I recall that there have been several suggestions across threads on ways to pop the screen off the Export. Would you mind sharing your favourite method? How do you get it back on as well? Things to watch out for?

Thanks,

Mark

Dogshot

Check the subject by slooowr6 "How to lube a Ponte Vecchio Export for smoother movement" Lots of detail and photos

I hope this helps

Cheers
Geoffrey

I use a paint-can opener. It has an ~90 degree angle, with which I pull straight down on a few of the sections of the lip around the group. If you bend these sections out too far they will not heave enough tension to snap back in place tightly. Gene at Vanelis once told me that if you had a strong thumb you could push on the center of the screen to flex the outside lip off the group.

PC

Thanks for the suggestions. I recall Slooowr's thread, and I really admire his mechanical ability. However, his machine had to be lubed twice in the 6 months he used it before he sold it, so I'm a bit leary of the techniques he used.

I'll try the paint can tool, which is what I use on my E61 machine. PC, I assume you have done this a few times - does your dispersion screen ever pop off while brewing now, and did the screen and insides of the group look like it really needed a cleaning (after a year of use)? I don't want to do this if it is not necessary (currently, it ain't broke).

Mark

The paint can tool sounds good. I use a flat-bladed screwdriver, the official screen popping tool at Vanelis—just push in as you pry down. I clean the screen weekly, so I have performed this operation about 75 times on my Ponte Vecchio Lusso.

I got this pick and hook set from Sears.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941513000P

Short enough to get under the Export grouphead, but enables you to get up under the screen without scratching anything up.

Plus, it cost less than the shipping alone on any of the nicer pick and hook sets I found, and the picks are handy for getting grime out of tight, out of the way places.

I've pulled at least 1,000 shots on my machine and its never hinted at needing the seals lubed. As long as the machine is bought up to temperature before working the piston, to ensure that hot water fills the chamber, I think the seals will last a good long time.