My Parker 45's dying on me. I got it from a friend who hadn't used it in decades. When I first got it, I rinsed out the nib and all, and it worked for a while. But now, it doesn't write. I've tried using cartridges and converters but to no avail. I've already washed out the nib and all, even soaked it in alcohol as a friend suggested. Any other tips? When I shake it, ink comes out of the black part behind the nib (I'm not sure about the term.). Help me revive this "antique"?

Alcohol doesn't clean out fountain pen ink. You need to soak it in warm water with a little bit of detergent. If that doesn't work, try 10% household ammonia, followed by lots of clean water rinses.

The nib assembly unscrews and comes out, then it can be (carefully) disassembled into three parts -- nib, collar and feed. It may be that the tiny slit in the feed is clogged. Try running the corner of a plastic wrapper down the slit to clean it out. I have also had crud in the slit of a nib. Slip a piece of paper between the tines to clean it out.

Do a search on the FPN, there are instructions and photos somewhere on disassembling the nib.

Good luck!

The thing is, I'm not sure if the nib is the problem. Do you think it's the problem?

Okay, now things are worse.
I tried disassembling the nib assembly, and now the nib is "cracked". It's like two halves, right? The halves aren't joined together anymore and so when I write, the mark that it leaves is that of two lines. But it still doesn't write. Should I soak it in warm water with detergent?

you ve simply killed this pen ! small advise if you like the 45's ..juts leave this one as spare parts and buy yourself another one from PFN or ebay round $ 20 you can get a decent good 45 ! ASL

Oh no!
Sigh... Oh well. I'll just keep it as a collector's item.

OK, wait. If the metal nib itself is still in one piece, you may just need to push the tines together so that the nib point comes back together. You would not want to do this with another nib, but the 45 can take some hand bending all right. Try a gentle press on both sides and then re-try.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS, or if the nib really is in two pieces - you can get a new/used steel nib/feed unit for about $10-15 or a gold one (writes even a little nicer) for around $20-25. SAVE THE BARREL AND CAP AND FEED ASSEMBLY as parts, or if you are partial to the color barrel you have, all you really need is the new nib/feed or a used one.

Post a WTB message here on FPN - several people have been known to have P45 parts.

P45s are plentiful on eBay - I have bought ten of them, all for between $8 and $24 and they all write like champs. Occasionally a steel nib does not write great out of the box, but they can be tweaked or an alternate nib substituted.

The P45 is a great great champ of a pen - don't give up!!!

Alright, thanks for your support and advice!

I once broke the feed on which the nib and collar sit by using too much force in turning it trying to get it out. Then all you are left with to re-use is the collar, nib and barrel. Sigh.

Soapy water overnight, warm water and ammonia-solution. The prime ingredient is "patience" I think.

But of course it could have been india ink in the pen, and then you probably have no chance as I understand things.

If you want to get a replacement nib, or whole pen, drop me a PM - I have one or two spare.

I called up the Parker distributor in the Philippines and they said that repair is free and replacement of nibs is only PhP120 (about $3) for a 14K gold nib and PhP70($2) for a stainless steel. I've wanted to get a gold nib which was broad so I could learn calligraphy, so I'll just replace the nib. Thanks for all your advice!

Hi,

Be careful! Alcohol destroys pens.

I have a spare 14K EF nib around. If you want it let me know.

Dillon

Man! Those are great prices for the 45 nib assemblies in the Phillipines! Let's all get on a plane!

Glad that this is working out for you and that your old friend will live to write again!

Haha, yeah. I was surprised cause I called up this private store and they charged like $20+ for a new nib. If anyone wants to buy nibs from me, I'm willing to buy for people. Shipping's just a bit pricey. Maybe $20! Haha. So if you're planning on getting many, tell me.