Country of origin : France
Country where purchased:France
Serial Number: 9932
Power:1200 w
Closed boiler
Spring lever
One double and one single portafilter
Translated by Pascal from Seattle
épisode 2
épisode 3
épisode 4
épisode 5
This Mercurio may have taken some convoluted negotiations to reach me, but we managed.
As with each machine, I tell myself that I must be near the end of an adventure,
that there is not much left for me to disconver or desire.
I have a couple-three ideas and they'll be the icing on the cake if they materialize.
Otherwise, with the Eterna and this Mercurio, I've received my laurels. Without a doubt.
Later I received a few more pictures.
The machine appears to be in good shape visually, the glass on the manometer is broken, the original plexi is there.
Intact.
I already know that this machine has a few interesting particularities that will set it apart from others.
Originally, there was this hose from the base of the tank and which reappears on the front and which provides 'less heated'
water to the group via a small tap. I've seen very few machines that use this system.
hope the notion was not abandoned simply because it is such an odd idea.
In addition, the person in charge of this machine, which was used in a bar, had installed a sensor in the water tank
so that the tank could refill itself automatically. I will probably not leave that system in place.
Far more interesting to me, this machine, ooriginally heated by natural gas,
has been provided with a heating coil placed at the base of the tank.
of a problem than the original submerged coils, which are unobtainable.
It only remains to be seen if the coils are OK.
At last the machine arrives.
The chrome is somewhat tarnished by age and worn at the points of contact.
On peut apercevoir, à droite, cette fameuse manette.
None the less it is seemingly in very acceptable condition.
Some may even find I'm being difficult.
Dissasembly can begin.
So the chrome is a bit past its prime, the screw attaching
the cup warmer is bet and the under side shows signs of leaks.
The spring appears to be in good shape, I'll need to begin a search for the proper seals.
Even though I am aware that certain 'magical' products could restore some of the long suffering chrome,
I think an investment will be necessary - I'll have to think about that, as I know the approximate cost involved... snif snif.
The copper is coated in this gray paint, commonly used at the time.
A few traces of rust. The coil looks reasonably healthy.
Good thing the appearance turns out to be indicative, it seems to work OK.
The portafilter has lived a life - it must have seen a few pours.
One look at the back of the machine and there's no denying the signs of a leak.
Well localised.
The Minimo/Massimo labels have faded a bit.
I then clean some of the parts for which just that will be sufficient,
and others for which a more thorough cleaning will be required.
A bit of paint, some emery paper, some triple-zero, practically a routine..
I go after the front surfaces next and despite all my efforts, something tells me I won't be able to leave it like this.
Even if the wonderful new labels created by my friend Geoffrey bring some new life to the sad state of this front panel.
While waiting to reach some decision, I can start in on the seals.
and some Klingersil left
That should cover my needs
for the Mercurio.
compass-cutter.
the screws holding the group
will obviously be changed out.
That is, have it re-chromed. I have only a vague, and not very reassuring, idea of the cost. But when in love....
So, rather than use some inexpensive plating survice to be found on the internet, with all the additional hazards
that come with shipping, I found, within a few dozen kilometers from me, a professional.
I gave him, sor starters, the front fascia.
The light of the machine.
And here is the result.
I can't think of anyting more complicated than photographing chrome...^^
After a little attention to the stage set, I am very pleased.
I replace the heating elelent at the base of the tank, of this mercurio
that has been modified in an unsual but perfectly functional way.
I get some water in there to see if the seals on the water level tube,and the plumbing and the element are all at least ok.
I realise that the real test will come when there is some pressure in the system.
And it gives me the opportunity to clean the tank with a bit of vinegar solution.
And, being super far-sighted I pull it all apart so that I can wrap the tank in Armaflex.
In dealing with the tank again, I had an idea - a hole had been made above to accommodate
a water level sensor for automatic
refilling of the tank - why not make use of it?
A lovely long probe, 20 cm ling, will be perfect.
The machine is pressured up, and a few leaks are revealed.
Since the port used to light the gas no loger serves any purpose, I decide to use it to mount a PID.
For now this will simply read the temperature, used to fine tune the pressure stat.
I put a purging pipe in the gas inlet,
that will be connected below the water level
at the base of the tank.
So the long awaited day is finally here - the plating service has finished the few odds and ends that I had given them.
I'd made a mistake there - if I had given him the lever to begin with, I'd have been able to test the machine some time ago.
Ah, well,good things come to those who wait...
A professional, near me - Technofinish.
Don't hesitate to contact them. or contact me, if you would like my input.
Ad I can start installing these last few parts.
the final touch of painting
in the inscriptions on the plexi.
the groove all by itself - amazing.
The inscriptions look grand, it seems to me.
It's time to move on to installing the lever.
The first coffee tests can get under way, impatience is combined with haste.
I tossed the first
shot, but the second was not too bad. Some adjustments, still, to make,
but I am already very satisified.
You'll notice that I removed the cup tray for the occasion. I think I'll do this as a policy, in order to maintain the finish on the tray.
Here's the machine, 99.5% finished.
There are a few odds and ends to tie up, but I am properly bewitched as is
You'll notice that I removed the cup tray for the occasion. I think I'll do this as a policy, in order to maintain the finish on the tray.
Here's the machine, 99.5% finished.
There are a few odds and ends to tie up, but I am properly bewitched as is
