ACS Vesuvius Evo Leva

PortafilterProcrastinator

pipedreams86 Maria is great! 😀

DavecUK

@danielpugh is the leak past the piston when it’s at the top of it’s stroke and the pump is running resolved now?

danielpugh

Hi All, quick update - some seals and o-rings arrived from Paolo which i have just fitted. Much touching of wood, but 6 shots without leaks so far. Relevant info which may be of use…

i replaced both the lower gasket, the upper o-ring and the teflon bit.
to replace the upper o-ring you do not need to unscrew the springs.

Wish i had known as scratched the chrome as had to use a vise, only to realise the whole part comes out with the o-ring embedded. To remove the o-ring you just lever out with e.g. a screwdriver.
the new main gasket has a much bigger lip than my original two or the two i got as i had used the spare from ferrari espresso. so there does seem to be signficant variablity which is strange - (these were ones i got - https://www.ferrari-espresso.com/product/izzo-my-way-leva-piston-seals-x-2/).
i could see very little wrong with the o-ring apart from it seemed to have oil behind it which may be a factor. After replacing i used a thin coat of moly 111, and the same on the other gasket.
Having removed the part that holds the spring, i screwed up till it hit resistance. Not particularly tight but firm, and obviously not meant to go further - not sure if that is good or bad.

so in all the cause of the leak is a mystery, but fingers crossed gone.

next minor job is to fix the wonky steam connection - hoping this job is easier

DavecUK

danielpugh The leak was the main seal…the O ring is not for holding back water under pressure like that. Makes me wonder if somehow and incorrect main seal was fitted and supplied….who knows. Just glad for you that it’s sorted.

LMSC

danielpugh Glad you fixed the problem. It’s a mystery. However, as Dave said, unless the lower gasket, which I think you call it as a main gasket, is weaker, the water can’t shoot up. Now, you can concentrate on fixing the steam wand, install the RO and fall in love with her again. 👌

danielpugh

@LMSC always been loving, no change there, just slightly cursed with poor luck/minor problems. I know I can generally fix mechanical stuff like I’ve had. Would be good to isolate a source of good gasket versions as I have 4 that seem slightly wrong, and one that just arrived that seems to flare out more. Could be my imagination though…

DavecUK

danielpugh I’m wondering to get a big box of em from {Paolo and then people can buy them from me for no profit….what they cost), plus a self addressed envelope, or whatever. I would think as long as they stay flat should only need a first class envelope…I dunno.

LMSC

danielpugh Glad you said that Daniel. So, the Ferrari link the correct fit? Is that for the lower gasket ?

LMSC

DavecUK Good idea Dave. I think getting the critical wear and tear parts bulk from Paolo is necessary. You can then send it to us, if that’s not too much trouble.

DavecUK

LMSC You can then send it to us, if that’s not too much trouble.

Well, it would be unless the self addressed, stamped envelope thing pans out….Then I can just pop a couple of seals in.

danielpugh

@LMSC the ones from Ferrari were like the ones that came with the machine. @Paolo_Cortese sent some new parts and they seem(ed) to go outward more to my eye. Maybe it’s just my machine or my imagination, or perhaps a specific version. Unsure

DavecUK

danielpugh Paolo probably gets his direct from the group manufacturer.

NelisB

Is there a silicone version of the main gasket available?

danielpugh

just got an update from Paolo about the extra rubber gaskets that were confusing me, and i thought worth posting for general info. There is an internal cylinder in the group that can be removed!

see image below

LMSC

danielpugh Does The arrow points out SM.7 (think black gasket) or the white teflon? I thought thicker gasket is for the lowest. Am lost now.

DavecUK

danielpugh The internal cylinder is the stainless steel wet liner for the group. It is surrounded by a small water jacket.

This system varies, some groups have it welded in, so you cannot change it. The fiorenzato groups (e.g. bosco style) and some variants of the LSM group use a Chromed brass wet liner, I believe the stainless is better as it’s much more durable and no chrome plating..

As a home user, you should never have to change the O rings/gasket for this liner for a very long timer…we’re talking at least 10+ years…..

danielpugh

@LMSC - i think the version of the group we have is different from the one in your image.

My understanding from @Paolo_Cortese is that the red arrow in my image is pointing to a cylinder that inserts into the lower part of the group. This cylinder then has its own seal/gasket/oring(s)

the entire piston mechanism goes through this

this image may make it clearer (assuming i am understanding correctly)

danielpugh

@DavecUK - thanks, thats good to know. Paolo sent parts, but i have avoided as i dont think it will be a fun one. Very much will continue to avoid swapping that out…

second day with no leaks. Mentally moving on to the mechanics of the steam arm, but thought a more detailed diagram/understanding might be useful..

DavecUK

danielpugh Sadly, I have never seen a production machine, but there should be a nut at the back….it would be good if you take a photo of that area and the pipe leading to it…and pop it up here..In case I have a kick up the arse recommendation to forward on.

NelisB

danielpugh second day with no leaks.

Hi Daniel,

Are you still leakless after replacing the seals/gasket/o-rings? My machine started to leak today…..

danielpugh

@DavecUK cool thanks. - i did try to get in before and could detach the copper pipe, but very tight access. will wait for a quite Saturday before attempting. i have a very small adjustable spanner bought specifically so hopefully am prepared.

LMSC

danielpugh Thx

My second image in the above post is what we have.

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