Hi All,

You have been so helpful in the past, now that I've fallen in love with the espresso from my 1960s pavoni machine, I want to find out if there is any way to get gaskets for the machine. I realize that we can't get them from traditional suppliers but i wonder if anybody has any creative solutions? I specifically need that gasket that goes in last after the upper screen.

Thank you in advance for your help!
Sean

Hello:

Even though you've turned your EP into a 'leftie' (inadvertently mirroring the photo) I can tell that it is quite similar to mine. 8^)

If I understand correctly, you are needing a new PF (portafilter) gasket.

Yours may be of the earlier EPs that had a screw on cylinder with a built in / non detachable PF screen and a rectangular section PF gasket which (if I'm right) measures ~ 58.0 x 48.0 x 7.0 mm.

This is the same size as the Olympia Cremina PF gasket.
Check with Doug at orphanespresso.com, I think he has them at around $12.50.

Cheers,

CIV

on this model the gasket PF screen pops out like on the newer models, i just use a screw driver and lever it out, if i'm careful, no scratches on the screen. the gasket is rectangular, rather than tubular, so maybe the Olympia Cremina PF gasket will fit - i'll check it out.

thanks,
Sean

My best source has been espressoparts , an H-B site sponsor.

Sean wrote:on this model the gasket PF screen pops out like on the newer models, i just use a screw driver and lever it out, if i'm careful, no scratches on the screen. the gasket is rectangular, rather than tubular, so maybe the Olympia Cremina PF gasket will fit - i'll check it out.

thanks,
Sean

I recommend removing the front lever pin, unscrewing the piston shaft acorn nut and the nut below it, then use a wooden block and a hammer to drive the piston shaft down against the shower screen to pop it out. Prying with a screw driver may damage the screen.

When you finish, post a picture of the gasket and if you can, some precise measurements. I'll check my stash.

Hi Sean,
Are you sure that the screen will actually pop out? I know the old pavoni's actually had a "screw-in" brass sleeve with the screen attached.
Have you been able to remove the portafilter gasket? Does it have 2 small intendations similar to the pic I've attached?

Pushing the piston from the top will break the screen - Let me know if you have the intendations, the brass sleeve can be removed using a vice and 2 hardened nail sets.
FYI - Doug at orphanespresso has the square gaskets for the older La Pavoni's
Cheers
Anthony

Anthony (inventor of the De Mello cylinder removal techinique) pretty much has it covered with that pic. Whichever model you have if you pry out the gasket that will tell the tale. There are some of the slip on screens models that use the square profile pf gasket. You can get an o ring like the standard Euripiccola to work in a pinch but it has a tendency to not want to stay seated if the original design was for the square ring.
by the way, Carlos, how is Shirley?

Hello Doug:

orphanespresso wrote:... by the way, Carlos, how is Shirley?

I'm happy to say she's quite well and making excellent shots every morning.

Unfortunately, I have not had any time to post some photos and comments as yet, especially those regarding the repair of the original brazed-on heating element, the addition of a thermal cut-off protection for it and the new set of piston seals which are rather different in construction from the ones usually available.

A new addition to my incipient collection of levers (a Shirley twin) is waiting her turn for a base paint job and the fitting of a new custom made (bolt-on) heating element.

Thanks for asking. 8^ )

Cheers,

CIV

civ wrote:Hello:

Even though you've turned your EP into a 'leftie' (inadvertently mirroring the photo)

Being a leftie, all that I can say is, were that it were so easy!!! I'd love to be able to pull the lever of my Gaggia Factory with my left hand and stabilize the machine holding the pf handle with my right. But alas, it takes more than photoshop or its equivalent...

r-gordon-7

Hi All,

I have removed the PF Screen on many occasions and it is definitely not a screw in, and does not have indentations. Here are some pictures. Unfortunately I don't have a metric ruler handy, so I can't give you exact measurements now, I can try to find ones if it is necessary. Also, I am worried about the gasket cracking (more) if I remove it from the screen, so unless it is necessary, I'd like to leave it on there till i find a replacement.

Thanks again!