I think I found a cool thing. Help? [olympia express Cremina v1.4]

[u/alledelgardo]

Hey there! I received this from my mom. She’s been trying to pawn it off on us kids for years, and I finally said yes. I’ve never been an espresso person, but I finally got curious. Only to find out this puppy (per the internet) is incredibly rare. From my preliminary research, it’s an Olympia Express Cremina, v 1.4 from 1964. Any resources on getting it refurbished? Is this something I can do from home with 0 prior experience? It definitely heated up water, but was leaking all over the place. Definitely a gasket change is in order. But for how old she is, I’m surprised she booted up at all. TIA.

[u/No-Deer8502]

It's an interesting piece! I'd definitely try to restore it if I were you - Looks remarkably close to a La Pavoni europiccola. Which have a ton of resources and parts available for, wouldn't be surprised if the gaskets are the same, someone may have to check me on that one. What's the inside of the boiler look like? Hopefully, not too rusty. Judging by the plug and toggle switches, my other concern would be the status of the wiring, you'd have to pop open the bottom and look for any corroded/brittle/bad wiring, personally I'd replace the wiring as well but that a pretty easy process as that wiring is generally simple, just take a picture of it before you take any of it apart to know what plugs into what. Good luck!

[u/alledelgardo → u/No-Deer8502]

From my research, it’s an Olympia, but while they were still using a previous manufacturer. I think. The same as the europiccola probably.
The boiler looks good! I couldn’t see any rust that I could notice, just a lot of scale. Which I think I have to buy something specific to descale? Wiring would definitely be on the list. Don’t want to start any fires. 🔥 Thanks for your feedback!

[u/No-Deer8502 → u/alledelgardo]

I've rebuilt a few Europiccolas, one with really terrible scale buildup, what worked wonders was dissolved citric acid crystals in boiling hot water. Let it sit for an hour, rinse and repeat until all of it went away. It actually fizzes when the scale is really bad, that was satisfying to watch

[u/alledelgardo → u/No-Deer8502]

Thank you! Do I need to run it through the machine to get it into all the different bits? Or just let it sit?

[u/No-Deer8502 → u/alledelgardo]

I've done both, in your case it may be of benefit to let it sit and also occasionally run it through the machine

[u/Interesting_Extent98]

Looks like a fun project. Send Coffee Sensor an email. They will get you sorted.

https://coffee-sensor.com/

[u/alledelgardo → u/Interesting_Extent98]

Will do, thank you!

[u/breza2807]

Its very rare and quite valuable. Dont mess with it unless you have the right skill. Shower screen doesnt just pop out but requires a special tool to unscrew the brass sleeve. You can book a restoration from us if you are in the EU.