off the outlet and filling the hopper with solution to do your cleaning.
Cheers
-Richard