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BFC / Royal Vallelunga Leva Two Group Espresso Coffee Machine

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  • BFC / Royal Vallelunga Leva Two Group Espresso Coffee Machine

    Just bought one of these at a local Auction house.

    It came without a pump and PFs but otherwise looks as if brand new.

    The good news is that the PFs from my Brasilia Portofino are a perfect fit.

    Strangely I cannot seem to find a user or service manual for this machine anywhere. Can anyone help?

    Not sure if these were ever actually marketed/ sold in Australia but I found a brouchure on the Web (attached).

    My real reason for buying it was to experiment with Lever machines as I have never used one.

    I have read some stuff here by others on Lever machines and am intrigued.

    I assume this one is meant to be wired to an external pump going by the attached wiring. Any advice on the pump (eg what type to use - rotary or vib and whether to fit internally or externally) would be very helpful.

    If I cannot find an operating manual for this machine I might have to look at manuals for other roughly eqivalent Lever machines.

    Also any help you can offer on links to maintaining Lever machines, as distinct to normal Commercial espresso machines would be much appeciated.

    TIA

    Ted
    Attached Files

  • #2
    Most lever machines dont require a pump, so im guessing this one doesnt either. Just will need to be plumbed in.

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks for the advice. I was aware that Lever machines get most of their pressure from the mechanical lever action but thought they needed some boost from a pump. This one being a commercial machine certainly will need to be connected to the mains.

      The power cable as shown in the attached pic also has a smaller black cable terminated by 3 nylon plugs which I suspect is to connect to a pump through switching in the machine. Cannot think of any other use for this cable.
      Attached Files

      Comment


      • #4
        Had a quick google and the Leva seems very difficult to find much info on!

        I suspect the pump may be there to help prime the boiler/overcome the internal pressure of the boiler of circa 1-1.5 bar (normally around 1.2 bar). I did note on one brochure it had "Automatic boiler water level control" which may have something to do with the pump.
        If you can't plumb it in you could look at a flowjet type of setup.

        What I would say water filtration is very important for a lever as descaling is much more difficult than a regular pump driven machine.
        Maintenance is generally very low on a lever machine BUT id pull out the two group heads and replace the seals on the piston. I can't find the exact type but there is between 1-4 rubber seals that control the flow of water from the boiler to the group head and stop it going into the spring mechanism. Likely there are 2 or 3 seals.
        When you replace these seals you should also give the piston and seals a good lube with Molykote 111 - a 100g tube will literally last a lifetime and cost about $40. Be careful when you apply as you won't need too much and if you do apply too much the shower screen can get all gunked up with extra lube.
        Depending on use the seals will likely last 1-2 years. If you notice any water leaking from the group where you pull out the piston it is likely the seals starting to go.

        Other than a good regular ol' clean of the piston, shower screen & group + a lube levers are pretty maintenance free.

        Comment


      • #5
        Thanks WhatEverBeansNe for the practical useful advice.

        1. It will be plumbed in with a Bombora commercial filter. I am planning on swapping it out for my Brasilia Portofino 2Gp . That is a good point about the extra descaling issues with Lever machines. I had not thought about that. Do you still do the regular blind filter / caffex routine that you do with a normal espresso machine to keep the Group Head clean?

        2.
        "I did note on one brochure it had "Automatic boiler water level control" which may have something to do with the pump." Yes there is a three way rotary switch on the front panel with positions 0 - 1 - 2 A translation of some of the words in the Brouchure read Start switch: filling / heating(1 = load water; 2 = heating)

        The question then is whether to fit a pump or just rely on the mains water pressure?

        3. Thanks for the Molykote 111 tip. I had a vague memory of the need for something like that but could not remember the details

        Comment


        • WhatEverBeansNecessary
          WhatEverBeansNecessary commented
          Editing a comment
          1. Never use a blind filter as the spring will buildup pressure and won't release. You will then have to wait for the machine to cool and then still get water sprayed everywhere (just not boiling hot water).
          Others have suggested a sort of 'wiggle' of a blind filter which seems a bit dangerous to me, particularly on an older machine where the lugs might be more worn out. But basically you allow some of the water to pass through the blind filter after wiggling/rotating it to release the pressure a little.
          Never tried it and not keen to be honest.

          You can do a descale and it's not super difficult but I have never personally done it. It just requires draining & disassembly of some of the boiler. Then manually flushing the solution through. It's just not as easy as a pump driven machine.

          2. Good question - from memory some of the levers specify a mains pressure range. Too little and the water won't make it into the boiler under pressure. Too much and the sudden rush of pressure can be too much and overcome the valve. So might need to look at a pressure reducing valve which can be easily bought at Bunnos/plumbing supply store. However if you are passing through a filter it's unlikely it will be too high pressure supplying the boiler.
          Maybe look at the boiler size and find another lever with a similar boiler and go off those specs? Unless you can find an actual manual somewhere.

          3. You are most welcome.

          Another thing in the regular maintenance is to grease the lever/pins that aren't in the group head/piston assembly themselves. I can't remember the type of lube needed but I don't think it needs to be anything too special. Probably could get away with another dab of the Molykote just to ensure the travel is smooth and there isn't any metal on metal wear.

      • #6
        WhatEverBeansNecessary

        Firstly my apologies for not putting your full monmiker in my previous reply


        >1. Never use a blind filter

        Thanks greatly for that advice. One less trap for me to fall into. I am quite capable of doing a descale if I have to. Did a major one on my Brasilia Portofino when I first got it.

        2. Will do a mains pressure test but from memory there is already a pressure reducer on the line as it also feeds our Kitchen ceramic mixer tap which requires a pressure reducer.

        3. >Maybe look at the boiler size and find another lever with a similar boiler and go off those specs? Unless you can find an actual manual somewhere.

        Looked at a few. Firstly the Londinium but cannot seem to download a manual but then got one for a Profitec Pro 800 which I will read carefully for tips.

        4 >Another thing in the regular maintenance is to grease the lever/pins that aren't in the group head/piston assembly themselves

        Thanks again I have some High Temp Bearing Grease which should do the trick here. Have already ordered some Molykote 111.

        Regards
        Ted

        Comment


        • WhatEverBeansNecessary
          WhatEverBeansNecessary commented
          Editing a comment
          Perfect!
          From the diagram in another post it looks like there is 3 seals which appear to be the same as my profitec pro 800. Which you can get in the OEM rubber style or in the silicone. Normally about $13 or so a pop. The orientation of the seals matters as they have a 'V' shape cross section and should slot in the correct way to properly seal.
          There are a number of videos on how to change the Londinium seals which is the same process.

          Good luck on the refurb/install and please keep us updated on the progress. Looking forward to it.

      • #7



        Barry O'Speedwagon commented on the required seals

        Thanks That is very helpfuf.

        I also found a parts list and schematic for the lever bits on a UK parts supplier's list for a BFC Classica which I assume uses the same Lever mechanism - see pages 3 - 4 of the attached for schematic and parts list. Would be great if I can source all the required seals locally.

        I have assumed that BFC sourced the lever mechanism from another maker that also supplied many of the other Lever Machine Brands as you suggest.

        I have finally managed to download a Londinium user manual (but not a service manual) so I am starting to get a fair bit of info to get my head around.

        You guys have indeed been very helpful

        Regards
        Ted
        Attached Files

        Comment


        • #8
          This ....
          bfcsrl.it
          https://www.bfcsrl.it/en/products/cl...leva-2-groups/

          May be the Vallelunga model is no longer. But 2Gr/3Gr Classica listed.
          My exp with BFC (limited) in Oz are that it is a badge engineered / marketed product.
          For instance one of the Grinders was a straight rebadged Macap M5.
          One 2gr elect volume control was a La San Marco IIRC. Tho stand to be corrected.

          So maybe try a cursory inquiry with Segafredo Zanetti in your state.

          Hope this helps track down the heritage.
          GL
          EA

          Comment


          • Barry O'Speedwagon
            Barry O'Speedwagon commented
            Editing a comment
            Yeh, my understanding is that BFC is the company that manufactures Diadema prosumer machines in Aus, Grimac in the US and others. They are / were imported by Cosmorex in Aus (CBR). The commercial machines are branded BFC. Of course, doesn't mean that they don't also sell a rebadged LSM.

        • #9
          Well I finally did what I should have done earlier though having gained the above info from you guys, I was able to talk more convincingly. I went to Cosmorex and found a staff member who was able to help me at least to access a user manual which I attach as well as another version of the Lever Unit parts list which I believe is consistent with the one I previously posted here.

          My understanding is that BFC is the main company that makes / assembles the machines sold under the BFC, Royal (CBC ROYAL FIRST srl), Grimac and other companies. Like most Italian Commercial Coffee Machine manufacturers I believe they use some parts made by other manufacturers which is why you find many of the same parts in competing machines. Rotary pumps and solenoids are good examples. I believe Grinders are usually made by separate specialist companies though Gino Rossi also made Brasilia Coffee machines before their demise. I suppose Coffee Machine manufacturers sell Grinders made by others for marketing reasons. The Australian company BOEMA used to sell Gino Rossi Grinders rebadged as Boema.

          I think a lot of this stems from the fact that these machines are to a large extent hand made which makes it more economic to make a range of similar models with different looks for marketting reasons (eg .the Royal Vallelunga and BFC Classica Leva machines). I believe these machines are still being made today. The Royal Vallelunga Leva shows up on the current CBC ROYAL FIRST Facebook page.

          From the parts pic I got from Cosmorex it appears the BFC Lever mechanism used both in the Royal Vallelunga and BFC Classica was made by Rubinetterie Condor s.r.l.

          I did a Google search and found Rubinetterie Condor - S.R.L. manufactures and distributes fabricated metal products. The Company offers fabricated metal parts and related accessories for coffee machines manufacturers, plumbing and industrial sectors in Italy. They also make some pretty fancy taps. Perhaps BFC do not do their own metal casting which is why they would source the Lever unit outside.

          Cosmorex were able to sell me the missing cap from one of the steam taps which is common to a lot of BFC machines but were unable to provide me with spare Group seals or the various seals in the Lever mechanism. I will now contact Coffee Parts and send them the Lever Parts data and see if they can help.

          Meanwhile the manual makes it pretty clear I do not need a pump so I am confident enough to connect the machine and fire it up. Hopefully I will be able to make a half decent coffee after a few attempts.

          Thanks again guys for all your help
          Ted
          Attached Files

          Comment


          • #10
            I have copied and then edited the above post for inclusion in the Extreme Machines Documentation forum. This makes it easier for others to find the manual in the future. This is the direct link to the new thread in the Documentation forum.


            Java "Always room for more manuals" phile
            Toys! I must have new toys!!!

            Comment


            • Ted2013
              Ted2013 commented
              Editing a comment
              Glad it might of use to others

          • #11
            Here is a pic of the lever assembly from the Rubinetterie Condor web page
            Attached Files

            Comment


            • amberale
              amberale commented
              Editing a comment
              Pretty little thing.

          • #12
            After waiting on a 3/8" - 1/4" John Guest pushfit adaptor I have now connected to mains pressure via a pressure reducer and filter cartridge. After a few days of reading and looking at Lever videos that I was able to find mainly on Home Barista after the advice you guys gave me I am able to pull shots as least as good as on my Portofino. Now I will try to get to the next level.

            Barry was indeed right this Condor Group is part of the CMA/Astoria/Rossi/Brasilia family which explains why my Brasilia PFs are a good fit for it.

            Comment


            • #13
              I found a good article on Hand lever brew groups on the German .kaffeewiki site at https://www.kaffeewiki.de/wiki/Handhebelbr%C3%BChgruppe

              I have taken the liberty of translating this table and related text

              The starting point for this type is the Brasilia/Rossi group. It was and is used by several manufacturers, including CMA/Astoria, as the basis for their modifications.
              A special design feature of the group is the cylinder liner. Between the cylinder liner and the cylinder there is a circular ring channel through which the incoming water is cooled and fed in from four sides. In addition to CMA/Astoria (with the characteristic black cap), the group type is also manufactured by Rubinetterie Condor, which in particular manufactures the design with a metal upper part and internal bearings, which is often referred to as the "Bosco group" and sells it in several variants. According to Reiss Gunson's (Londinium) blog, the following variants are available:
              heating over
              boiler flange or
              thermosiphon

              upper part
              with external bearings and cover (similar to Astoria, Wega)
              . with internal bearings, called "testa pesante" (like Bosco, Londinium, Quick Mill Achille, new Victoria Arduino, new KvdW), manufacturer Rubinetterie Condor
              . with one (Londinium, KvdW Idro) or two springs (QM Achille)

              CMA hand lever group
              diameter Stroke Stroke volume mass in the cup special feature
              51 mm 29 mm 60 ml 40g ring canal

              List of machines with CMA brew group
              Manuf. Type pressure buildup. Brew Vol Steam Vol Temp-Regul Brew Heating BG PI Heating BG fixed water
              Astoria Perla Al 1GR Astoria Single circuit hand lever 6 Pressostat Boiler HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure boiler flange y
              CMA Astoria Sonia AL Astoria Single circuit hand lever 5 Pressostat Boiler HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure boiler flange y
              Bosco Sorrento Bosco Single circuit hand lever 6 Pressostat Boiler HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure boiler flange y
              Fiorenzato Piazza San Marco Fiorenzato Single circuit hand lever 4,7 Pressostat Boiler HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure boiler flange y
              Londinium I Londinium Espresso Single circuit hand lever 2,3 Pressostat HX offen (nur EK) HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure Thermosiphon y
              Profitec Pro 800 Profitec Single circuit hand lever 3,5 PID Boiler HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure boiler flange y
              Quick Mill Achille Quick Mill Single circuit hand lever 4,5 Pressostat HX offen (nur EK) HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure Thermosiphon y
              Quick Mill Veloce Quick Mill Single circuit hand lever 2 HH CMA(Rossi) boiler pressure Thermosiphon no
              Victoria Arduino Athena Leva Victoria Arduino Dual Boiler hand lever l 15,2 HX HH CMA(Rossi) line pressure boiler flange y

              Comment


              • Ted2013
                Ted2013 commented
                Editing a comment
                Fixed water = Plumbed in

              • WhatEverBeansNecessary
                WhatEverBeansNecessary commented
                Editing a comment
                Maybe the 'fixed water' is slightly confusing as the Pro 800 can be either plumbed or run from a tank. Where as some of the others can only be plumbed. Not sure if any can ONLY use a tank instead.
                Either way super useful table to compare, cheers!

            • #14
              I assume fixed water means its own water tank and "no" means plumbed in. I particularly found articles on the Londinium which seems to attract more DIY interest particularly helpful including Utube videos on how to remove the piston and service the Group.

              The Vallelunga clearly does not need a pump if operated on mains pressure. It also has a small hole in one side filled in with a small yellow plug and + & - arrows either side suggesting the pressure stat can easily be adjusted. It also has a dual pressure gauge on the front panel indicating I suspect boiler and group pressure. Can anyone advise me if that is correct? The manual is no help on this.

              I would appreciate any advice fine tuning which can be achieved by adjusting the pressure stat

              Comment


              • Barry O'Speedwagon
                Barry O'Speedwagon commented
                Editing a comment
                My Achille has a water tank, and I don't 'think' it can be plumbed in. I do have a kit for plumbing in the drip tray, but that's obviously not the same thing.

                EDIT: Nah, I went out to the possum shed where the Achille lives, and the water supply can definitely be plumbed in.

            • #15
              Fixed water may mean connected to a tap or water source, plumbed in. The Bosco does not have a water tank, and I believe many of the others do not as well. You can get a PID for the Bosco as well. Each of these machines have its own design quirks that the manufacturers have fine tuned over the decades.

              Comment

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