I was lucky enough, along with TSK to be involved in the above project right from the start. As many will know, this project was the brainchild of @DavecUK. The end result is a top notch lever machine that is far removed from the traditional machine. For starters, it has squeezed in dual springs to a domestic case, allowing lever lovers the true capability of a commercial machine (unlike most other domestic machines than can only handle a single spring). In addition, one boiler becomes two. Each boiler works independently and is controlled by a PID allowing total temperature control. The machine used 2 heater cartridges to warm up the group meaning you do not have to bring the boiler up to temperature before the group heats up. I find that from cold, the machine is fully functional in around 15 minutes. That is without flushing water through the group, or wrapping towels around or any other silly methods of trying to force things through. I think the single most surprising thing, is just how easy and different it is pulling the lever with a dual spring. A little bit of grunt is needed to commence the pull, but the pressure required seems to decrease as you work through the pull, unlike my single spring Londinium which seems to require you to maintain or even increase the pressure needed as the shot progresses.

If were to look back in time, which was the end of March this year, the Evo’s timing could not have been better. I kept moving my goal post looking for something, which I wasn’t finding. I then fixed my eyes on two great machines - Minima or Bianca, intentionally staying clear Vostok threads on coffee time and elsewhere as they were too big to read. When I did, I instantly knew, despite no serious technical background, my search had come to an end! 😊 It was an easy decision for non-financial reasons but it was very hard for financial reasons. But, I am glad, I purchased this beauty. It’s a bargain for what we get. The best parts of the Evo for me are easy maintenance and repeatable lovely shots. 😊 Thanks Dave and Paolo!

I really wish Frankenstein was working again...as soon as I get some parts, he will be repaired.

Gentlemen! New home, new vistas, same good discussions! Congratulations and all the best from the other side of the Atlantic!

Hello everyone, As the action is moving to this new forum, I'd like to share with you a fairly lengthy FAQ document which captures all (?) the good stuff posted elsewhere about the Vesuvius Evo Leva. [ACS Evo Leva FAQ](https://1drv.ms/w/s!AmeL5kgIKZuIgtBN-Z9GPSIg_5BxCw "ACS Evo Leva FAQ") This is a read-only document, but I'd be happy to share through private messaging a link to an editable version, as well as to edit the document based on your feedback (again via PM to keep this thread as clean as possible). Thank you to all the people who contributed the insights and observations which are included in this document. Some of the text is highlighted in yellow to denote improvement areas for future versions of the document (either due to conflicting information, or too little data to cover adequately some topic). Enjoy the read and feel free to share any editing suggestions if you're so inclined. 😉

@"Eiffel"#21 Great idea matey! It is easy to see what you have been up to on these dark winter nights!

@"Eiffel"#21 Congratulations on such a nice assemblage of the Evo's, er, evolution. Bravo! I read through most of it and the stance I held gradually changed as I read through it, simply because it evolved (there's that word again) as more owners added their unique perspective and experiences. And that's what makes "Evo-stewardship" very different than "LM-worship" which I almost fell prey to. MY humble opinion is to let it be as open as you have now made it, and let the sunshine it. Every owner has perspectives and experiences that create another piece of heaven. I think the document is already "living" and I would be content - and proud - to have been included. Thank you very much for doing this!

@"Eiffel"#p66 Great job mate! Well done. I do have a list of extracts with images / videos stored on my iPhone. Happy to pass them to you or modify if an editable version is available. Thanks for sharing the document.

Might have to add the Leva to my short list for my next machine.

@"-Mac"#p468 It's firmly on mine! Fortunately, my wife spent a small fortune on a road bike so I'm due some payback!

@"Eiffel", that was an interesting read. You ask about the sticker that some come with; my Vesuvius came with the sticker. It removes easily, I used a hot air pencil to warm it - left no residue. I have now rebranded my fridge. :-) https://p8.f1.n0.cdn.getcloudapp.com/items/YEuPxlyP/e8f4de25-7852-4a1e-bbb8-8add7f2c2afd.jpg

ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva

danielpugh

just to be completely clear..

i bought two seals from Ferrari - they were the same/similar as the seals that came with the machine.

they did ***not*** work.

no idea why, and it is possible the lower seal is not the cause of the problem.
Paolo sent a completely new seal separately that did work
i also changed the higher-up O-ring (may be a/the factor)
at the same time i completely dismantled and re-assembled the piston (??) as i thought it was needed for the upper o-ring to be changed (it is not - you can get it of using a pointy object e.g. screwdriver). Obviously this could also be a factor (need more time to pass to determine)
currently working fine (but obviously only been a couple of months since fix…)

NelisB

danielpugh Paolo sent a completely new seal separately that did work

Have you seen a difference with the Ferrari versions?

DavecUK

danielpugh i bought two seals from Ferrari - they were the same/similar as the seals that came with the machine.

they did not work.

no idea why, and it is possible the lower seal is not the cause of the problem.
Paolo sent a completely new seal separately that did work
i also changed the higher-up O-ring (may be a/the factor)

The O ring isn’t a factor….

The Lower seal is what stops the water passing the piston. Paolo is talking to the group manufacturer, trying to find out if anything has changed…anything at all. The tolerances for the group are quite close and it’s possible/probable that all seals are not made the same….

So all under investigation at the moment.

Cuprajake

are there any uk puck screen suppliers for 55mm?

LMSC

Cuprajake Why do you need a puck screen as you already find the IMS screen over extracting? Cleaning the shower screen hardly takes any time. If you must, please get the thinnest possible screen. Perhaps, get the Aero Press screen and cut to size. You won’t risk an over extraction. 😊

darkstefano

Cuprajake

You can get on Etsy, you saving money and you can get yourself personalized the puck mesh in 54,9mm it’s really good for the IMS.

I use an 54,9mm 1.0mm 50um mesh and I think is better then bplus.

NelisB

dfk41 Am I wrong, or are those 3d printed?

I dont know, I bought them from Ferrari.

NelisB

Cuprajake which seal is that?

The bottom seal of the piston

Cuprajake

@NelisB where does your machine leak>

NelisB

Cuprajake where does your machine leak>

From the top of the group when the lever is down, like Daniel showed in a video in post 554.

CoyoteOldMan

cimbali Just got a quote for a Leva from ACS, no mention of a ‘no pump’ option, though the mod seems straightforward enough.

dfk41

CoyoteOldMan The pump is an integral part of the system allowing the chamber to fill and come to approximately 2 bar pre-infusion in a couple of seconds. I do not think there has ever been the idea of a plumb in option from @DavecUK

CoyoteOldMan

dfk41 Somebody (on Home Barista? yet another forum?) modded the machine so it would work without a pump. Basically replaced the pump with a normally closed solenoid valve and a pressure regulator, bypassing the tank

I’m trying to find the post/thread on it again…

I think it’s our good friend @Abdulaziz - here’s the (silent!!!) video

cimbali

dfk41 Why should not water line pressure fill the chamber und produce the 2 bar pre-infusion ?

You only need a pressure reducer in the water line.

Cuprajake

darkstefano 54,9

brilliant thanks ive been looking for 55 lol

corichards

darkstefano thanks for the Etsy suggestion for a puck screen, but I’m struggling to find a seller with 54.9 mm - can you pls advise who you bought yours from and whether it was a custom made screen? Thanks!

Cuprajake

How are people checking the level of their machines and adjusting? Are you using a level off the under side of the group?

DavecUK

Cuprajake I would normally level by the group on any machine.

DaveCAU

Re. removing pump and using water mains pressure, just be aware that these machines when plumbed fill the water tank with the incoming water. There is a solenoid that opens to let water into the tank when the tank water level gets too low.

So to remove the pump would require at a minimum a bit of internal re-plumbing to connect incoming water to the supply for the group when the lever is cocked. What else might be involved I can’t comment.

Not that I really understand the obsession with removing the pump anyway…..

NelisB

DaveCAU with the incoming water.

So to remove the pump would require at a minimum a bit of internal re-plumbing to connect incoming water to the supply for the group when the lever is cocked.

With the mod, also the tank is bypassed. Please see my posts 1020 and 1039. Line pressure is used to supply the group when the lever is down. A pressure regulator is mandatory.

Cuprajake

neilb is your macine modded? is this the one that leaks?

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