Hi everyone!

I'm new and I need you help please!

Today I bought a Elektra Microcasa a Leva - but it needs some work. Its the brass / copper version just like this: http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetai...=f-elektra but its waaaaay less shiny and new!

So apart from the fact that its pretty dirty / tarnished, its also been dropped. Apparently someone knocked it onto the floor in the shop I only paid £40 for it, so I thought it was worth a gamble that it could be fixed (I pretty much just thought it was a nice looking espresso maker and only found out more when I got it home and went online.)

So from what I can see, the main issue seems to be that the glass thingy in the metal case under the gauge thingy. is broken. I'm sorry, I'm afraid I have no idea what it is. It looks like the machine has fallen onto the back corner of the gauge, the whole of that 'arm' seems to be slightly twisted. I would take some pictures but I can't find my camera charger. From this info though does it sound fixable? Where is the best place to buy spare parts etc? Also I bought some brasso to try to clean it up a bit . . . is this the best thing to use (obviously only on the outside lol!)

I really hope it can be fixed, it really is so beautiful, even in its current state!

Thank you all in advance

Hi Sarah

First off welcome to the board. Is this the part that you are talking about?

http://www.orphanespresso.com/Elektra-M..._2150.html

Orphan Espresso is a good place to start to look for parts. Plus they are wonderful about answering any questions about your machine. Good luck! It is a beautiful piece of art!

Cindy

Another place for parts is Stefano's:

http://www.espressocare.com/Qstore/Qsto...59022690E1

Hi Sarah and welcome.

These machines have a clearcoat finsh. Depending on it's condition I would not use brasso or you risk damaging it further. Elektra Levas are easy to work on and parts are readily available. Try and get some pics up so we can help with any advice. Special care is needed if the boiler is dented.

For spares I quote Michael from another thread, a fellow Brit of yours. He'll probably chime in with further advice and is always very helpful.

michaelbenis wrote:Ferrari in Wales are pleasant and helpful.

Myespresso.co.uk may also be able to help, though I have no experience with them.

Fairfax Coffee in Swiss Cottage London may also be prepared to help.

Sarah,

If it is the sight glass it can be replaced. I second the recommendation about Orphan Espresso, research their site first before e-mailing Doug and Barb. They are a small operation and it usually takes a little while for them to get around to answering e-mails. WRT the Brasso, try cleaning it with soap and water first, Brasso can take off the protective cover on the brass and with it gone you will have to continually polish the brass or have it professionally re-coated. If it is that bad however then give the Brasso a shot on the tarnished areas, if it shines up pretty easily then the lacquer is already gone and you have nothing to loose.

Thank you all so much!

I think it is the sight glass. I have taken some photographs

I haven't tried Brasso yet, I had a quick go with soap and water this morning and it does look a little bit better, though I think the copper base might need to be recoated. The copper seems to have completely rubbed off in a few places (thats wasn't me though lol).

Ya. After stripping the broken sight glass and seals that boiler needs to be straightened out before you do anything else. You may need a little professional help in heating and pulling so the join does not fracture.

Or, with luck and great gentleness it might just pull out with no damage.