Faema Faema vintage 1964 - safety assembly valve

 Cleaning the main safety valve of your old Faema Faema coffee machine.

There are two valves -- a secondary one above the milk steamer section (left in the pic).

The primary one is on the opposite side. (on the right side in the photo).

This valve is made up of two threaded screws , a ball & spring.

First unscrew this cover.

Then you will see this outer nut:

With a flat head screwdriver, unscrew it, and you will find an inner screw.

After removing this second screw you will find a spring and ball;

The ball and spring is a very primitive though effective pressure valve.

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Common Espresso machine port sizes (G vs M), tubes and fittings

Espresso machine have a wide range of sizes of pressure gauges, temp gauges, ports etc etc.

It can be a bit confusing.

They may connect to a boiler or the steam wand, or a pressure gauge.

There are a few fitting types to remember:

T joint & L joint.

These are used to connect three or two tubes 

of the same size

Adapter or Nipple

This is an adapter.

These are used to connect two tubes (for example) of different sizes

This is a hexagonal nipple 

Straight 3/8 to 1/2 BSP.

It's nickel plated brass

Most espresso machines use BSP fittings and is sometimes called a pipe or G-type.

There are two versions: Parallel vs Tapered.

BSPP=Parallel / straight (this is the most common).

BSPT = Tapered.

These use imperial inches, not metric measurements.

The main difference between G and M threads is that G threads are a type of pipe thread, while M threads are a type of metric thread: 

G threads

Also known as British Standard Pipe Parallel (BSPP) threads, G threads are a type of pipe thread with a 55 degree angle and a constant diameter. They are cylindrical on the inside and outside, and are suitable for pressure-tight connections that are not sealed by the thread. G threads are commonly used in the water and gas pipe industries. 

M threads

Also known as ISO metric threads, M threads are specified in metric units (mm). The nominal size of an M thread is determined by the thread's major diameter and pitch.

The common sizes you will find in coffee machines are: G1/8", G1/4", G3/8", G1/2", M9, M12, M6, M10

Flair 58 - uses G1/8

Flair Pro2 - M9

E61 machines 

(like the Lelit v3, Rocket R58, La Marzocco GS3 and Profitec Pro series) - 

They use a M6 thread for the group head pressure/temp connector.

I use a BooKoo pressure sensor on my machine which uses a G1/8 thread. This makes it compatible with the Flair 58 or La Marzocco GS3.

The Bookoo came with an G1/8" to M6 adapter so it can work with my E61.

I've added a Pressure profiling Kit to my La Pavoni Europiccola.

This uses a G1/8 adapter

So the Bookoo pressure sensor fits onto it (without need for the G1/8 to M6 adapter).

Here are some other examples of adapters:

the M6 end is to the left. 

G1/8 on the right end

Pavoni Pressure Gauge Steel Nut M11

This adapter nut allows you to add a boiler pressure gauge.

The Pressure gauge has a 1/8" fitting.

1/8" = (8.6mm) Female

This stainless steel nut will convert La Pavoni models made after 1990.

Models made before 1990 will need a 1/8" to M12 (12mm) adapter.

The la pavoni steam tip that screws into the pipe (for frothing milk) uses a M6 thread.

I replaced my 3 hole tip with a single hole tip.

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E61 Group Head Chrome Mushroom Cap

Slightly more coarse threads than the standard 3/8" British Standard Pipe thread. Chrome covered brass.

The most common thread size for a portafilter spout is 3/8 in BSP. The bottom of the portafilter body has 3/8" in female threads.

If you are pulling a shot and lack room for your glass between the drip tray and the bottom of the portafilter, just remove the spout.

The thread size for a 58mm portafilter handle is M10 or M12.

The thread is also 3/8" BSP

This is the steam valve on a Faema Faemia from 1964. 

The thread size is 3/4" BSP.

The thread for the upper pressure valve is 3/8" BSP (the same as a portafilter spout).

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Other thread formats:

NPT : National Pipe Thread 

National Pipe Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used to connect pipes and fittings. NPT threads are characterized by: 

Tapered: NPT threads have a tapered male and female thread. 

60° angle: NPT threads have a 60° thread angle. 

Flat crests and roots: NPT threads have flat crests and roots. 

Taper rate: The taper rate for NPT threads is 1⁄16 in (3⁄8 in per foot). 

Common sizes: Common NPT sizes include 1⁄8 in, 1⁄4 in, 3⁄8 in, 1⁄2 in, 3⁄4 in, 1 in, 1 1⁄4 in, 1 1⁄2 in, and 2 in.

NPT and BSP threads are not interchangeable because they have different thread forms, pitch, and flank angles. However, you can use an adapter to convert between the two

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Faema Faemina 1964

 Some pics and initial brew notes  for a New- old 1964 Faema.

This just arrived and I'm so excited to learn how to use this piece of art.

The Faema Faemina is a classic espresso machine that was first introduced 

by the Italian company FAEMA (Fabbrica Apparecchiature Elettromeccaniche e Affini). 

Unlike many commercial espresso machines of the time, the Faemina was designed to be smaller and more suitable for home use, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. However, it's really heavy. Made of brass, it weighs 11K.

It is a significant piece of espresso culture, representing the transition of espresso machines from commercial settings to the home kitchen.

The machine operates with a manual spring-lever system, 

allowing users to control the extraction pressure and time. 

 

She has a single boiler system, designed to heat water for both brewing and steaming milk.

Uses a 51mm basket ... similar to a post mil La Pavoni (though the portafilters aren't interchangeable).

Side on view

The spring, through the sight glass.

Very cool.

The spring, gives this machine more consistency over a purely manual lever machine like the Europiccola.

I like that I can step away briefly with a spring load machine during a pull vs fully manual Europiccola.

inside - heating elements

There are 2 - one for 200W, the second for 800W.

This is the water entrance point from the boiler , into the grouphead.

First Pull .... will need practice.

The Faemina operates on the hotter side, and so can be a bit more challenging with darker roasts, 

and if you're pulling multiple shots.

The on/off switch. 

This is the On position on my model.

I think on most models, red is on. ?

Overheating on faemina is not an issue if you calibrate and attach a pressurestat (easy to do by hooking up pressure gauge on steam wand) and then make use of the 200W element.

The Faemina needs a special tool for spring changing but most parts are available for it. You cannot leave the Faemina on as long as it has no p-stat.

Instead it constantly emits steam from the pressure relief valve. 

Pressure is maintained but it slowly loses water. 

This is why there is a high-low switch,...

.... the high is for heating up the machine and low is for just keeping the machine up to pressure.

So you can control the temp by adjusting the settable pressure release valve to desired pressure and then practicing when to cycle low / high or turn off / on machine. 

This adjustable pressure regulator.

It consists o f a ballbearing, spring & adjustable screw.

The further in you insert the screw, the higher the pressure will be reached before the valve opens.

Having a temp strip or electronic group temp device greatly aids here.

The machine is I think very temp stable once the desired temp is achieved due to the great mass of the brass group and boiler.  

I do occasionally retard the pull on second or third pulls on the Faemina by adding tension to lever.

+ Faema Faema vintage 1964 - safety assembly valve

Brew notes:

I boil the water with the switch set to the MAX position.

(Takes about 6-7 mins with the switch set to high, or about 20 mins if its low)

When the OPV located on the lid begins to exit steam, put the switch to the MIN position .

Usually I pull shots with the high element off.

This helps to prevent overheating of the group, esp if you are pulling multiple shots.

I aim to get the group head to about 80-85C.

(use a temp strip or electric thermometer).

Tamp then use a puck-screen or aeropress filter paper.

(The Faemina has a viscous flow rate... the water really gushes out)

15g in, about 35g out.

10-20 sec  pre-infusion.

Double pull takes about 45 secs.

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This morning I let it heat to 82C (boiler temp) at the MAX switch position.

At about 80-85C the spring OPV kicks into action and Faemina starts to whistle. 

Then I switched to MIN (which settles the valve) and let the Faemina coast up to 90C . 

at which point I pulled a shot .

15g in, 30 out. 10 sec preinfusion, 35 sec total.

I'll play around with more variations. 

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I'm enjoying the coffee and it seems to be getting better as I stumble forward.

pressure profile 

An old machine ... 5 bar max pressure

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