Hi folks,

I'm new to posting on this forum, so - Hi Everyone!

Hopefully in a few weeks time (when they arrive in stock at the local retailer) I'll be taking possession of a new Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 group machine and I thought I might ask after modifications that folks have done to their machines.

From what I've read so far, the first on my list will be to adjust the pressure stat, then insulate the boiler and at the same time insulate the brain from the metal facia (as well as number it, just in case).

Thanks to jen_nz for posting some pics of your insulation job as well as the pics of the brain and numbering/solution to potential problems there.

The only other thing that I'm curious about at the moment is lubricating the piston seals. I've read that Peacecup uses a drop or two of olive oil for this, where do you apply it mate? Some pics would be great if you could. I've seen that it is also recommended not to move the lever until the machine is warmed up to operating temperatures, so this will also become standard operating procedure for me in the future.

Thanks in advance for any further ideas/suggestions that will help me on my way to happiness!

Ash
(soon to be member of the LMWDP)

No oil on the piston seals! Oil is just for the external metal-metal contact points, the lever cam rollers and the piston rod into the group. I also use a small amount in the rubber seal of the group-portafilter gasket, but I'm not sure is this is a good think. I just assume that it protects the rubber.

The normal lubricant for inside the piston is Dow 111.

I've only disassembled the group once in over four years of almost daily use, and only then after a period of dry storage. When operated properly the seals ought to last at least a year, and mine are fine after two. The piston seals are lubricated mainly by water. This is only accomplished when the machine is at full operating pressure, because then water is forced into the group when the lever is depressed. This is why it is advisable not the operate the lever before the machine is at brew pressure, after false pressure has been bled off.

After using four different home levers, I still find the PV as enjoyable and capable of great espresso as ever. My last shot of the day today was so good - just the essence of great espresso.

PC

Thanks for the clarification with respect to the oil, just what I was looking for.

Enjoy your PV Ash, it is a wonderful machine. You have the main tips covered off, and of course it is only worth applying dow and adjusting the pstat if you have to. Unless you are planning to have the machine on more often than not, insulating your boiler isn't a must - but no harm certainly.

After some annoying lube issues when I first got my Lusso 15 months ago (fixed with dow), thankfully I can report that it has run faultlessly since. Hopefully yours will do the same from the outset without hassle. There will be the odd minor imperfection, but look past those and enjoy some superb shots.

For lubing I use

http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID...rm=KEYWORD

One tube lasts ages.

John

To add to the list....do not clean or wipe the steam/water wands with a 3M scratch pad or you could lose the chrome (it can be quite thin). To lube the cylinder a bit you can pop off the screen and lower the lever (raise the piston) and wipe some Dow onto the piston walls....this will be wiped down on the first piston stroke so don't put a lot or it will load the seal lip. Just keep an ear open for a squeaky sound from the cylinder on the piston upstroke and a slightly rough feel on the pull....this indicates a dry upper cylinder area and will severely reduce the life of the upper seal....then you have to take it apart and lube it all up sparingly for total maintenance.

Thanks for all the great tips and clear advice folks, I really appreciate it. It'll make getting to know my PV that much easier.

This machine will end up being my main coffee machine when I get it, replacing a Rocket Giotto, so it will get a fair workout and be on quite a bit, especially on the weekends.

Thanks for the heads up on an alternative lube, John. I've had a look at the Dow Corning website and 111 isn't available in Oz, and I was beginning to wonder if there was a suitable alternative that I could use.