Help: Oxidised Mont Blanc Sterling

[Erik Dalton]

There is a small cavity in the 146 section where ink pools up awaiting entry into the tiny ink channels in the feed. In an inked pen that has been left for a long period of time, this ink can get almost gelatinous and will come out in good clumps. But you have to work your way through the nib and feed to get the stuff out. (Unless you take the Nib out)

Never underestimate the power and value of a good and repeated soak. If you can see the piston head appear in the ink window when fully extended, then return back into the barrel when you reverse the motion, your piston mechanism is not broken. There are lots of tiny ink channels in the section and nib unit. They are easily clogged up by old dried up and sludgy ink. Do not put this pen in an ultrasonic bath.

From what you say I think you can get your pen going with a series of soaks. Do it in increments. Room temp water to start, if no results, same water with a drop of dawn dish detergent. And as a last resort buy a small bottle of JBs pen flush or another version. Do not draw the pen flush up into the barrel.

You must be careful with the soaking. Sit the pen upright in a shot glass or ink sample vial. Only put enough liquid to almost reach the bottom edge of the section. The nib and feed will draw liquid up by capillary action. Let this sit overnight. Flush and repeat until the water Id drawn up and expelled freely while operating the piston.

You will still need a bit of gentle force for the tough to get at places. Soaking will soften, but not remove dried ink. Place a mesh strainer over your sink drain. Hold the nib breather hole side up. Alow the water to hit the breather hole and slit. The idea here is to force out ink gunk from the space between the underside of the nib and the feed. Next turn the nib over. Run the water so it hits the underside of the feed and especially the wings of the nib.

Be patient and repeat until your nib is working well.

I understand that you want this pen all shiny and writing perfectly today. its difficult to sit back and wait for these process to work. These Monblancs are built like a piece of commercial machinery. Something breaks you replace a part and properly maintained, the machine goes on running forever.

I could go on but you get the idea. Take your time with this and it will pay off.

I say again for the tarnish a standard Jewlers cloth. Stay away from liquid and pastes.

As for the engraving. If it is not too deep into the metal, A Jewler can remove it or fill in with silver solder, but I would get the pen going first. That is the least of your challenges here.

You might want to check our archives for threads on repairing these pens. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/311372-repairing-a-mb-146/

 

This is what your piston assembly looks like. The piston rod (helix) is attached to the cap. It threads into the outer shaft that attaches to the piston head.