Hi There,

The rocker switch on my 1973 Cremina, if not broken, is not working too well. If I press it down the red light will come on (thus indicating it is 'on') but when I release my finger from the switch the red light goes out (thus indicating it is 'off'). This means the machine won't stay on unless I hold the switch down, which is, of course, impractical. The globe is fine; it is the switch itself which won't stay down in the 'on' position without added pressure.

Here is a pic of my machine indicating which type of rocker switch it has.



The question is what to do? I service the machine myself and can do most things except stuff connected with the electronics. This is clearly not an electronical problem, but a mechanical problem with the switch not being able to hold itself in place. Still, I'm not keen on going in there myself to fix it (unless someone here tells me it is easy, and gives me a step by step guide).

So the issue is who can I go to for help? Can an ordinary electrician fix it? Should I take it to the local Pavoni service people? They used to service my Europiccola before I learned to do it and, in fact, once fixed my Pavoni rocker switch when it had a similar problem? Any other suggestions?

Obviously if the switch needs to be replaced any ideas where I could get one from that would fit EXACTLY in place.

thanks

Robert

Call Orphanespresso. Michael

That switch's spring contacts have gone bad. On the bright side this is simple to replace, you can literally pop it out and put a new one in. The down side is the hunt for that exact switch body. Check your local espresso parts dealer first off. If you can't find it that way you may look at Cherry Switches for options.

-Cecil

Drop an e-mail to Doug and Barb at Orphan Espresso: www.orphanespresso.com

If they don't actually have the switch, I'm sure they will have a very good idea of where you can get one.

Your other option is to contact the new but I believe very enthusiastic importers of Olympia machines in the States: http://www.swisscoffeeproducts.com or even Olympia themselves in Switzerland: http://shop.olympia-express.ch

Cheers

Mike

chopinhauer wrote:Obviously if the switch needs to be replaced any ideas where I could get one from that would fit EXACTLY in place.

A few years ago I bought a box of cremina parts from a person on Ebay. In that box was a brand new switch that fits the machine you have. It is the original part from Olympia.
The problem is that all my "stuff" is in storage up in Vermont right now. I will be moving it down in Jan or early Feb. If you still have need then let me know... perhaps we can work something out.

that switch has been a real problem for us to find and likely you too, but maybe in OZ you will have a bit more luck. There is, as we have discovered no modern switch to fit the rectangular hole in the small plate which contains the rocker switch and the pilot light. Our current idea is to have a new stainless steel face plate made so an inexpensive and readily available rocker switch can be used in the modern style of plastic body and push in service. There are such switches as called slim line but are cosmetically inferior. You can use just about any DPST rocker switch and have it hanging out of the machine but this is not really acceptable (this type of switch your Pavoni service tech will have). You can fit this type of switch if your file out the hole in the rectangular switch holding mount and this will work also but be not cosmetically perfect. Olympia made and still makes very good machines but many of their body and electrical parts are proprietary, meaning that they are very hard to find but for a few European suppliers who have similar, but not exactly the same items. Olympia Express can supply you the modern size switch (it is square) but not the old switch.
Also, we have found no good way to repair the old switch as they are rated for many thousands of uses, but do wear out. We have some solutions, but none so far are perfect as it should not only work right but look correct as well.
Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your replies.

What a hassle. I had a feeling it might be complex to fix. I will hunt around here in Oz to see what is available, or maybe wait till early next year for Bob C to dig into his box of Cremina parts.

cheers

Robert

If you can't find a solution and really would like to do something before Bob can get to his spare switch I have 3 cremina's waiting to be reconditioned over the winter and 1 has the older type switch. Maybe, I could send it to you and Bob could send me the replacement when he gets his parts moved.
Ed

PM sent, Ed.

farmroast wrote:I have 3 cremina's waiting to be reconditioned over the winter
Ed

Somehow this statement makes me feel much better about myself and my machines .