The PTFE ring that lets the paddle glide instead of scrape
This ring is no ordinary rubber ring. PTFE – known in everyday life as Teflon – is hard, almost frictionless and practically unaffected by heat. That is exactly what is needed at a point where two surfaces move against each other and still have to stay sealed. The dimensions are 23,40 × 3,53 millimetres, the part number F.4.010.
Because PTFE does not spring back like rubber, it behaves completely differently during installation: the ring can hardly be stretched, and if you force it over an edge like a rubber ring, you will leave a permanent notch in it. In return, it stays dimensionally stable for years and takes on neither taste nor deposits.
When it is due
The paddle becomes stiff or feels gritty along the lever travel, as if something were grinding. Or it drips at the group during extraction where nothing dripped before. When removed, the old ring shows scoring, visible flattening or a notch on the inner edge. Since PTFE does not spring back, any deformation that has occurred is permanent – adjusting will not help.
At a glance
| Type |
PTFE O-ring, round |
| Dimensions |
23,40 × 3,53 mm |
| Material |
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) |
| Location |
Paddle group |
| Fits |
La Marzocco machines that list number F.4.010 at this position |
| Scope of delivery |
1 O-ring |
| Part number |
F.4.010 |
| Version |
Original spare part |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
| Installation |
Installation by a qualified technician recommended |
Important for installation
The paddle group carries brewing water under pressure. Let the machine cool down, disconnect it from the mains and release the pressure completely before the group is opened. We deliberately do not provide step-by-step instructions here. Important for PTFE: the ring must not be dragged over sharp edges, and it must not be pressed into the groove with a screwdriver – both leave marks that will not go away.
Who it is for
For service companies overhauling a paddle group, and for owners of a machine with manual brew control whose lever no longer runs smoothly. If you have the group open anyway, replace this ring together with the other seals of the assembly.
What goes with it
The same assembly includes the O-ring 3087 EPDM 70 ShA, the O-ring 110 EPDM 70 ShA and the O-ring 137. Also matching are the spacer for the paddle group and the conical spindle for the GS3 paddle valve. For an overview, see Original spare parts and La Marzocco GS3 spare parts.
From our workshop in Bern and Zurich
We briefly warm PTFE rings in warm water before installation. This makes them slightly more pliable, so they can be seated without force. This is our routine and not a manufacturer specification – but it has already saved us a few damaged rings. After a service, our first shot is pulled with Nutty Delight, because the blend immediately reveals uneven lever travel; sweeter with Cozy Chocolate, stronger with Very Nutty. More under Coffee beans.
No returns
Original spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced specifically for each order and cannot be resold after installation or a test fit on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a line and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Why is this ring more expensive than a rubber ring?
Because PTFE is a different material and has to be manufactured precisely. In return, it lasts much longer than an elastomer at a moving sealing point.
Can I replace it with an EPDM or Viton ring?
No. At this point it is not just about sealing, but also about gliding. An elastomer ring of the same size makes the paddle stiff and wears quickly.
Which model does the ring fit?
Our documentation names the assembly as the paddle group, but no model. That is why the product has no model tag. What counts is number F.4.010 on your exploded view.
Do I need to grease anything during installation?
PTFE is inherently slippery. Our documentation does not specify whether additional food-grade grease is intended at this point – if in doubt, ask your service technician.
Can I pick up the part at your Showroom?
Yes. We are in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. Let us know shortly beforehand and the part will be ready for you.
Questions about the fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
