The S1 Cafe - Helping Your Espresso Dreams Become Reality

Any tips for removing the group gasket? I found lots of comments on the gasket, but any tips for easy removal? Thanks all!

I just edited the title with another aspect. The gasket has one side with beveled edges and one side with 90 degree edges. Just wondering which side to place "up?"

After removing the screens and dispersion disk I have always been able to pop out the gasket with a butter knife or screw driver. You can always thread a self-tapping screw into it and then grab the screw with a pair of vise grip pliers if you need that kind of force.

Thanks MDL, I will give that a try. But looking at the replacement gasket, I have another question. I noticed that one side of the gasket has edges that are slightly chamfered or beveled, while the other side has right-angle edges. Which side is up (towards the group head)?

Flat side up.

Thanks chas and MDL!

Was curious about using a different group gasket. found a nearly identical gasket rated for boiling water. The inside diameter is essentially identical as the original. The outer diameter is slightly smaller as is the height. This gasket cost 1.70 usd

# Alternate gasket fit well as inner ring diameter is essentially the save. Next inserted portafilter but portafilter rotated too far to my right (past 9 oclock. Did not test.

Nest applied bead of high temp RTV gasket silicone to top edge. Let cure. Re-installed. Portafilter still rotated farther to my right than I would have liked but it works. No leaks, perfect shot.

I added a little more silicone to top and it should be fine. Not cured yet (pic) Excess silicone can be trimmed with hobby knife.

Pics; alternate gasket on right and / or sitting on top of original.

When you add up the gasket cost, the RTV cost, the hassle, and your time, I don't see much advantage over springing for the $6 to get the correct one made to fit. At least you had fun and there's always value in that!

Typically there is a ridiculous handling charge added to price of gasket. Where I am in the world they are not easy to come by. Already had the RTV silicone. It takes less time to put silicone on the alternate gasket than it does to place an online order then waiting for arrival. Now have readily available fully functional standby gaskets.

Yes, even in the US a $6 gasket costs $6 for shipping. So I always plan ahead and wait until I have other things to order such as Cafiza, Grindz, cleaner brushes, etc. and then throw in 3 gaskets. That way I can usually get free shipping. Then when I put on the last gasket I start the process over again which usually gives me 9 months to a year to build up another list of replacement items I need to order.

What is the correct group gasket for the Vivaldi V1, #1939 or #1968?

I would suggest that you consider ordering a set of 3 silicone gaskets here:

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=2081

Steve is very responsive and the gaskets are great.

Sorry about the link.

Search "Silicone long life Group Gaskets available" here and you will find Steve's posting. Many folks have purchased them and to my knowledge all have been satisfied.

I've never bought a La Spaziale group gasket based on the part number from their parts list. However, the ones sold by the various on-line espresso stores are 6.3mm thick. If you can get the silicone gaskets even better. I bought three and my first one is still going strong after almost a year. The price I paid was actually a little cheaper that the price for the rubber ones.

I sent a pm to Steve. Thank you guys.

Yup. Those silicon gaskets are awesome!