KnowGood wrote:On a positive note - although 4mm seems like a lot, seeing as it is cylindrical, it really is only out 2mm on either side from center - bending each side in this much doesn't seems as drastic as bending only one leg in 4mm.

Lyndon,
Gee thanks for that... I feel so much better.

Greg

When did Elektra change the dimensions of the heating element?
Any other changes? The MCal I own was purchased new in '02. Usually stock up on gaskets, pstats...etc. Be bummed to find out when parts needed they are the wrong dimensions. Have not for the past few years purchased any spare parts, but was planning to in the near future.

Don,
Did you measure your old heating element?

DrDregs wrote: am beginning to wonder if later but pre '05 element plates have the holes wider apart. My '83 Leva element is the same as your old one.

Its possible that there is another design change before 2005. I'm hoping that someone here can clear this up. I'm actually a bit surprised at the relative lack of response, I would have thought that someone, like possibly Stefano Cremonesi, would jump in and say either "yep, they make them all the wrong size. sucks to be you" or "no, there are two sizes of heating element and this is what they are".

Greg

I exchanged some emails with Elektra and can't say I'm thrilled with the response.

After sending the photographs showing the difference, and asking when the design changed, this is the answer I got:

the two parts are the same. You can fix the heating element in your coffee machine.

I don't think I am going to get a response to my second email (of three) pointing out that a difference in size makes the elements different. It looks like Elektra does not sell an element that fits without blacksmithing. Sadly, no-one seems to know when the design changed (I assume that elements that fitted were once available).