Parker 51 - Nib Catches On Hood When Reattaching Hood

[francoamerican]

I decided to take apart a parker 51 special and buy a replacement octanium nib. i'm practicing reassembly with the old nib (so when the new nib comes i have a sense of what to do)

 

i am finding that when i reattached the hood, it catches the nib and goes around in circles with the hood instead of staying attached to the feed/collector/tube assembly.

 

Interestingly if i put the hood on and leave the nib out (but install the rest of the assembly feed/collector assembly) *then* insert the nib after attaching the hood, everything works smoothly.

 

Any thoughts?

 

thanks in advance!

[ac12]

Check and clean with a Q-tip the inside of the hood, for any "stuff" that might be snagging the nib.

 

If that is clean, the tip of the hood is likely too close to the nib. The hood may have to be heated to increase the distance from the nib. But that is a technique that I am not qualified to tell you how to do.

[Erik Dalton]

I too have experienced some P51's where you can put the feed, breather tube and nib in all at once. Others the nib wants to go in last, then the hood attached either with threads and "O" ring or with sealant. It's a 50 year old pen, and entitled to have its individual quirks.

Have you looked to see if the nib is not bent upwards? I've seen well used P51's with nibs bent upwards from writers applying pressure when writing. These nibs are true nails with no flex. They will bend, and not return, with too much pressure. Best to wait for your new nib so you have something to compare to.

I think you have the process pretty much down. All you need is parts.

Let us know how you make out.

[FarmBoy]

bent nib

[francoamerican]

bent nib

i think you may be right, and i also think that is probably why it wasn't writing well for me. Pretty cool i was able to get an NOS steel nib for so cheap.

[Erik Dalton]

While you have it apart, don't forget to make sure the feed and breather tube are not plugged up. That will also effect ink flow.

[Flounder]

This monster was the only 51 nib I had that would rub the hood till it screwed on past the tipping.

 

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy19/flounder2009/51%20Hood%20Gasket/UKBold005Large.jpg

[francoamerican]

New nib went on well! Thanks for the help.

[Erik Dalton]

....nice job.