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cleaning a "51"


Virgil

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My mother has a "51" that has been in constant use since she first got it in '48. Recently she has complained that it doesn't seem to be writing as well. As I understand it, it empties too soon, so she thinks it may not be filling completely anymore.

I suggested she clean it out by flushing it with water. Is there anything more specific she should do or might look for?

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Being a '48 pen it could be either a late Vacumatic or a very early Aerometric/Fotofil pen.

 

I will take a wild guess and assume that it is a Vac, if so it will have a blind cap on the end of the barrel that comes off by unscrewing? Underneath is a plastic plunger that you use to fill the pen. If so, then I would guess that the pen needs a service, loads of people who can do it for you. You can find loads of suggestions on the board without me repeating the lot.

 

If it is an Aero, the if a good flushing does not do the trick, then maybe an overnight soak or two with the nib and hood just covered in water. If still things don't improve then the hood needs to come off and the pen stripped and cleaned.

 

If it is a valuable family pen, I would send it to Richard Binder, no association, but he is a top pen Dr.

 

Jim

Obi Won WD40

Re vera, cara mea, mea nil refert!

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JIm, I have had good luck using my ultrasonic cleaner on the 51...

First I flush out the pen until there is just a tint of color...

Then fill it with water and give it a run in the UC... you will be amazed at the amount of ink that appears in the sac...

You may have to do the UC 3 cycles, but it really works.....

Of course after the UC.. at least one more flush and let it rest nib down on some paper towel to drain a bit before filling...

This has worked on 3 Parker 51s and 4 Parker 21 and 21 Supers...

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JIm, I have had good luck using my ultrasonic cleaner on the 51...

First I flush out the pen until there is just a tint of color...

Then fill it with water and give it a run in the UC... you will be amazed at the amount of ink that appears in the sac...

You may have to do the UC 3 cycles, but it really works.....

Of course after the UC.. at least one more flush and let it rest nib down on some paper towel to drain a bit before filling...

This has worked on 3 Parker 51s and 4 Parker 21 and 21 Supers...

Thanks Griz,

 

I have a UC on my radar, it is just that my birthday comes up later this month and SHMBO asked what I would like :rolleyes:

 

One thing, they are a darn sight cheaper in the US :( Either that or I am looking in the wrong places :unsure:

 

However, what with all your fleaBay bargins, how long before you wear your one out? :D

 

Just one final point though, I had a "51" that came as part of an eBay bumper bundle that would not write well no matter what I did. When I took the hood off finally, the internal feed was damaged as was the collector, so no UC was ever going to fix that.

 

However I agree 95% of Parker Aeros can be fixed with a good flushing and a UC certainly makes it an easier process.

 

Jim

Obi Won WD40

Re vera, cara mea, mea nil refert!

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JIm,

This is the UC I bought from Amazon.com.... I don't know about how internation shipping works with them... but I love the one I got..

 

Ultrasonic Cleaner

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JIm,

This is the UC I bought from Amazon.com.... I don't know about how internation shipping works with them... but I love the one I got..

 

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Thanks Griz,

 

Getting it from the US is a problem and they seem to be about twice the price over here :angry:

 

Never mind, that's what eBay is for :D

 

Jim

Obi Won WD40

Re vera, cara mea, mea nil refert!

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Just a note on the Ultrasonic Cleaner:

My wife has one, just like yours, Griz, to clean newly made jewelry and I began to use it for nibs.

Once I cycled it 3 times in a row and it just quit.

Boy, was I up the creek (pronounced 'crik' around here), nevermind the paddle!

Before I gave up and resolved to buy her a new one I took it apart by removing the little rubber feet and accesing screws. The circuit board has a small fuse that had blown! At Radio Shack I bought a replacement pack for $2.50. It works fine! Whew!!!

Occasionally Dodging the Bullet in State College.

"All the Federales say,

We could have had him any day

We just let him slip away

Out of kindness, I suppose.'"

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Thanks for the input.....

I must be lucky... I have run that sucker a bunch of times 2-3 times in a row with no problems....

But will keep the fuse in mind....

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