Austin Powers wrote: [In a PM]
I suspect you have a misunderstanding as to how group size is measured. The accepted standard is to measure the inside diameter of the coffee filter, not the filter holder. Thus when people speak of "a 58mm group" they mean the the coffee filters measure 58mm across the inside.

Italian made Pavoni home lever machines have a 49mm group from their inception until the start of the millennium group, which is 52mm nominal.

Austin Powers wrote:This lever espresso machine is a first generation Europiccola as manufactured 1960-1974. The rubber base appears to be missing. These have been unavailable for many years in the northern hemisphere. A substitute can be made with rubber u-channeling. It's best not to operate machine without something soft beneath it so as not to chip finish of base.

These have a different group than post 1974 examples. The piston operates in a cylinder which threads into the group body from the bottom. This creates a water jacket or "radiator system" around the cylinder which helps with temperature stability. The group seals will almost certainly need to be replaced. remove the pf gasket and two pin holes will be seen in seat for the pf gasket. These are used to turn the cylinder in order to unthread it from the group body.

Begin by removing the acorn nut and jam nut atop the piston shaft. Then remove one snap ring from each of the two pivot pins at the top of the group. The pins can then be tapped out and the lever removed.

On the underside of the machine disconnect the heating element wires. Then unscrew the heating element from the floor of the boiler with a chain tool or band type automobile oil filter wrench. This will expose the lock ring which affixes the boiler to the base. it has pin holes that permit it to be turned with a tool. A punch and mallet are ok to loosen it. Loosening the lock ring permits the base to be swung out of the way for work on the group.

With machine inverted, clamp the top flat portion of the group, inverted in a vise so you can address the cylinder. Take care to cushion it so as to protect the finish. A tool must be made to fit the pin holes. Do not attempt to turn the cylinder with a punch and mallet. This will only succeed in damaging the holes. It will likely require a good deal of torque to break it free. Tools must include pins for the pin holes and a means of keeping it centered/steady. One can be made by silver soldering pins to the end of a steel cylinder of the correct diameter or by inserting roll pins into an aluminum plug of the correct diameter. Whatever is used to turn the tool will need a long handle to generate adequate torque. Once cylinder is out seals can be replaced in straightforward manner. They are the same as those used on the second generation group (1975-millennium) and so not a problem to obtain. Be very careful when re-installing cylinder as it is difficult to "feel" the threads because of the friction caused by the piston seals. You will want to replace the heating element gasket as well.

Electrics: the switch that can be seen on the left side of the base is not an on/off switch but a high/low switch for the heating element. The machine is powered so long as it is plugged in. A plug switch can be added if you do not wish to plug/unplug it for each use. Switch should be on high (massimo) for warm up and for steaming and on low (minimo) for espresso extraction and idling. The machine is losing water via steam through the emission valve all the time, it is in pressure so it should not be left unattended for long periods when in pressure as it can steam away all of its water and self destruct.

Dispersion screen: On examples produced approx 1960-72, the screen is machined into the floor of the cylinder and cannot be removed. This necessitates removal of the cylinder to service the piston. On units manufactured approx 1972-74, the dispersion screen is removable so the piston can be withdrawn without removing the cylinder. It would still be best to remove the cylinder however to perform a thorough cleaning of the group.

HB wrote: I never know what information will mysteriously find its way to my Inbox. This commentary on your espresso machine arrived today:

Austin Powers wrote: This lever espresso machine is a first generation Europiccola as manufactured 1960-1974. The rubber base appears to be missing.

Austin Powers wrote: Electrics: the switch that can be seen on the left side of the base is not an on/off switch but a high/low switch for the heating element. The machine is powered so long as it is plugged in.

civ wrote:Please relay my heartfelt gratitude to 'Austin Powers' for the valuable information he sent you.

Austin Powers wrote:Aha! This must indeed be a silverland produtto. New photos show that base, resistance, interuttore and group attachment to la caldaia are all different than on a via archimede produced example. Regrettably much of my earlier comments are not applicable.

HB wrote: I will indeed convey your message ...

Austin Powers wrote: This must indeed be a silverland produtto. New photos show that base, resistance, interuttore and group attachment to la caldaia are all different than on a via archimede produced example.

Austin Powers wrote: This must indeed be a silverland produtto. New photos show that base, resistance, interuttore and group attachment to la caldaia are all different than on a via archimede produced example.