I've got an old style VP (faceted, green) that I recently started using again, after not using it for a few years. I've noticed that when I open up the pen to check the ink level in the cartridge, there are always a few drops of ink around the cartridge (underneath the cartridge cap). Interestingly, the ink around the cartridge is a lighter shade, almost as if it has been diluted (even though it's been a couple weeks since I last rinsed it out).

I recall this has always been a problem with the pen, and one of the reasons I hadn't been using it.

I've used the Namiki black ink cartridges, and most recently, have just refilled a cartridge with Private Reserve midnight blues), so I don't think it's an ink issue.

Do they all do this? Is there something wrong with my pen?

I have half a mind to just order a new nib unit from BindersPens ($25+shipping), although sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't rather just get a whole new pen (I'm liking the new style black carbonesque or chrome--- anyone want to trade for my old-style green pen?).

Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Am I better off getting a new nib unit?

Thanks!

I have had seepage from the cartridge but nothing significant.

I know it's been a couple of weeks since you've rinsed it, but you'd be surprised at how water-tight (strong word, you know what I mean) these pens are. I've rinsed and neglected to dry the barrel (cotton swab, gently) and nib unit and found dilute ink in the pen many days later. Since you see what appears to be diluted ink, it's very possible that water in the pen did in fact contribute to the problem.

If it's just a smidge of ink, then I don't think it's uncommon. If it's leaking and getting into the body of the pen, then you probably need to replace the nib unit.

Do you refill carts or use new each time?

I used to use only new, but at the latest fillup, I refilled a cartridge with PR midnight blues.

It's not that much ink, just a little annoying.

I am leaning towards trying out a new nib unit (or maybe even a new VP...), but may try to dissasemble the pen, give every part a good soaking, the let it thoroughly dry out.

I have been surprised at how loose the carts seemingly fit in the VPs. But I have not experienced any leaks.

I suspect, as KCat might be alluding to, that after rinsing you have water remaining inside the cartridge area, where the cartridge seats. I am not a physicist, but it seems that enough water in there might allow some ink to seep out of the cart via capillary action. Alternatively, it is probably just some left over water from the last rinse.

Also, I have sent you a PM.

I have almost mint chrome VP body. If James' deal does not go through for some reason, I would like to trade with your old VP.

thanks,
purpledog

Hi, I have same faceted VP, which I've had for years without any issues. I did once have a hairline crack in a refilled cartridge, so you may not want to reuse them too often. Also, be sure to dry it completely before refilling.

I hope you don't give up your faceted model. Good luck.

Update:

After my last post on the 27th, I soaked the nib and pen overnight in a glass of water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent. The following day, I removed everything, cleaned it out with fresh water, and let everything dry. I surrounded the nib of the VP with a tissue, and also stuffed a tissue into the other end, to make sure eveything dried out.

In the meanwhile, Purpledog had contacted me saying that he had a chrome VP body that he was willing to trade for my oldstyle green. I agreed to the trade, and he sent me the Chrome VP body, and I sent him my green faceted VP body. I received the chrome VP body yesterday afternoon (Thanks Purpledog!!!). Upon receipt, I filled up a cartridge with some PR Midnight blues and inserted onto the nib unit, and then the unit into the pen.

Leaking appears to be gone (i.e., everyone that suggested it was leftover water from the prior rinsing was probably right), although it's only been a day. I'll bring the pen to work and use it this week to confirm.

However, the other thing I noticed is that the pen is writing much smoother (wetter?) now, and the line seems to have thickened a little (The nib now writes a little thicker than my Lamy Vista with Fine Nib). I am guessing this is a result of the soaking in the detergent water. It is a dramatic difference. Hopefully, this will help some others out there who have a VP with very dry flow.

Thanks!