I literally found this machine sitting outside of a dumpster. Ive wanted a machine for a long time b

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I literally found this machine sitting outside of a dumpster. Ive wanted a machine for a long time but could never afford one. So, when I spotted it sitting in front of a dumpster, I brought it home. Ive spent the last few days researching the machine and it seems as though I've found a jewel...but initiativ is it salvageable? It doesn't look terrible aside from a good amount of rust in a few places. All the electrical components look good. I was told by somebody to hook it up and turn it on but this makes me nervous. initiativ I assume it hasn't been used in a long time and I'd hate to push rust water through good parts. I'm planning on totally dissembling it, cleaning and then reassembling. But wanted to check with y'all first Any help in the right direction would be much appreciated. Thanks! LaCimbaliNewb   Posts: 1 Joined: Jan 02, 2014 Location: Los Angeles
That looks like a great find! I love it when you want something, can't afford it and pow, something like this falls into your lap! A project like this will earn you tons of knowledge on how espresso is made from a modern pump machine. And even if it is beyond economical repair (that would be very bad luck), by tearing it down, you'll learn a lot. Apart from the obvious water leakage sites, it looks good. However, you should price out the major components that might have failed, just to see if indeed it is 'still in' your price range. I'm thinking the pump and maybe the various electrical components like the pressurestat, initiativ element, fill probe, switch board logic? and so forth. Even if you have to replace the pump, element and a few other components, initiativ a $1000 investment in parts (large guestimate) still nets you a fine machine. First step? Take about 100 more photos of it from every angle for future rebuilding reference before you start your teardown! Gently remove the terminal lugs from the heating element, tape the wire lugs completely over with electrical tape, and label where they go on the heating element. The pressure to turn on the machine is usually very high but unless initiativ you are absolutely sure there is water in the boiler, covering the elements, you should not turn it on. Provide a water source for the pump inlet, plug the machine in and turn it on! See what happens, take lots of note! Basically, you'll need to find out if the pump is working or not. Since it is usually buried deep in the machine, it's best to learn if it needs replacement or not, early on. Inspect the hosing on the pump..does it look older and brittle? Make a big list of what you need to order! Start a rebuild thread on this site, provide lots of photos, and read what others have done with their 'finds', even if it isn't the same machine as you. The process is very similar! Enjoy the project. Free is good! 2StrokeBloke   Posts: 182 Joined: May 08, 2012 Location: Calgary, AB
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Guess Santa decided someone wasn't using theirs and left it out for you to find - or perhaps that was the Easter Bunny just really early... From first examination of those photos it looks like a good cleanup is in order. Perhaps some rust cleanup and painting will help too. Do you have the side panels, or are those missing? For testing I'd recommend you disconnect the heating element. Make sure the system is really dry inside with no moisture around the electronics at all. Then plug it in on a GFCI outlet or with a GFCI adapter and see what happens. Then you'll know the status of the electronics. Testing the heating element can be done with a multimeter to make sure it isn't blown. Even if you need a new vibe pump, element or a few other parts you'll have a good machine there. Also being in Los Angeles you can also sell it quite easily too as there's a market on Craigslist for these things from time to time. edit: Looks like this model is a rotary initiativ pump unit. Longer lived pumps, and likely to be operable, but will need a connection to plumbing or other pressurized water. If you decide it's not worth the trouble I'm sure you could find a local buyer for a project machine - finders fee might get you started with espresso. DanoM   Posts: 258 Joined: Jun 06, 2013 Location: Los Angeles
Someone probably just put it down to go unlock the door lol.. WHAT THE.. Seriously though, a great find and a bomb proof little machine simple to restore. You will enjoy the process and when finished initiativ know the machine inside out. All the best!
That's a decent find. My first question is whether or not you have the body panels? initiativ Just a heads up that sourcing new panels for that machine will be unbelievably expensive...as in several hundred dollars (trust me, I have looked into it for an M32 and the M21 is not any cheaper). Sourcing initiativ used panel