Hi Everyone,

I picked up what I believe to be a Zacconi Rivera manual lever machine. The previous owner had lost the portafilter and the unit has more or less been sitting for god knows how long. It starts up just fine and holds pressure steady to 9-10 bar. I was able to get steam, albeit a bit musty, through the wand, and the group head/ lever operated somewhat as expected. Black flakes and other contaminates came out of the head, but the lever seemed to start and stop to flow of water. I'm pleased with the state of it thus far.

The sight glass is quite cloudy, and once the water was purged a slightly burning smell lingered. I expect the element has some contamination it is burning off. The boiler is definitely crusty. Also it looks like a service shop brought up the voltage to 1k. When operating the lever, water shot almost horizontally in a stream out from the machine, not down as expected.

My goal is to get this thing back in service. I've been running through other threads on this machine.

1. For parts/seal kits- https://www.lamacchinadelcaffe.com/en/zacconi.html
2. Use vinegar solution on chrome parts.
3. Any recommendation for portafilters and cups ?

Any other tips of things to keep in mind from owners of this machine ?

I'd like to keep this one around.

Thanks!

That's a Zacconi Baby. I think the Riviera is the model with the spring lever. There was an early version of the Baby with a very small portafilter and a later version. I suggest that you do not use acids like vinegar on chrome parts because descaling solution dissolves chrome plating. Also the boiler pressure you were getting is 0.8 to 0.9 bar.

The one I had long ago had the smaller group, and an Elektra portafilter fit into it.

Thanks Gary. So only mechanical removal?
Then descale when it's back together ?

Yes, but descale gently if you must. When you see blue water from descaling, that's copper leached from the boiler and other internals. An alternative suggested by the late Robert Pavlis is to run it on distilled water, which will absorb any scale. He then offered a way of coating the brass to prevent the leaching of metals into the brew path.

Older portafilters with internal brass exposed and taste

Appreciate the link!

Any other tips for daily usage/maintaince once it gets back up to speed?

Yes. The fun is in the learning. And I'll be interested to learn the size of the group on yours.

You may want to search our site for information about the shop that imported it. Thomas E. Cara was legendary and I had the pleasure of visiting his son, Christopher Cara, in their amazing shop.

Good catch. It looks like they're available here. See the last two parts listed. This is a good time to measure the diameter so you can know whether you have the small or large group.

https://www.lamacchinadelcaffe.com/en/f ... cconi.html

Thanks!
Yes, the shower screen was in the box it came in.
I measured it right at 44mm or so.

So, I'm guessing it's the smaller portafilter.

That's useful info. This machine makes very small, traditionally sized espresso shots. You'll also find that the lever arc is short. I liked the looks and the swivel steam arm. I had one that had a problem with the portafilter ears being worn that you shouldn't have with a new portafilter.