Hi All -

I apologize if this is a repost, but can someone tell me what reference materials I need to repair an Esterbrook SJ? Would Da Book have everything I need to know? This is my first foray into the world of pen repairs. My SJ needs a new sac and nib.

Many thanks.

Sincerely,

Yumbo

Heya yumbo,

It should be fairly simple to fix up a Estie SJ/J/LJ. (I should know. I'm terrible at DIY restoration and I managed to re-sac a Venus, a Estie equivalent!)
[You may also need a sac spreader if you're clumsy with fitting the sac over the section. I know I was; managed to do it, but a sac spreader may have made it less of a hassle.]
I believe you will need a size 16 sac, some shellac, and Richard's helpful instructions on sacing/re-sacing pens. If the nib is missing, just purchase a new Renew-Point unit and simply screw it in.

Hope that helped!

Thanks, Zeroender.

I just ordered the Frank DuBiel book from the folks at the Fountain Pen Hospital.

I was able to get the pen apart last night and the old sac is in bits and pieces. I hope the Dubiel book has tips on getting all of the gunk out of the barrel!

- Yumbo

You'll need a #16 sac, shellac, and a dental pick to get the gunk out of the barrel is nice. Maybe an inspection light to be sure you've got all the gunk, if you think you'll be doing more of this. For the nib, just get a new Renew point (Esterbrook.net has them, as does Binder) and screw it in.

For de-gunking, I use a bamboo skewer which I carve a little so it's got an oblique rather than conical pointy bit-- rather like a syringe needle.

This is what remains of the sac:

Click to view attachment

Looks like ou've been lucky and the sac just hardened. There probably is little or no gunk in the barrel, since it would seem all the sac came out in little pieces.

Of course, scrape to make sure, but that's my guess.

Good luck with the rest of the restoration..

Regards,

gerry

Make sure you get the dried sac off the nipple too. Looks like you have the standard hardened chunks on there, they should come off pretty easily.