I have a Snorkel Valiant that I absolutely love, but I noticed something rather strange today while I was filling it. As I unscrewed the blind cap, a rather distressing noise came from the barrel - almost like the internal spring was skipping. This was accompanied by the feeling of some inner piece jumping in the barrel. The closest analogue I can think of would be trying to open one of those child-proof medicine bottles, but this feeling was much less pronounced and had a distinct metallic sound to it. The pen still fills and writes just fine. Is this something to be concerned about? Sorry I can't come up with a better description.

EDIT - can't spell metallic, even with the assistance of spellcheck.

It's probably just the spring getting a little out of its holder on the sac protector. Worth unscrewing the section to have a look at, but probably not worth sweating too much about.

Well, I bit the bullet and pulled apart my Snorkel (I didn't really need that much persuasion anyways - I'm an incorrigible tinkerer) and couldn't really find the source of the problem, though I did have fun and got my fingers nice and inky. I see the holder you're talking about, Ernst, but the spring seems to fit nicely in there, and the noise/vibration actually felt like it was coming from where the other end of the spring rests at the end of the barrel. All the parts seem to be in working order, though, so I think I'll just put it back together and keep on living. Perhaps a small daub of silicone grease will placate it, if I ever get around to ordering some. One thing I have noticed is a slight tendency for ink to seep out between the nib and the section. Is there anything that a boffin like myself can do to fix it, or should I simply grin and bear my green fingers? I originally fell for this pen due to its unique trunk, and I like it even more now that I've dissected one!

I had that problem... You can add a little grease to the spring, but I have observed that through use the spring wears ever so slightly to the point where it doesn't come into contact with whatever causes the noise.