2550 nib problem Need help

[pennut]

I bought a beautiful red Esterbrook with a 2550 nib that I think is a fine. The problem I am having is that the ink does not flow out of the nib well. I have pumped both ink and water through the nib and can see that the ink tends to stop flowing about half way down the ink channel of the nib. I did soak the nib in a weak solution of ammonia and water overnight but this did not help.

[ZeissIkon]

If I'm reading this correctly, the pen fills, you can pump water and ink in and out, but ink won't flow down the slit to the point? You may have a bit of oil in the slit, which can be removed by flushing with water containing a few drops of dishwashing liquid per cup. You may, however, find you need to "floss" the nib slit with a piece of photographic film (remove the emulsion by a short soak in bleach followed by a water rinse with gentle finger scrubbing before flossing) -- work it in at the breather hole and down toward the point to push any blockage out. Be careful, when doing this, that you don't pry the tines apart, as doing so will increase the flow (save that kind of adjustment for after the nib unit writes correctly).

[Paddler]

First, I would "floss" the nib with a bit of fine thread - some size 00 nylon, if you have it. If not, then some thin polyester thread. Get it to catch the slit at the point and then pull it down to the breather. Pull the rest of the thread out the breather. You don't even have to get the whole thread in the slit - just a few fibers will do it. If there is a little dirt in the slit, this will shift it out of the way.

 

Paddler