This is regarding the gas control regulator (pictured) of a 196? Gaggia Orione 2 group lever. The internal flexible diaphragm has become both rigid and deformed. I would like to replace if possible the diaphragm alone. This may not be possible due to lack of availability. Has anyone successfully retrofitted a replacement diaphragm from a suitable material? Am I right in assuming as long as the material will cope with the associated temperature and pressure that it will suffice, it's the spring that actually determines regulation. Perhaps the diaphragm from a pressure stat could be trimmed to size and fitted.
Any pointers/constructive advice appreciated.

Hello:

Zedd wrote: ... regarding the gas control regulator ...
... replace if possible the diaphragm alone.

That would be great.

Zedd wrote: ... may not be possible due to lack of availability.

Have you checked with Gaggia?

Zedd wrote: ... anyone successfully retrofitted a replacement diaphragm ...

I've done it with relative success on a Sirai pressurestat but only because I was not able to source a replacement kit locally.
And used it because the Sirai is a backup to an expensive PID which ended up working as a fancy temperature control.

Zedd wrote: ... it's the spring that actually determines regulation.

Yes, the two or three regulators (fot bottled gas) I have stripped apart worked that way.

But it is not steam we are dealing with here, it is gas.
Not the same thing and if things go sideways, certainly not the same consequences.

You may want to check with Gaggia about available parts.
You'll be surprised how many vintage parts are still available/being made.
eg: bellows for a mercury switched pressurestat

You may also want to contact Pascal at Chromes d'Antan:
http://www.chromesdantan.com/en/contact ... -dantan-2/

He has beautifully refurbished quite a few machines, among them one or two Gaggia Oriones.
See here:
https://www.facebook.com/bourretpascal/ ... 85594390/

Same goes for Paul Pratt at Espresso Restorations.
http://www.espresso-restorations.com/Index2.html

Maybe he'll pitch in.

Best,

CIV