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Replacing grouphead gasket on the Elektra Microcasa a Leva

Postby elcoz on Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:31 pm

I have a new Elektra Microcasa a leva.

I'm used to removing and cleaning the dispersion screen on my HX.
How is it done on the MCAL? I've been advised by the dealer not to remove the screen.
How then, is one to replace the group head gasket when/if necessary?
elcoz
 
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Postby HB on Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:04 pm

The dispersion screen is held in place by the gasket. I've removed it by gently prying at it with a spoon, but doing so can scratch the sides of the dispersion screen. A less intrusive solution is removing the two Allen screws atop the grouphead, lifting out the piston, then pushing the screen out from above:

Image
From Elektra/Pavoni side by side

While you have the piston out, it won't hurt to lubricate it with some Dow 111. Be careful when reinserting the piston; the gaskets are V shaped and bulge outwards. Work the lip of the gasket over the edge of the cylinder using a dull plastic implement. See Piston gasket replacement on Elektra Microcasa a Leva for more details.
Dan Kehn
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HB
 
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Postby elcoz on Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:05 pm

Thanks.
I'll probably opt for the piston removal.
elcoz
 
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Postby KevinAlvord on Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:25 pm

I have a pallo group cleaning brush and on one end of the brush there is a little half teaspoon for measuring out cleaner for backflushing. I use this teaspoon on a daily basis for prying out the dispersion screen with the group gasket on it. This is especially easy if it is done while the machine is warm but not hot. Since the spoon is plastic it will not scratch in any way. And by the way my machine is an Mcal.
KevinAlvord
 
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Postby elcoz on Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:24 pm

Thanks Kevin.

Did as you said, and I can see why you don't mind removing it daily. comes out easier that on my TEA.
I adjusted the P-stat to where it cycles between .9 and 1.o and things are looking good.
I think I'm going to like the Mcal. A lot.

Cos.
elcoz
 
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Joined: Oct 12, 2011
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