As said in my earlier blog, its been about a year that I've operated the 3 group La Pavoni. I figured it was time to give the machine a good "Scrub down". The key servicing had to be done on the piston group and removing it with the right tools was not difficult. Having said, get ready for its weight. Each piston weighs a hefty 15kg. Great for weight lifting exercises.

The piston group makes a great looking trophy for Lever Espresso Machine Barista Championship...wonder if there would ever be one...

The back view of the piston where the water enters..

With the valve control removed, there is a little spring which drops out. Gotta be careful not to lost that piece.

This is the underside of the shower screen...after one year, you can see the coffee grounds blocking up some of the holes. This was scrubbed down and after that, clean as a whistle.

We had to have had two persons to help pull the piston spring out from the housing. The fit was really air tight...and rightfully so. When we place it back, a little food grade grease had to be applied to the rubber gasket at the end of the piston spring to ensure a smooth pulling action...

After everything is cleaned up, gaskets changed, and fitted up, the system works as good as new with a very smooth lever action pull.

I tried looking around for a blog on something similar like but can't find one. I think this is a first...