Having recently acquired a La Pavoni Europiccola i have started to notice that when pulling an espresso the resistance is becoming less and less even though the grind and tamping pressure remain the same.

Ive also noticed that the head starts to drip quite profusely when the lever has been raised, something that never really happened before, even with a very fine grind.

The machine was bought brand new in May so i wouldn't really expect problems with the seals already - although i think this could be the problem.

Is there a way to check and if so does this invalidate the warranty? - the large nut on the top of the group head looks favourite.

Many Thanks

Jon

I assume when you state that the machine "drips profusely " you mean with coffee in the Portafilter? And then raising the handle...

So lets start on the simple stuff first.

If you do not go through coffee fast enough - your formerly "fresh beans " will dry out and need progressively finer adjustments to compensate. Also some tamp change could be called for. I go through about a pound of coffee a week- and if I don't - the amount that straggles into the next week needs grinder adjustments and does exactly what you are describing. In a geeky world - even big changes in weather - say no rain for long periods or sudden rain can throw humidity off enough to require you to change grind fineness.

So you might check that out first before changing and looking for mechanical issues. It could be as simple as buy half as much as you are and getting fresh beans in more frequent trips. And adjust the grind as bit as the days go by...

If that does not solve it - throw it back our way again...