Is there anyone within a day's drive of Helena, Montana who might be interested in teaching me how to strip down/clean/re-seal my 3-year-old Pavoni Professional so that I can become self-sufficient in the years to come??

Hey Heather,

I've always found the best way to learn to do something is just to get on and do it. I'm by no means the most highly skilled, technically minded or even dextrous person you could meet but I found that by working methodically, doing my best not to lose any bits, and taking my time I have managed to get over any problem a machine has thrown at me (except for stopping an Achille from leaking). Just start with the first things which look obviously removable and all should start to explain itself from there.

You may need to invest in some tools for the rebuild, like circlip pliers for example but these will be useful in the future. There is heaps of stuff already written about just about any issue you are likely to encounter on this, the most tinkered with of machines, and a forum of incredibly knowledgable advisors if you get stuck.

Main things to remember are take your time, right tool right job and lefty loosey...

Be brave and good luck, you will find it a most rewarding adventure.

600mi and 9hours might be just a little far
You might like to check out http://www.pavoniexpress.com/ - fairly great step by step instructions to breakdown and re-seal a La Pavoni - and many others on this site to help out if you get stuck
Cheers