Is there a "correct" way to remove a clutch from the cap on a Parker 51?? Do I need a special tool or can I improvise something with the tools I have?

Yes, there is a special tool to remove the clutch ring. They don't come cheap either. The tool has a set of fingers that just grab onto the clutch and then expand slightly to hold it firmly while a threaded rod is extended from the tool to push out the clutch.

There is also a tool to push the clutch back in.

Todd

You do need a special tool to remove the clutch. You don't need a special tool to put it back in. I tried to improvise when I first started doing repairs. Lustraloy caps in particular are a royal pain without one. I did just one and gave up until I got one of the tools. The kit cost a couple hundred bucks, which means that unless you really need to remove one, or you plan on doing a bunch, you're better off sending the cap to someone for servicing.

Which begs the question - why do you want to remove the clutch?

Oh - and there's a different tool for the first year caps which have a different clutch.

¡Aye Carumba! that sounds like an expensive hassle. Here is the back story on this:

I bought a 51 aerometric, got it for $20 - a good deal. The pen looks and writes great but the cap (gold filled with converging four line pattern) has a missing jewel (easily replaced) and is dented from the inside out - all the way around like someone tried to stick something slightly too large in it. I knew this when I bought the pen, and since my interest in fountain pens lies more with collecting, repairing and refurbishing old pens than using them, I thought this would be a cheap way to try my hand at smoothing a cap and still get nice burgundy aerometric in the bargain. If I accidentally destroyed the cap in the process, oh well it was cheap anyway, and I could always find an old lustraloy or something to replace it with. If, on the other hand, I was able to smooth it back out then that would be quite an accomplishment for a novice repairer. I doubt if this cap is valuable enough to warrant the expense of having it professionally repaired although if anyone could do it, I am sure it would be you Ron. I am including pictures so you will know that of which I speak. Let me know what you think.....

If there isn't any brassing on the cap lip, it might be worth having the dents removed. Especially if you only paid $20 for the pen! I have the tools, and the mandral for removing the dents, as well as some NOS Parker jewels. Contact me BC if interested.