Question About A Vintage Aurora 88

July 2, 2016

I recently purchased a vintage Aurora 88 fountain pen at the Chicago Pen show and I am having some ink flow inconsistencies. When I fill the pen and begin writing, the ink flows out from the nib like a river. I like a wet writer, but this is far too wet for my tastes. Then as I continue to use the pen, the ink flow begins to become more of a dry writer and even skips a bit (railroading here too). Any advice how to correct it, or who might be able to adjust this flow, would be appreciated. Thank you.

July 2, 2016

Was the pen restored at all? Did you purchase this from a formal pen seller or private seller?

The Aurora 88 began production sometime around the 1940's, so it's possible to get a very old model. If the seals/gaskets are worn, it might be letting in too much air, allowing the ink to flow too fast. And if some air collects in the feed, it could be drying out the ink a bit to cause the flow to start faltering.

I'd flush it completely clean and take it apart to check the piston and gaskets.

July 2, 2016

I think MYU is on the money. It sounds to me like the feed fills when you dip and fill it, but the piston isn't drawing ink into the barrel. So you have a gushy experience as you empty the feed, followed by starvation. Bad piston seals cause all sorts of interesting problems, and replacements are cheap, so I'd start there.

There are some comments on the web about being able to turn a plastic screw on the back of the feed in some models to adjust the flow. I have never found that this works. If the pen is too wet I'm afraid that it is a nib adjustment, and it's not easy with these pens. Where in the world are you?

Cheers,

Ralf

July 3, 2016

MYU & ralfstc:
Thank you for your comments. I purchased the pen from a private pen seller at the Chicago Pen show this year. I am in the state of Wisconsin, and purchased the pen. I was told by the seller that the pen was restored, new gaskets/piston seals. The pen fills great. I have seen posts regarding the plastic screw in the back, however, the efficacy of this method was mixed from what I can tell. I love the pen and would like to make it work for me. Any thoughts on experts who could evaluate this for me?

Thanks