That is good news. The leaks will increase as you heat the system up as it is under some pressure. The front window should be tight enough to prevent leaks if done by hand with decent seals.

What a beautiful piece of art, and with family history... The only thing I ever found under my house was a dead bat.

Okay, I know I've been posting a lot, but I'm kind of fixated on this thing right now. Turned it on (power switch broken, just twisted the wires together) and both elements seem to work. The leaking increases at the window, the portafilter, and now at the joint at the bottom of the lever. I'm assuming there's some gasket there I don't know about, but I've found an exploded diagram of the Faemina and I'm going to check it out.

I'm thinking of getting a switch and gasket kit from Orphan Espresso, although my dad thinks Faema will have the parts required, and since he works near them, I guess I might as well check. All in all, great success. I knew from the start the gaskets would be shot, I'm just so glad the elements are doing their thing.

I'll keep you guys updated as I know some of you probably want to see this thing all clean and polished as much as I do.

Hey, Jordan. Post more I say!

I'm starting a Faemina full restoration. A little bit different from yours as I'd like to chrome plating all the parts again...

So far I removed the group gasket and boiler top gasket, they were bad boys. You can remove the piston sleeve using the OE method, as I've done, but it's a easy way to damage the little pin holes - a dedicated tool would be the best option. I couldn't remove the glass, so I'll remove the spring and piston first, than the glass. It's so old and dirty that I think I'll have to replace it, but this one is easy and I have a local company that works with all kind of sight glass.

Anyway, I think you should replace all gaskets. OE has them and I doubt Faema has, but let us know about it.

Márcio.

I would agree that a dedicated tool is the way to go if/when you remove the piston sleeve. I did the soak and tap method and it is simply a huge pain. It would take less time to build a simple tool to mimic a spanner wrench of the same diameter.

There is no question you will need a full set of gaskets/seals. Quit delaying the inevitable and embrace the project. I would be amazed if Faema has gaskets around and even more surprised if they were the correct ones.

Yes, I fully agree that Faema is unlikely to still have the gaskets, but my father is a stubborn italian man. As for the chrome plating, it is far outside of my budget and my Faemina actually looks alright. Fortunately it turns out that this Faemina has been serviced a few times while Faema was still able to do so (probably at least 15 - 20 years ago)

I'm quite excited to get the gaskets and put them in once I get paid. I'm a web designer working from home so it fully depends on my work ethic rather than a biweekly schedule.

I will take as many pictures as I can, while following Orphan Espresso's instruction of course.

Thanks for all the help guys. Once it's done, you guys can help me use it to it's full potential as I am completely clueless on making a good espresso with such a device.

with my poor English, I am responding to your message from youtube. Yes, my faemina had to be cared for during her lifetime. Only now beginning to appear a few drops falling from the group. It is coming time to change the seals ... I'm afraid this dismantling and scares me a little. I will carefully monitor your disassembly ) and your familly history with this machine is incredibly charming and has to make many envious.This machine is very easy to use, I think.

Wow thanks for the reply. It does have an interesting history actually. My nonna's family friend moved and sold a bunch of stuff to them including the Faemina, an Omre Quickmill grinder, and various odd coffee and espresso brewing devices. This was probably at least 30 years ago.

I'm glad I can help with your own repairs, however, I'd take a good look at Orhpan Espresso's guide first. They have a lot of experience with these machines, where as I have none. I simply intend to take photos of the process as a companion to their guide.

ah ah no, but we are always anxious to dismantle such a beautiful mechanical and even more having to go back .... and then we help each other always the experience of others. So perhaps I would proceed to restore before you ... you never know.