Greetings Level Lovers,

My Lusso 1 may be approaching relic-mode. I've replaced various parts and tightened various fittings over the years, but it started leaking in a major way.... puddling around some wires and dripping onto the counter. I removed the case and saw the leak emerging from the heating element gasket, though there was lime scale around the thermostat, as well.
Lusso 1 IMG_8241.HEIC
Lusso 1 Thermostat and heating element IMG_8244.HEIC

So, I could get a new heating element/gasket from 1st-Line or the excellent Italian parts shop --https://www.lamacchinadelcaffe.com/en/pontevecchio.html -- and get some more time out of it, but back in 2009 someone wrote about a seam opening in the boiler (I've notice a seam, too, but it isn't all the way through yet; la Macchina del Caffe has boilers!!! for 300E). Anyway, wondering if it is time for a new Lusso, or something different.

I have a Sama that is twice as old and the boiler is fine. So unless there has been corrosion it should last much longer

After cleaning away the funny looking deposits and getting the new heating element nice and tight (no drips), I found a pinhole directly under the element. As an old boss used to say, "If it ain't one thing, it's another." The plan was sound enough....keep the Lusso working for a few more months until I could try out alternatives. Hopefully my backup--an old Isomec Venus, will last.

I'm saddened that PV seems to have vanished from the US market. It is a splendid little machine that does many things better than many others.

Ponte Vecchio, the lever machine that punches well above its weight and size. I have a PV Export sitting next to my R24, both of which are used daily, and both produce delightful espressos. I always finish the morning with a final espresso produced on the PV Export.

I am continually disheartened as I learn how few people are even aware of Ponte Vecchio lever machines, a pity for them while we "the few true believers" understand the quality of fine espresso dropped into our little espresso cups. Ciao.

Ponte Vecchio, the lever machine that punches well above its weight and size. I have a PV Export sitting next to my R24, both of which are used daily, and both produce delightful espressos. I always finish the morning with a final espresso produced on the PV Export.

I am continually disheartened as I learn how few people are even aware of Ponte Vecchio lever machines, a pity for them while we "the few true believers" understand the quality of fine espresso dropped into our little espresso cups.

Great little machines.

OperaTorte wrote:After cleaning away the funny looking deposits and getting the new heating element nice and tight (no drips), I found a pinhole directly under the element.

Sorry to hear this, but don't write off your Lusso - or its boiler - quite yet. Silver soldering is well within the realm of a hobbyist, and you can buy the solder, flux, and a MAPP torch and tank for about $100.

I've never used a Ponte Vecchio or SAMA, but it seems like that owner raves about the quality of the coffee they produce.

OperaTorte wrote:After cleaning away the funny looking deposits and getting the new heating element nice and tight (no drips), I found a pinhole directly under the element. As an old boss used to say, "If it ain't one thing, it's another." The plan was sound enough....keep the Lusso working for a few more months until I could try out alternatives. Hopefully my backup--an old Isomec Venus, will last.

In addition to the soldering and brazing solutions: Depending on the size/type of pinhole, the Loctite 290 Green that is used to plug Cremina boiler pinholes may work. It has worked for me. How to use Loctite 290 to fix a pin hole leak

OperaTorte wrote:I'm saddened that PV seems to have vanished from the US market. It is a splendid little machine that does many things better than many others.

1st-line.com is still the distributor AFAIK.