Table of Contents

Cappuccino Amore Group Rebuild with Piston Modification

The CA has a very simple group to rebuild, you will need a few tools & a clamp. 

Remove the group from the machine with a 10mm wrench.  Pop off the dispersion screen (we use a bar hook tool made from a screwdriver to do this).  Remove the Portafilter Gasket.  Slide the C-clips off the lever pins.  Remove the large Pin with Roller.  Leave the small piston holding pin in place.

Compress the spring using your clamp, and an extension against the piston face (we use a PVC Pipe).  Pull the rod pin.  Release the pressure on the clamp.  Remove the piston & spring.

Remove the old seals from the piston (it is easiest to cut them off).  Scrub, clean & scour the piston - the oxidation isn't pretty!    Now, here's the rub:    The rings that came off the piston are all the same size, the rings that go ON the piston are all the same size, but those grooves are NOT all the same height:

After cleaning the inside of the group cylinder manually (fine steel wool, fine wet emory cloth for a nice smooth finish), apply a light coat of Dow 111 lubrication to the cylinder walls.  Install the new seals on the piston (remember to apply them in the same direction as the old seals), apply a light coat of Dow 111 to the seals as well.  When installing the piston into the cylinder make sure you carefully ease the edges of the seals into the cylinder using a blunt seal chaser tool - you want avoid gathers or pinches.  The top & middle seal will insert before the spring comes into play - simple hand pressure is all you need.   

Be SURE to monitor all around to be sure the seal is entering squarely, and smoothly.   Apply the clamp, and extension, and slowly compress the spring while monitoring the edges of the seals.  

Once the piston is fully installed align the piston rod lever pin hole properly, and install the lever handle, pins, roller, and c-clips.   Install the portafilter gasket, snap the dispersion screen into place. 

Install the small group to boiler gasket on the machine.  Install the group onto the boiler, tighten the nuts, and your Cappuccino Amore is back in service!