Izzo Alex Leva - Dosing, baskets, accessories and springs

#1: Post by **Espresso_Monkey** » May 12th, 2020, 5:29 am

Hi folks
I've been settling in with my new Leva. Lever Espresso Machine Gallery
A short learning curve, coming from an E61, but fun in the journey...loving the espresso!

My objective with this post is two-fold:
1. Document posts I found useful in my research and learning about this machine. (Not intended to be an exhaustive search result list)
2. To ask a couple of follow-up questions about accessories, springs and pre-infusion

Useful HB Forum Resources
Big thanks to Alf (Espressotime) for his vids demonstrating just how easy maintenance of this group is.
Videos on disassembly:
Pros & Cons - Londinium-R vs Izzo Alex Leva

Useful post discussing tips on dosing:
Baskets and dose for LSM group levers
Conclusion: Dose to the circlip.
This is borne out by my experience. I eliminated channeling by dosing to this level. With the stock triple basket, this is +/- 19g.
Might try 17g again now that I am more familiar with the workflow, and have a better fitting tamper (see below).

Posts with feedback and insight on the Leva and comparable spring machines:
Stuck: Izzo Alex Leva or Profitec Pro 800
Pros & Cons - Londinium-R vs Izzo Alex Leva
Taste preference - Pro 800, Bosco, Alex Leva, Londinium or Strega
Long term thoughts on the Profitec Pro 800?

Single spring vs double spring:
Going single spring on the LSM lever group

Adjusting the PI valve:
Pros & Cons - Londinium-R vs Izzo Alex Leva
Spring Lever Piston Seal Life
Spring Lever Piston Seal Life
Stuck: Izzo Alex Leva or Profitec Pro 800

Accessories
I found the triple just a bit too big for my preference. Also, the stock tamper, at ~53mm, just a bit too loose.
I bought these IMS parts and have been very satisfied:

IMS 12-18g Precision Filter Basket ID 55mm - IMS B66 2T H26 M

IMS Coffee Tamper Base Flat 54.4 mm - IMS BAAC54.4F

I dose this basket to 12.5 - 13g (up to the circlip

). This a good dose for me to knock back a couple of espresso in the morning without overdosing.
The tamper base fits perfectly. Clean basket sides and tamping to the edges!

What accessories have you bought?
Anyone find a good basket that can dose 16g?

My Follow Up Questions

What PID setting / range do you use?

How exactly do you remove the secondary spring? Do you unscrew these 4 nuts?

Did anyone successfully replace their secondary spring with a lower compression option?

Did anyone source an off the shelf part replacement for the circlip?

Is this silicone lube appropriate for seal maintenance?

Adjusting the pre-infusion valve - How exactly do you adjust this?

I know it has to do with this valve, but how do you actually manipulate it?
Quoting truemagellen: Stuck: Izzo Alex Leva or Profitec Pro 800
"To a lesser extent on Izzo I like the idea I can control the water delivery/preinfusion valve. Although I am more of a traditional roast drinker I started enjoying single origin roasts and may try my hand at super light roasts. You can start preinfusion at boiler pressure on the LSM group then without lifting the lever and (or needing to hold it at a specific angle), deactivate the preinfusion valve separately from the lever action. Let the shot bloom at zero added pressure then lift the lever and have the spring complete the shot (aka Slayer shot)."

Edit: typo

#2: Post by **Nick111** » May 12th, 2020, 10:01 am

Thank you for the initiative to start this thread.You are great help!
Nice,clear pictures too.I already got a lot of tips by reading your post.

#3: Post by **puffinjk** » May 12th, 2020, 3:45 pm

Hope some of you may find this service link helpful.JK https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1xwm0wi5ji9a ... e.avi?dl=0 ( Note, to get the full vid you need to download )

#4: Post by **espressotime** » May 12th, 2020, 4:55 pm

I removed the inner spring for a few weeks. Didn't like it and put it back in.
It is easy to do.
Take out the group by removing the four bolts. Than take of the piston and seal.
Put the group in a vise and remove the big nut and you'll be able to take out the springs. Piece of cake.

#5: Post by **puffinjk** » May 12th, 2020, 5:04 pm

I also tried the single spring, It worked ok but we liked the coffee from the double better, To each his own I guess. JK

May 12th, 2020, 5:26 pm

puffinjk wrote:Hope some of you may find this service link helpful.JK https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1xwm0wi5ji9a ... e.avi?dl=0 ( Note, to get the full vid you need to download )

Thanks Jim!
A useful resource!

#7: Post by **puffinjk** » May 12th, 2020, 5:31 pm

Dan has also posted this in the FAQ section for new owners info. Jim

#8: Post by **drH** » May 12th, 2020, 9:03 pm

Espresso_Monkey wrote: 12.5 - 13g (up to the circlip ).
Edit: typo

That's interesting that dosing to the circlip is the best technique. What happens if you use a bean that likes a lower dose (like a lighter roast)?
Should you use less, grind finer and tamp harder? Or try to maintain the volume and adjust other variables to taste?
This is what makes levers so much fun.

#9: Post by **drH** » May 12th, 2020, 9:22 pm

puffinjk wrote:Hope some of you may find this service link helpful.JK https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1xwm0wi5ji9a ... e.avi?dl=0 ( Note, to get the full vid you need to download )

Wow. That's an impressive group assembly. It pays to have a wood vice at home.

#10: Post by **wachuko** » May 12th, 2020, 9:58 pm

Great thread!!! Following.