Based on other postings and the spare I have the screen is held in place by the metals spring force. The screen basically just clamps around a ridge on the grouphead. Tried gently prying the screen of using a paint can opener tool. No go. Increased the amount of force. Still stuck. Not comfortable at applying anymore force until I know that is what's normally required. How much force should be required?

This is the first machine owned where the gasket or simple bolt doesn't hold the screen in place. Real PITA for a real screen cleaning.

Noel,

The screen is held on by spring pressure as you say. I think the screen is notched like the lid of a 5-gal plastic bucket. Use the paint can opener, and go around, section by section, and it shouldn't be too big a problem.

PC

BTW, the screw in the middle would lessen slightly the even distribution of water to the puck, which I think is one of the best features of a good old reliable piston.

I have been using a variety of machines lately in preparation for moving, and I'm still amazed at how forgiving the Ponte Vecchio is. Seems to produce a good shot no matter what coffee, grind, or dose I throw at it.

PC

Good morning Noel,

Please post how this goes for you. I will be following in your footsteps with the dispersion screens, fairly soon.

-Steve

PS: My Lusso is now producing great shots!

Guess I was a little too gentle with the paint can opener. Screen popped off with a slight increase in pressure. Basically just worked around the screen perimeter with the can opener increasing leverage with each revolution. 2nd rev it popped loose. Now that I know what I'm doing the Ponte Vecchio is the easiest of the 4 machines I've owned to routinely clean the screen. Only time will tell how many cycles of removing the screen it will stand up to. Considering the low cost for this part spares are good thing to have around.
Replacement was simple. Just apply pressure to the center of the screen. When it engages you hear a little pop. Screen was relatively clean for almost 5 months (yeah I know it should have been cleaned more frequently ) of use. Bottom of piston had mild staining. Both about as dirty as a weeks use of the E61/HX machine.
Thanks peacecup. This little machine is as consistent in pulling shots as the E61/HX machine. When you figure the initial cost, the minimal maintenance and cost of maintenance (parts!!), low noise operation, the cool factor of pulling the lever and most of important the quality of espresso pulled. Better value than the vibe pump machines I've owned.