Have had EPDM gaskets made which will act as a spacer for the 48mm o-ring shower plate seals for pre-millenium models currently available (5mm thick o ring) and provide the additional height for older models which originally used square cut group seals. These 7mm square cut seals are obtainable as non-OEM after-market but are expensive and usually come from the USA (I believe the Olympia Cremina/Maximatic group seal can also be used - one US site offered at $12.50 plus shipping or directly from Olympia $20 plus shipping). Great thing about the spacer is you can replace with the current group seal when a service is required which is readily available (you may even not need to change the spacer)
The kit will consist of a 48 x5mm o ring, a 2mm flat gasket and a 3mm flat gasket to allow for any wear of the group and filter-holder. If the filter-holder handle ends up too far across, substitute the 2mm for the 3mm gasket. £4.95 for the 2 x flat gaskets and current shower seal or £3.25 for the 2x flat gaskets only
Early La Pavoni switches
switch in the chrome fascia on the early model is difficult to obtain as there is no direct replacement available. I have found however a good replacement in the Arcolectric 1520A. It is a simple matter to remove the orignal and fit the replacement. The 1520 is the SP3T version with centre off . Fascia size 23x9.8mm, 1520 rocker button 22x8.5 total LxW 30.2x14mm (original 33x16.5mm). it is possible to use the locking plastic to secure one end of the fascia plate in place (the neon bulb holder secures the other end. (Note if the neon is not working it can be replaced by dismantaling the holder and replacing the bulb) T2 6mm diameter 0.5mA
Older La Pavoni Machine Serial Numbers
I have been given some information regarding the serial number on the groups of older La Pavoni lever machines. They are not exact but are based on the age of the machine layouts - (Thank you Francesco)
year from to
1968 A3801 A6300
1969 A6301 A8800
1970 A8801 B1800
1971 B1801 B4800
1972 B4801 B8800
