Replacing a bulb filler and cleaning old ink

[casus4844]

I bought this pen that came with 9 others and I really want to use it. As I was trying to get rid of all the ink out of the pens, I noticed that this one was leaky. I tried one more time and the damn rubber part broke off. Any one have any recommendations on how to attack this? Can I do it myself or would I have to send it out to get repaired. I wish I could just get rid of the whole thing as cleaning it is going to take some time but no winners



Also I have some old Parker 45's and a Pilot Custom that I've left over night, passed water with a syringe and still can't get all the ink out. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[nemo]

A part of a rubber sac as used in a lever filler would work, you'll need to figure out the diameter and glue it on with shellac. Sacs are measured in 64ths of an inch (#16 sac is 1/4 inch as an example). Perhaps a small eyedropper bulb would fit? I doubt you'll find an exact looking replacement.

Keep soaking, use a mild ammonia solution if needed.

 

[fast14riot]

Yep, keep soaking. I've had to soak india ink laden pens for a week or more. I will often cut windex down by about 50% with water for stubborn pens.


-Xander

 

[casus4844]

Thanks for the info Nemo. I'll look out for it... now to find shellac. That will be an issue. May have to ebay it. I can't even find a bulb syringe here.

And Xander...a week... oh well... I have alot of pens in the pack so I'll see what I can do. I really want to try this pen out since it has some nice flex to it.

 

[fast14riot]

A week is a special case, india ink can be difficult. A day or two is more normal, usually just overnight. That's for pens with dried ink found in the wild.


-Xander

 

[nemo]

If in fact the pen was used with India ink, you will probably need to use a solution of Rapido-eze (available in art stores or hobby shops). If you flush using a bulb syringe for infants that will help blast out the ink.

Yep, keep soaking. I've had to soak india ink laden pens for a week or more. I will often cut windex down by about 50% with water for stubborn pens.

Don't use Windex or window cleaners as it contains chemicals (alcohol for one) which can damage many vintage pen materials permanently. Stick with safe clear ammonia or things like J.B.'s Perfect pen flush. Never use 409.

 

[fast14riot]

Thanx for the heads up Nemo! I haven't run into any troubles yet, but I sure don't want to! I'll cut that out of my routine from now on. Usually water is enough for my stuff.


-Xander