Hi,
My Cappuccino Amore is still chugging away, it is my primary machine, as my Baby Gaggia bit the dust. I may pull the machine apart, and check the funky piston, to see if it has deteriorated from regular use. I have a metal lathe, so I could easily turn a new one from brass or stainless. I find that the boiler does. It get quite hot enough, so after flushing the head, I switch it to steam for about a minute, then pull my shot, gives nice Crema that way. I guess I should check the temp. of the water, but if it works don't fix it... Figured I would just see how long it lasts...