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Permalink Reply by Keith Eckert on June 8, 2011 at 12:08pm

E-61 groupheads are rock solid.  when you get the photo's of the inner-workings, look for build up around water connections, a sure sign of hard water mineral build-up and tank scaling and would probably be needing a major overhaul shortly. 

 

This isn't a manual lever machine as most would understand.  The little lever on the side of the grouphead controls a 3 way valve in the group and also activates the pump.  On many E-61 machines you can move the lever about 20 degrees to open the valve (without engaging the pump) allowing brew water to enter the chamber at line pressure (about 4 bars), allowing for a lower pressure pre-infusion of sorts. Then fully engage the brew pump by lifting the lever to 90 degrees. 

 

Before buying, call you service company to see if they are knowledgeable about the machine and can service it (and what parts they have in stock or how long it would take to get parts in).  Wouldn't be that great to save a few bucks on a used machine to then get hosed when it goes down and no service is available. 

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on June 8, 2011 at 12:54pm

They Just sent me one picture of the inside.    It looks pretty good to me.   Can you see anything?

 

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Permalink Reply by Mike Sabol on June 8, 2011 at 1:21pm

I don't see any obvious discoloration.  The copper tubing looks good and all the fittings/joints look clean.  The only place I see any sign of leaking is around the vacuum break, which is common, but that could also be lighting/shadows in the picture.  The wiring looks intact from what I can tell.  If you get acceptable answers about the water filtration then this looks like a good machine.

 

I can't unequivocally say it's OK because I have not fired it up.  Personally, I like to listen to a machine work.  Listen to the pump.  Listen to it refill.  Listen to it pull a shot.  Listen to it power cycle when the P-Stat engages.  Etc...  I'm sure you understand.  But from what I can tell from the picture the machine hasn't seen much use and looks nearly new.

 

Keith's point about service is a good one, too.  But this is a standard hX machine with standard/generic parts.  Your local service company should be able to easily get parts for this.  And it really isn't any different than working on a Simonelli or Astoria or any other old school espresso machine.  If your tech is stymied by this then it's time to find a different tech.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on June 11, 2011 at 11:33am

Hi Mike,

So, I think I may be able to get this machine.  If you don't mind, can you email me at (mpscholle@gmail.com)    I need to ask you a few questions if you dont mind. 

 

Thanks,  Matt

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