Help--Entire Montblanc 149 Piston Assembly Is Unscrewing

[Boochie]

Hello,

 

Just received the MB 149 I inquired about in this thread: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/270470-help-with-montblanc-id-146-or-149/

 

It appears to be in like new condition and uninked but there is a minor problem. When I turn the piston knob, the entire piston assembly unscrews and can be removed from the barrel. I suppose this is nice problem to have (not needing a tool to remove the piston assembly), however, it makes it difficult to fill the pen with ink. Once removed from the pen, I can turn the piston knob and the piston seems to function fine so everything looks to be good except when it is attached to the pen, turning the piston knob removes the entire assembly (as opposed to actuating the piston).

 

From the factory, isn't the piston assembly fitted very firmly into the barrel? Why is this one unscrewing?

 

What do I need to do (other than sending it back to MB) to get the assembly to stay in place while I turn the piston knob?

 

Pictures:

 

 

 

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/1911_lover/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpg

 

 

 

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/1911_lover/Mobile%20Uploads/image-1.jpg

 

[canibanoglu]

Well, it is not normal as you have already gathered and it may be indicative of big problems too. Have you checked the threaded section that *should* hold the piston assembly in place? Do you see any cracks? If all is well with that part of the pen, the you most likely need to tighten the piston assembly somehow. Sadly, MBs need a special tool for removing/tightening the piston assembly but there have been people who have managed with a *modified* fork. Hope all works out for you and that it is not a major problem.

[Boochie]

Good point. I don't see any cracks or splits around the barrel section where the piston attaches. The pen looks brand new but it is NOS. Likely from the late 80's or early 90's.

 

The piston section seems to fit securely in the barrel. No wobbling or looseness. It's just that when I turn the piston knob, the entire assembly unscrews (instead of the piston button/cap unscrewing from the assembly like it should).

[chunya]

I had the same problem with a 146 that I bought.It just needed screwing securely back into place. I did it myself with a homemade tool, but I've since learned that my local Authorised Dealer has the tool and would have done it gratis.

[Pen Nut]

A good nip up with the right tool, or clip / fork, will sort this out

[Mister Mont Blanc]

Don't these parts come with a type of sealant from the factory? In reading about doing maintenance of the pistons, people here have said to warm up the barrel slightly to loosen the threads and to sometimes use a sealant (beeswax) in the threads when putting back together... Maybe that's only for the nib assembly. It's possible this piston was previously opened for some reason or whatever conditions it was stored in plus not being used caused something to happen.

 

I would recommend trying the paper clip method or some type of DIY before buying a tool. It would be nice to think/hope MB might tighten it for free seeing as how no parts need to be replaced and it's a simple task. Have you tried tightening the component into the barrel by using the piston knob as leverage? I would say to be very careful as you don't want to crack the knob by applying too much torque!

[Chrissy]

Don't these parts come with a type of sealant from the factory? In reading about doing maintenance of the pistons, people here have said to warm up the barrel slightly to loosen the threads and to sometimes use a sealant (beeswax) in the threads when putting back together... Maybe that's only for the nib assembly. It's possible this piston was previously opened for some reason or whatever conditions it was stored in plus not being used caused something to happen.

 

I would recommend trying the paper clip method or some type of DIY before buying a tool. It would be nice to think/hope MB might tighten it for free seeing as how no parts need to be replaced and it's a simple task. Have you tried tightening the component into the barrel by using the piston knob as leverage? I would say to be very careful as you don't want to crack the knob by applying too much torque!

No pistons are not sealed. Sealant is only used in the nib section

[Boochie]

Don't these parts come with a type of sealant from the factory? In reading about doing maintenance of the pistons, people here have said to warm up the barrel slightly to loosen the threads and to sometimes use a sealant (beeswax) in the threads when putting back together... Maybe that's only for the nib assembly. It's possible this piston was previously opened for some reason or whatever conditions it was stored in plus not being used caused something to happen.

 

I would recommend trying the paper clip method or some type of DIY before buying a tool. It would be nice to think/hope MB might tighten it for free seeing as how no parts need to be replaced and it's a simple task. Have you tried tightening the component into the barrel by using the piston knob as leverage? I would say to be very careful as you don't want to crack the knob by applying too much torque!

Yea, I tried tightening it using the knob but when I unscrew the knob the whole assemble comes back out.

 

I'm gonna try the paper clip method.

[jar]

Yea, I tried tightening it using the knob but when I unscrew the knob the whole assemble comes back out.

 

I'm gonna try the paper clip method.

Once you build your toll, put it in plce and then screw the piston crown down to hold it in place; then use the tool to screw the whole assembly into the body.

[Boochie]

I tried the paperclip tool and it worked !!!! Whew !!!

 

Thanks everyone for your help and quick responses. This board is awesome !!

 

:)

 

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d70/1911_lover/Mobile%20Uploads/image-4.jpg

Edited July 23, 2014 by Boochie

[orfew]

I am glad this worked for you. I hope you enjoy your pen for many years to come.

[Mister Mont Blanc]

The only broad I ever tested never looked anything like that! That thing was a fat over saturated son of MB. But I hope the fix lasts and it suits you for years

[chunya]

The only broad I ever tested never looked anything like that! That thing was a fat over saturated son of MB. But I hope the fix lasts and it suits you for years

Well done,it should last....once it's been tightened then you are applying minimal pressure to move the piston up and down, not enough to unscrew the entire section. Iused the paper clip on mine and it did the trick.