After spending a lot of time on net, trying to find more info on how to install restrictors or gigglers on my Linea, I thought, to make it easier for others, sharing it here would be a good idea.
First, it is not too complicated.
What you need is a couple of tools and here they are:
1. taping needle ( .07 metric) , this is like a drill bit but it makes treads rather then just holes. Had hard time finding this one, visited about 4 tool shops, but finally fella in Nuts and Bolts in Capalaba was more then helpful.
2. taping handle, I used a T bar handle, bought from Bunnings for about $10. There are different sizes, you need smallest one ( just make sure that your needle or drill bit fits in it). someone said you could use shifter tool, but that would be bit harder.
3. gigglers, or restrictors or jets , Martin from Allpress was more then helpfull, he even send me a file on where to put them and explained how. If you need a picture, leave me your email, cant attach it, some weird format.
Well thats it, before you start make sure that you have extra parts, few extra restrictors (they are cheap and extra pipe that goes between flowmeter and solenoid or group head)
Before you start, of course plug it of, cut of the water, take out front and top panel.
Ive installed 6 of them, on my 2group and 4group Lineas AV. first one took me over 2 hours but last one less then 10 minutes.
I found the easiest way or maybe the only way is to unscrew bot pipes going into the group head, take out wires from flowmeter, and take it all out. Using your taping tool ( this is not tricky just hard, my hand is still sore) hand drill a tread into the pipe, one going directly to the group head.
In a nutshell thats it, not too complicated. Just dont understand why two technicians I called in did not want to do it, they both said theyll come but no one showed up.
Saved me a couple of hundred I guess.
Was it worth it? Only been using them one afternoon, slowed down initial impact of water on puck, which is what I wanted. Now, it takes about 5 to 6 seconds for first espresso drops to hit bottom of the cup. It is richer, tastier, more intense espresso.
Good luck
