Boni Little (Caravel type): How to remove piston?
- beer&mathematics
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: 11 years ago
It's me again, and I still can't figure out how to remove the piston from the group.
I suspect removing the pin is the key, but no clue how to accomplish that. Some pictures:
The group gasket appears to be in good shape, so I suspect the seals would be too. But I do want to take everything apart so I can clean it and re-lube with some Dow111.
Thanks in advance!
I suspect removing the pin is the key, but no clue how to accomplish that. Some pictures:
The group gasket appears to be in good shape, so I suspect the seals would be too. But I do want to take everything apart so I can clean it and re-lube with some Dow111.
Thanks in advance!
LMWDP #431
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- Posts: 134
- Joined: 11 years ago
If the pin is spring loaded, press it in with a pointy tool , and pull up the top part at the same time
just my best guess
just my best guess
- peacecup
- Posts: 3649
- Joined: 19 years ago
OK, first of all I've never seen that machine - did you post about it already?
Second, I don't have a clue how to remove the piston. Does Francisco have a photo of the disassembled machine on his website? One might guess that the little hole has something to do with it. Or possibly brute force?
Second, I don't have a clue how to remove the piston. Does Francisco have a photo of the disassembled machine on his website? One might guess that the little hole has something to do with it. Or possibly brute force?
LMWDP #049
Hand-ground, hand-pulled: "hands down.."
Hand-ground, hand-pulled: "hands down.."
- beer&mathematics (original poster)
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- Joined: 11 years ago
I tried pushing it in with a phillips screwdriver with a towel covering it, but was scared to push too hard. Also, I didn't try pulling up simultaneously. It might be worth another try.Cmtwgr wrote:If the pin is spring loaded, press it in with a pointy tool , and pull up the top part at the same time
just my best guess
I did on the Caravel thread, but not on the Lever espresso machine gallery yet. I am waiting until I have tried pulling a shot to do that.peacecup wrote: OK, first of all I've never seen that machine - did you post about it already?
Francesco does have photos of the Boni Little completely taken apart. That's how I got the hint that the top pin is the key. I emailed him but, unfortunately, he did not remember how to take it apart.peacecup wrote: Second, I don't have a clue how to remove the piston. Does Francisco have a photo of the disassembled machine on his website? One might guess that the little hole has something to do with it. Or possibly brute force?
LMWDP #431
- peacecup
- Posts: 3649
- Joined: 19 years ago
Well, good lick with it. We'll look forward to seeing it in action. One of these days I'll get up the nerve to chop a PV portafilter to get my VAM running.
PC
PC
LMWDP #049
Hand-ground, hand-pulled: "hands down.."
Hand-ground, hand-pulled: "hands down.."
- dumpshot
- Supporter ♡
- Posts: 491
- Joined: 13 years ago
If it is designed just like the Caravel, then try twisting the top bracket to get the pin to recess. On my VAM, clockwise makes the pin recess and CCW pushes it out.
Pete
Pete
LMWDP #484
- grog
- Posts: 1807
- Joined: 12 years ago
Why not try pulling a shot without disassembling it? Was the boiler filthy and you are concerned that the piston is nasty?
LMWDP #514
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- Posts: 134
- Joined: 11 years ago
peacecup wrote:Well, good lick with it. We'll look forward to seeing it in action. One of these days I'll get up the nerve to chop a PV portafilter to get my VAM running.
PC
Ahh i would wait ;o)
i am planning to make some portafilters that takes the basket from either the peppina or Ponte vechio ,,or both
this winters projekt + other portafilters
- beer&mathematics (original poster)
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- Joined: 11 years ago
Pete, really hopes it works as you describe! I'm not sure if I tried that but I feel like I did. Next time I take it apart, I will definitely keep this advise in mind.dumpshot wrote:If it is designed just like the Caravel, then try twisting the top bracket to get the pin to recess. On my VAM, clockwise makes the pin recess and CCW pushes it out.
Pete
Greg, this is what I eventually ended up doing tonight. Pulled my first two shots with the Boni Little without disassembling the piston (still no idea how to do this). The open boiler had some light scale, but I gave it some light and short vinegar baths and that seems clean. Also flushed the group with that vinegar and water mixture.grog wrote:Why not try pulling a shot without disassembling it? Was the boiler filthy and you are concerned that the piston is nasty?
Thanks to everyone with the advise/comments. The Little is not that easy to take apart (lots of annoying tiny screws to remove), so the above suggestions will have to wait until I get the energy/time to take it apart again.
The manual lever is a whole different beast!
LMWDP #431
- drgary
- Team HB
- Posts: 14345
- Joined: 14 years ago
What about pushing in the button in the front so it doesn't catch in the retention hole and putting your fingers in the slots in the top to turn it out? Caravel pistons work very much like that. No tools are needed.
Gary
LMWDP#308
What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!
LMWDP#308
What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!