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

Blackbirdman

Adrianmsmith looks great! You polished the residue from the protective film of? Mine has the same and was wondering what way I would remove it.

Adrianmsmith

Blackbirdman

So, normally there’s no residual tack left, but just use and standard “sticky label remover fluid” if you have some tacky bits left. Use it with kitchen towel or micro fibre cloth.

Warning, don’t get the fluid on the paint or powder coating! It can be aggressive!! Go away from the machine to do it 😜😎

Blackbirdman

Adrianmsmith ah great idea! Got some of that stuf. Thanks.

Cuprajake

wd40 also removes it

LMSC

Adrianmsmith Still no idea what did you do to reduce / eradicate the wobble effect! 🫣😂

Adrianmsmith

LMSC

So, good as their bending machine is, and believe me I’ve seen some rubbish in my time on this thickness stainless (acs really do make a good job), the 2 long rails are very slightly rippled where they sit on the"rail" inside the main tray.

using the belt sander, flatten the rails. Then carefully see there the high points are and remove.

Please bear in Mind were talking 10s of microns to remove, not mm!!

ManicAsif

Adrianmsmith

well I am glad you managed to sort out your “issues” with your drip tray and managed to get it nice and shiny

Though I am not sure how ridiculing my post adds anything whatsoever to your post!

Ok, so I was/am undecided about my choice of machine - what does that have to do with your shiny drip tray?

with regards to the VAT and import duty point - I feel that discussion has actually benefited the thread, especially with Paolo’s contrubution and clarification.

perhaps I am a numpty for even daring to compare a Syncronika with an ACS Lever machine - well I guess I am not as experienced and well versed in the world of espresso as you are

HarveyMushman

ManicAsif

Some of us are more well versed, and don’t think you’re a numpty at all.

Adrianmsmith

ManicAsif 🤔😎

Edited, sorry to upset you so much. I will reset my sensitivity filter.

For what it’s worth, not that the synchronika is bad In any way, but assuming you are wanting espresso based milk drinks as well as espresso coffee I’d 100 percent go with the Evo 1, 2 or vostok. Hard to explain why but the lever is just so much more repeatable and easier to use once you realise you only need scales when your times start drifting away from when you dialled in. I wish I had listened some years earlier.

Bear in mind with the synchronika you will most likely have a return to base warranty only; if that was swinging your decision to have a UK warranty.

MacPhisto

Was plumbing my Evo Leva this weekend and ran into a few hitches. Mainly I could not figure out how to remove that plug from the fitting in the drain tray and it broke off inside. I’m sure there was an easy way of doing this, but I managed to avoid finding it.

I’m taking it as a sign to change the fitting in the back of the tray to accept tubing of ⅝″ as that is the standard size for plumbing inlets for waste and I can avoid a reducer in the line. I can’t think of an issue with using larger tubing for drainage (so long as the fitting at the tray is a tight seal), but I thought I’d ask the more clever people than me.

Adrianmsmith

MacPhisto

To remove the plug you eill push on the outer silver ring and then pull the actual plug at the same time.

On a fridge water line there’s a plastic circlip used to stop it accidentally coming loose as well.

Pull on the ring and push it through with a small screwdriver.

I swapped my fitting to a ¼″ X 16mm barbed connector and use soft drain down hose which then fit over 15mm copper pipe, eventually in to my drain.

MacPhisto

That’s what I attempted but that outer ring didn’t budge…even with the assistance of a flat head in the gap between the outer ring and the fitting. It was stuck enough that using a screw driver to push through pierced the plastic through and through rather than dislodge the plug.

I think I’m going to a barbed connector with a clamp over the hose regardless as it’s a more reliable connection. How is cleaning the tray after plumbing? I can’t think of a good method other than removing the drain nut and taking the tray out now to get rid of the sediment.

Adrianmsmith

MacPhisto

That’s why I use soft drin down hose. It’s secure but easily pulls of the barb when required to clean. No clip required

¼ × 16mm

TopHomer 1Pcs BSP Hose Connector Brass Pipe Fitting 6mm/8mm/10mm/12mm/16mm/19mm/25mm, Hose Barb Tail Male BSP Thread Connector Joint Copper Coupler Adapter https://amzn.eu/d/4dZHEYp

Blackbirdman

MacPhisto did you push the outer ring inwards? Because this releases the teeth that hold the tube or plug in the coupling.

it is explained in this video:

Press it in and push a small piece from the inside of the drip tray to push it outwards.

kilo

Adrianmsmith

I Have the same solution with a soft hose. Tried a clamp on the hose, but not enough room for that.

Hose is not leaking and easy to pull lose when removing the tray.

MacPhisto

Thanks for the suggestions. Certainly it’s possible (probable) that I’m less capable than others, but I was never able to get the central plug out no matter how I attempted it, including pressing the outer ring, trying to force it through from the other direction, needle nose pliers, etc. I ordered a ¼″ to ⅝ barb which hopefully with do the job for me and will allow me to maintain the hose from beginning to end without another connection.

MacPhisto

Well, just how badly did I screw things up?

Attached the water line adapter with no problems. Then went to attach the line itself to the adapter and tightened firmly by hand and had a lot of leaking. Used a wrench and the adapter nipple immediately broke off inside the machine:

I might possibly be able to tap the remaining thread and pull it out, but havent tried that yet. If that doesnt work, I don’t see how I can fix that short of removing and replacing the inlet and using a new adapter.

Adrianmsmith

MacPhisto

Well, I don’t know why to say.

I’m On on my 3rd plumbed In ACS machine.

I’d guess approx 6 wraps of PTFE tape cut in half for the short stub and nipped up. Fibre washer on the ½ adaptor and no leaks……

You will have to carefully use bolt extractor to remove it and replace the adaptor.

Shouldn’t be difficult….

Where are you based……

Cuprajake

its just a solenoid,

you can access it and swap it out

Cuprajake

power off, unplug, unscrew those and you can pull it out

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