Where do I find a group head seal for my Faema Contessa (family)? In the USA? Shipping from Austrailia is $30.00 and I would like to avoid that kind of charge if possible. I don't know the size of the ring, except for a mention of 6mm. Part number is 618646 on aussie websites.

No, you will not have to change the elements, though the connexion cable will have to be approximately twice as thick. The three phases will, of course, deliver their power alternately, and the thinner neutral cable takes account of that. Do seek professional advice before connecting it to the mains supply.

Try reprogramming buttons if that doesn't work, then the keypad is going out.

Setting number 1 - turns on the groups and the inlet solenoid, so that the machine can fill and you can test the groups but it will not heat up. If the boiler is empty or you are setting the machine up for the first time you would turn it to one so that it can fill up, then you would turn to 2.

Setting number 2 - Turns on the everything, so the machine can heat up.

Sounds like the group valve has lime in it or the plunger is stuck open.

Check the knob setting, there is 1-0-2, make sure machine is turned to #2. I will assume that there is water in the boiler, check sight glass. If machine has been turned to #2 and after 10 minutes there is still no heat, check by running the group and testing water. then the hi-limit switch tripped and needs to be reset, if you remove the 8 screws on the top panel and look between the groups you will notice a red push knob in a rectangular box with 6 wires and a silver tube coming to it. Push in red pin, then turn machine to #2.

Press the stop button and the button you are programing together, then keep them held down until you get your level then release.

Vibration pumps usually make this when they stay long without work, sometimes they are remaining useless after this, you can try to open steam valve and to try pumping inn the water, if it does not helps, YOU MUST open the device, remove pump and blow her with compressed air few times, (they have two sensitive non return valves on the outlet). After blowing try it with water outside the device and see if she draws. If you recover the old one just put it in place and continues to work. If not than you must buy new pump

This will take some time so bear with me.
The problem with the machine is most likely the solenoid valve(black or blue electrical box connected on the side of the group), for easier access remove the front panel there are about 5 screws holding it in place, 2 on the bottom and 3 on the top under-side. Disconnect or turn off the water supply. Then using a 14mm open end wrench remove the nut and the discharge pipe. Do Not remove the 4 small allen wrench screws on the brass piece connected to the machine. Now remove the electrical box over the silver pipe, and using a cressent remove the silver pipe from the brass rectangle square. Slowly open the water supply, if water shoots out then the head is clear, we will move on if not, use a pin and clean the middle hole. Check the silver pipe also there is a small plunger in there press it in if it moves freely then we are good, if not you can try soaking it in puro caff until it clears or just get a new solenoid coil. Remove the shower screen and screw in the group head, you can soak those also.
If you still cannot get water, then we will have to go deeper into the machine.

Your problem is either the brew solenoid or the brew switch.

You may want to have a close look at the seats. There may have been irregular wear on one or more causing the leak. Try and make sure each one is back in its original location.

http://www.faema.com/eng/contatti_rete.asp

Found a manual for you (closest match) It's only for a Faema Family. Well, what the heck, it's free!

http://picasaweb.google.com/Grendelpics/FaemaFamily

Hope you come right, cheers.