Hi,

I haven't been able to really use the 51 vac (circa 1947) I bought a few weeks ago. But the other night I inked it up and all seemed OK then.

Yesterday, I opened the pen and a great deal of ink had leaked out (of the nib?). It did not escape the closed cap but but the whole lower part of the section was quite inky. Since I had cleaned it carefullly before I inked I know that the ink was new. I did try to fill it correctly (not letting the plunger return to its up position until the nib was out of the ink).

Any ideas what would cause this problem? I tried to take it with me flying and it leaked then as well (probably my fault since I did not fill it correctly then). Is this latest a sign of a problem?

I am beginning to wonder why 51 get such high marks - it is the only pen I own that has such problems.

Tom

Sounds like an air leak in the barrel, most likely at the vac filler.. if the diaphragm has a hole or is starting to ossify than that can happen ... sounds like time for a new diaphragm

Am I likely to have the same problem with one of my Vacumatics? I can be writing quite happily when it will suddenly decide to deposit an ugly great blob of ink on the page.

Hi,

Thank you so much for the help. Since I am anewbie to these pens I fear that a diaphragm replacement will be beyond me. Is it a difficult job? Do you have any idea how much would it cost if I had it done (I bought the pen for what seemed to be a reasonable price or $50, but don't want to double the price!).

Thanks again,

Tom

Read this page to find out what the task entails. To have it done professionally should cost about $25.00 plus return shipping. My backlog is about 13 weeks, but Ron Zorn (www.mainstreetpens.com) has a shorter backlog and is utterly reliable.

Thanks Richard,

Clearly I need professional help with this task (and otehrs as well I imagine).

Tom

Carrie, is this happening when the pen is full or is it empty?? Sometimes Vac's will do this when they are nearly empty and are equalizing the air pressure inside the barrel to the ambient air.

On the other hand, if I don't know how old a diaphragm is on a Vac, I change it anyway to ensure that I know it is fresh. Would be happy to help you out with yours if you want it swapped out.

Cheers,
SG