the brass sleeve removal tool is needed on early models to 1970 ; in that same year some models with a new series of serial numbers were introduced with the detacheable screen, according to FRANCESCO /

I believe the removable shower screen began with the 1968 version. With a removable shower screen, you can easily service the piston seals just the way you do with later models.

I had one of these with the drip tray and grate that had the removable screen as well. I would remove the portafilter gasket before investing in a sleeve removal tool.

One of my 1968's has a sleeve that I couldn't budge. Doesn't matter. I was able to service the piston and the piston rod seal.

forbeskm wrote:I had one of these with the drip tray and grate that had the removable screen as well. I would remove the portafilter gasket before investing in a sleeve removal tool.

What about a sight glass cap screw? That was the main reason for my guess.

I took another look at the photo you showed us. It is a version 1.4, built between 1964 and 1968. I have one and it is an excellent machine. It is the first version that had a drip tray. This means the shower screen is not removable and there is no screw at the top of the sightglass. But you cannot attach a permanent manometer (steam gauge) over the sightglass. You will need the removal tool for the cylinder so you can service the piston unless the machine has been modified with a removable shower screen. If it hasn't, that can be done but needs the assistance of someone with a lathe after you have removed the cylinder. If you don't want to mess with a version 1.4 machine and it has been represented as 1970, you should be able to return it for a full refund plus shipping, or you may be able to get some money back to buy the cylinder removal tool you will need.

Here is your best reference page for all of these sorts of questions.

The machine was not misrepresented, it was my assumption it was 1970. That being said I'm still very excited for this Europiccola to come in.

Despite the inconvenience of not having a removable shower screen, this is still one of the best Europiccolas you can have. The brass sleeve provides excellent thermal stability and the overall build quality is quite high.

If you look at my Europiccola rebuild thread, you will see I modified my brass sleeve for use with a removable shower screen.
A First Gen La Pavoni Europiccola Rebuild

You take a month of of pavoni's and you just forget everything

Great machine none the less. It's not hard to make a tool. I have my spare tool being loaned out this week. Depending on timing I could loan it out, send a pm. I just charge the shipping as a service to keep the old machines alive. If you have a lathe the tool is not hard to make, just a piece of pipe and two dowel pins. The dimensions are on Francesco's site.