Bill,

I have another question: I made pictures of nearly every detail, but I forgot to document how the heating was sealed. Are the O-rings of the heater inside or outside of the boiler (below the screws)? No picture I made gives me that answer. I think they were inside, but I am not sure about it. Do you remember this detail?

regards,
Piff

I'm pretty sure they were on the inside of the boiler. You might send a message to dr jim as I think he's got his Prestina down right now to replace a gasket.

Another question: What about the volume of the piston? Is it adjustable? Or is it fixed to single, double or even triple shots?
The bottomless portafilter you ordered from espressoparts, is the one for the astoria machines?

regards,
Piff

When I had the group apart I wasn't even aware any of them were adjustable so I wasn't looking for that. I really don't think it is. You can look at the drawing on the Conti website for the Classica model to see details of the construction. The group is the same as the Prestina.
With a double basket in the holder I was normally getting a little less then 2 oz, mabe 1.75, in the cup.
The filter holder was the one for the Astoria, Item #AS_59B. The lugs are smaller then the stock holder, however, and require the holder be turned far to the right to seal it. Aside from that it worked fine.

bill wrote:When I had the group apart I wasn't even aware any of them were adjustable so I wasn't looking for that. I really don't think it is. You can look at the drawing on the Conti website for the Classica model to see details of the construction. The group is the same as the Prestina.
With a double basket in the holder I was normally getting a little less then 2 oz, mabe 1.75, in the cup.
The filter holder was the one for the Astoria, Item #AS_59B. The lugs are smaller then the stock holder, however, and require the holder be turned far to the right to seal it. Aside from that it worked fine.

The good news ( at least I think it is good news ) is that the volume of water to the cylinder is adjustable on the Gaggia. Joe said he has spent alot od time adjusting thiungs like that. His adjustments may not be your profile, as he was quite hardened into his perception of things.

Bill,
I am involved in my first pressurized-boiler rebuild project with the 70s era Oly Club, and am reading back over your Conti rebuild thread with a new appreciation for the work you did. All of this is new to me.

I should probably replace the pressure relief valve too. What model did you chose, and why? Beyond making sure the fitting is the right size, are there any special considerations that go into the choice, like matching the valve to the boiler capacity? I have not seen one with the little wire through its nose. What is that wire for?

Why are some valves $22 and others $70?

Does one have to adjust the valve, or do they simply screw in and that's that?

Regards
Timo

Hi Timo,
The wire is so you can pull it to test the valve; just like testing the relief valve on your hot water heater. I think the major reason for the large differences in price is that you pay extra to have the valve tested for accuracy and certified. These are not adjustable; they just screw in and that's it. I bought the one for the Conti for $21.90 from Espressi RMI in Richardson, TX. You can find a large selection of them at cafeparts.com. That's the best source for parts on the internet I've found. Good luck with your rebuild.
Bill

Hello,

I've just bought an old Prestina from 1975 Gaz version. I wonder if one of you have the user manual or maintenance manual ??

If you also have a photo of the dip tray as I missing mine...

Hello folks,
I have sold the Conti Prestina that I purchased from Bill and Mogogear. They no longer have the materials and parts diagrams nor do I.
Thank you in advance for not asking us. I have had a great many folks requesting information and I no longer can support the machine. Some of the folks were less than nice about their requests.
There is a video that has most needed information at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7cyA6SJAzw
Respectfully
~Richard