It wasn't happening when I first got the machine, but now when it heats up, if I apply any sideways pressure on the lever, the machine swivels on the base. There is no leakage or anything, it's just the boiler becomes unsettled from the base. Is there any way to fix this? I opened the bottom of the machine but I didn't see anything obvious that I could tighten down. I also emailed the dealer where the machine came from but have heard nothing back. Thanks!

It's usually caused by one of two issues:

1. The brass ring that threads onto the boiler is loose

2. The gaskets that go between the boiler and the base are missing or worn down. There should be two gaskets, one on each side of the base, which are sandwiched when you tighten down that right. At least that's how I have it setup on my machine.

OE sells a tool, which goes onto the end of a ratchet, that will allow you to really tighten down that ring. It's about the only way to really tighten it down without messing something up in there.

http://www.orphanespresso.com/PavoniRiv..._1660.html

Keep in mind, without two gaskets, the base will probably move even with the brass right fully tightened down.

Ray

Is there any danger if I just leave it?

TheMuffinMan01 wrote:Is there any danger if I just leave it?

The movement could dislodge or break the electrical connections to the boiler and electrocute you to death while making espresso, but outside of that, not really.

In a lot of cases, the electrical connections under there are kinda sketchy. I would definitely remove the base and double check what impact the movement of the boiler is having on things.

Ray

I love OE, but that wrench is just an oil filter wrench. Amazon sells it for less:

http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Best-Unive...587&sr=8-1

russel wrote:I love OE, but that wrench is just an oil filter wrench. Amazon sells it for less:

http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Best-Unive...587&sr=8-1

Personally (as money conscious as I am also), I didn't mind paying Doug and Barb a few bucks extra to add it into my last order (even though, as you pointed out above, it is sold by others).

There is such a thing as loyalty, which sometimes outstrips saving a couple of bucks either way for me. Lest we forget, if Orphan Espresso went out of business, many of us here would be up a creek without a paddle when it comes to not only sourcing difficult to find parts, but also a lot of very helpful information on otherwise largely forgotten espresso machines.

I've dealt with both OE and Amazon - both are fine companies. But for $2.50, I'm more prone to deal with a fellow HB member.

Now, if it were $3 dollars more.. that might be a close call...



Ray

I'd like to revive this thread because my pre-Millennium Pavoni turns in the base. I opened the base and couldn't see what to grip to tighten it down. Happily the wires are in good shape. I keep it from turning but it would be nice to be able to fasten it securely. Here's a photo:

Thw same thing happened with mine a few years back. If I remember correctly, the big brass ring you see at the bottom (I think it's called the "boiler flange") is what needs to be tightened. It's threaded to the boiler itself, and the heating element assembly fits inside it.

I tried unsuccessfully to tighten it via tapping with a mallet and driver against the protrusions you see, but you really need the tool that specifically handles this job.

This would be a really good time for someone with a bit more expertise or recent experience to chime in.

Thw same thing happened with mine a few years back. If I remember correctly, the big brass ring you see at the bottom (I think it's called the "boiler flange") is what needs to be tightened. It's threaded to the boiler itself, and the heating element assembly fits inside it.

I tried unsuccessfully to tighten it via tapping with a mallet and driver against the protrusions you see, but you really need the tool that specifically handles this job.

This would be a really good time for someone with a bit more expertise or recent experience to chime in.

Yes, it's the large brass ring with the 3 screw holes in it. It needs to be pretty tight to keep the boiler from turning in the base. The reason is because you have a lot of leverage with the handle, so it doesn't take much to cause it to turn.

On my machine, I installed two gaskets also (one on each side of the base). OE sells a nice tool which grips the ring at 3 points. You need to use a rather long ratchet (and their tool) grab the ring properly and to apply enough torque (while holding the boiler and base in place). If you tighten it hard enough, then nothing will move.

The first time I assembled my machine, the ring was tight, but not tight enough to keep the boiler from turning in the base. I had to take everything apart again and retighten it. Incidentally, this caused the ring to move about 1/2 inch further around, which moved my little chassis grounding screw further clockwise. Luckily, I was able to re-route the ground wire and still connect it. However, due to the exact/custom wiring I did on the machine, I'm glad it didn't move 3/4 of an inch

Just off the top of my head, I would say you need to apply about 20 to 25 ft lbs of torque (using the OE tool and an extended 3/8 ratchet or bar) in order to really secure things enough using that large brass ring.

Ray