Vac-fil Repair

[ashbridg]

This pen came apart nicely so far. Now I need to remove the rod. My question is: Does the cartridge have a removable insert in the section part of the barrel? I have read that in this particular model the collar securing the feed in the barrel does not come out. If so, I will have to remove the rod assembly from the blind-cap end.

 

I can post more photos if necessary.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/explode_500.jpg

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/section_500.jpg

This view is looking into the barrel. I need to know whether the inner section is removable or not.

 

Thanks for your help,

Ashby

Edited November 21, 2010 by ashbridg

[The Write Pen]

Send it to Sherrell Tyree.

 

danny

[Ron Z]

I'm a little confused by your question. It sounds like you have one of the pens with a removable inner barrel/section piece. If this is the case, you have two options - one is to remove the nib and go from the inside to replace the packing unit (the best way) or to cut the very end off of the the cartridge to gain access to the packing material to replace it with Viton 0-ring. You'll have to solvent weld the disc back onto the cartridge.

 

There was a thread a week or two about removing the nibs on the Sheaffer Vac fillers, which you have to do to replace the packing unit. If you don't have the right tools, you can easily break the nib assembly trying to unscrew the nib. You'll also need thread sealant to seal the nib when you put it back in, and the right rubber for the head gaskets. It really does make a difference.

 

The Vac fill Sheaffers can be great, reliable pens that hold a ton of ink IF restored properly. I spent quite a bit of time working on the pens developing the right techniques and finding the right materials. The time spent was well worth it. I do these on a regular basis, and also make the rods if necessary.

 

If you need head gaskets or thread sealant, you'll find them on my web site. The link is below.

[ashbridg]

Send it to Sherrell Tyree.

 

danny

 

I want to learn how to fix Vac-Fils so I can buy some more of them and make them work. Thanks though.

 

Ashby

[ashbridg]

I'm a little confused by your question. It sounds like you have one of the pens with a removable inner barrel/section piece. If this is the case, you have two options - one is to remove the nib and go from the inside to replace the packing unit (the best way) or to cut the very end off of the the cartridge to gain access to the packing material to replace it with Viton 0-ring. You'll have to solvent weld the disc back onto the cartridge.

 

There was a thread a week or two about removing the nibs on the Sheaffer Vac fillers, which you have to do to replace the packing unit. If you don't have the right tools, you can easily break the nib assembly trying to unscrew the nib. You'll also need thread sealant to seal the nib when you put it back in, and the right rubber for the head gaskets. It really does make a difference.

 

The Vac fill Sheaffers can be great, reliable pens that hold a ton of ink IF restored properly. I spent quite a bit of time working on the pens developing the right techniques and finding the right materials. The time spent was well worth it. I do these on a regular basis, and also make the rods if necessary.

 

If you need head gaskets or thread sealant, you'll find them on my web site. The link is below.

 

The nib and feed are already out. I was hoping you could tell from the photos whether the inner barrel section is removable. The pen in the picture is the one I’m working on. I don’t want to try to remove the inner barrel / section piece if it is not supposed to come out. I read somewhere that the inner section of the open-nib Vac-Fil is built into the pen, thus cannot be removed. I would like to remove it if possible.

 

Thanks,

Ashby

[ashbridg]

To show where I am in the Vac-Fil disassembly process:

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/nib_out_500.jpg

 

Here I'm removing the nib. It is an open nib, not a Triumph, and the nib and feed are friction-fit into the barrel. I am trying to figure out whether the internal section sleeves into the barrel, and if so, whether it can be removed. I heated the nib and feed at 65 degrees centigrade for 20 minutes. Then I used a piece of grippy rubber shelf paper to easily twist the nib and feed out.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/tweezer_500.jpg

 

Now using Watch_art's idea, I remove the blind cap with tweezers.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/rod_close_500.jpg

 

A threaded washer secures the rubber rod-end in the blind cap to form a ball joint.

 

The problem is the pen won't fill.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/cart_500.jpg

 

The culprit, I think, is the middle gasket in the three-part rod assembly. Note how it sits angular in the cartridge. This "head gasket" cannot form a seal, thus, no vacuum, and no ink. When I probe this gasket with a paperclip, it feels rigid. But it is supposed to "cup" against the adjacent beveled washer, which it is unable to do. My hunch is the guy who did the previous restoration did not have the correct parts for the job, so he substituted a rubber gasket that does not work. This is my theory.

[ogwen]

Ashby,

 

From the close up picture of the nib end of your pen, it looks like there is a collar in there. Unless you remove this collar, you can't get the head gasket washer past it, so you can't pass the rod out the section end meaning you can't get to the packing unit from inside.

 

This open nib pen had a collar (this pen is a Tuckaway, but you get the idea) I cut the end off the capsule and knocked this out intact:

 

http://leakenterprises.com/pics/fpn/capsule/open.jpg

 

I usually wind up cutting the ends off these capsule equipped pens anyway to repack the packing unit and then solvent weld them back on, which is what you're going to have to do if that collar doesn't come out. Depending on the situation, I either cut the whole packing unit off, or just the last disc.

 

http://leakenterprises.com/pics/fpn/capsule/collar.jpg

 

As for the gasket being "rigid" it should be pliable to do it's job. Was the pen supposed to have been restored? If it needs a new head gasket and packing unit (and the collar doesn't come out) you're going to have to cut that packing unit end off. I have lots of pictures of that procedure if you want to see them.

 

And if you're going to start restoring pens, I would heed Ron's advice about getting the right materials for the job---especially the head gasket material.

Edited November 21, 2010 by ogwen

[fountainbel]

Hi,

Seeing the pictures, you probably also need to replace the plunger rod , it looks to show some serious "ring"pitting.

Alternative to the classic repair approach, you could install one of my "fountainbel" cartridges directly in the internal ink container.

The plunger rod cartridge simply slides 4.00 mm in the internal barrel sealed with an Oring and is axially enclosed by mounting the external barrel.

Benefit being nothing is to be drilled nor glued, and both rod and piston seals can be replaced in 5 minutes from the blind cap side when needed.

See installation guide lineson the attached Photobucket link

Francis

 

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h89/fountainbel/V2installation.jpg

[ogwen]

Francis, the original poster's rod looks okay, mine on the other hand was toast, but I've already made a new one and that pen is back in the stable and ready to go.

 

BTW, I think your cartridges are brilliant!

[watch_art]

fountainbels cartridges are brilliant! it got my pen going and working like a champ!

[fountainbel]

Thanks Ogwen and watch_art, nice to hear you both like my cartridges !

BTW watch_art, while you used the "additional" cartridge in your pen, this is the "Full replacement" cartridge.

This version is perfect to use on pens having a separated internal ink container.

Benefit being one has not to dis-assemble the (Triumph) nib!

Francis

[ashbridg]

Ron,

I read the thread you referenced, also all the others I could find about Vac-Fils. I am trying to do my homework and have made a wish list of books, tools, and materials. I have you down for thread sealant and gaskets. I visited your booth at the DC show and have had your site bookmarked for months. The thing is, I want to be sure I can fix Vac-Fils before sinking a pile of money into materials and tools. I've got the hands, the knowledge is what's lacking. Your advice is good. Thank you.

 

Ogwen,

Your Tuckaway collar looks exactly like my pen. Yes, I had it restored a year ago by a "Vac-Fil expert." When I got it back it wouldn't fill. You have given me what I need to proceed. I appreciate it.

 

Francis,

I want this particular pen to be authentic if possible. But I will buy another Vac-Fil to use with your cartridge. As a preservationist, the sacrifice of authenticity for convenience does not appeal to me. But what does impress me is the elegance of your design. I consider it to be an important part of Vac-Fil evolution, and I look forward to installing your cartridge.

 

Ashby

[watch_art]

The pen you got back from your "expert" may have one loose part. If you can get it apart, check the point on the rod that holds the rubber gasket on and be sure it's tight enough. Either mine was never tightened properly, or it had come loose. Either way, it wasn't filling properly. Tightened it up and now it works like a champ!

[ashbridg]

The pen you got back from your "expert" may have one loose part. If you can get it apart, check the point on the rod that holds the rubber gasket on and be sure it's tight enough. Either mine was never tightened properly, or it had come loose. Either way, it wasn't filling properly. Tightened it up and now it works like a champ!

 

You're right. The pointed gasket (or cap nut) was in fact loose. I stuck a tiny tube wrench into the barrel from the nib end and discovered it. Unfortunately, the head gasket (or "flipper") was incorrectly cut, so tightening the cap nut didn't help. I bet loose point gaskets are a common problem, though, because they're just threaded on with no adhesive to secure them.

 

Ashby

[ashbridg]

Progress report on my Vac-Fil

 

Now that I know the inner section collar is removable (thank you, Ogwen), I attempt to pull it out of the cartridge. No luck. Multiple heating sessions, and as much force as I dare to use, fail to budge this insert. My instinct says I took it to the limit. Any additional force will break the pen. I’ll revisit this step another day. Maybe higher heat or different tools will help. At this point I’m wondering if somebody epoxied the section into the barrel.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/drill_500.jpg

 

So I now have two choices, right? The packing unit can be severed from the cartridge, or I can cut the disc washer off the top (blind-cap) end of the cartridge. I opt for the latter because it seems less invasive.

 

Slicing off that pesky little disc proves to be tricky. Heat does not help, as the disc is solvent-welded to the top of the packing unit. And the glue is harder than the plastic. My various blades slip off the glue seam into the soft surrounding plastic cartridge. At this rate the cartridge will be mangled. Also, the disc is thin, only 1/16th of an inch thick. One errant stroke will break it to bits. This will never do. I need better blades. Tonight I’ll go to my storage downtown and find some.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/disk_500.jpg

A thin wafer of a washer serves to seal the cartridge

at the top of the packing unit on the blind-cap end

 

Next I remove the pointed cap nut, the head gasket, and the beveled hard washer from the plunger rod. I unscrew them through the narrow barrel mouth at the nib end. The job is tedious. It’s like building a ship in a bottle.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/rod_500.jpg

The cap nut and head gasket on the left end of the plunger rod

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/hard_washer_500.jpg

The beveled hard washer stays in the cartridge. I could loop a guitar string

through it and pull it out, but it's easier to take it out when the packing unit is removed

 

After pulling the head gasket out I examine it closely. It is ragged and out of round. Also, it is concave (it’s supposed to be flat). Even worse, the hole in the middle is too large. It looks like it was cut by hand instead of with a centering jig. I am convinced now that this gasket is the problem, the reason the pen won’t fill. The crudeness of this piece is disappointing. No wonder it won’t form a seal!

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/washer_600.jpg

 

With the gasket assembly removed, the plunger rod slips out through the packing unit at the blind-cap end. Now for some more disappointment: the center of the packing unit is visible with the rod removed. I see all rubber. But it’s supposed to be alternating felt washers, like Sheaffer’s originally used. That was my arrangement with the restorer. Maybe he forgot.

 

More bad news: I discover a dreaded nick in the rod shaft. The edge is sharp enough to catch a fingernail, and it’s located right where it’ll snag in the packing unit. Am I screwed? Is it the curse of the Vac-Fil?

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/nick_600.jpg

 

I can buff the edge out, but won’t that thin down the rod’s diameter and result in failure to form a vacuum? Reversing the rod so the nick is on the nib end will help. Sheaffer made 16 different rod sizes, so buying a parts pen to get a replacement rod that fits is unlikely. Ron Zorn makes rods, but I have to let him do the restoration to get one. Not that I blame him. He has to recover the cost of crafting a handmade part. I just want to fix the pen myself is all. Maybe Francis will sell me one? Otherwise, no new plunger rod for me.

 

I’ve had this pen for 30-some years and would like to fix it. It does have sentimental value. My late wife gave it to me. Yes, I know the rule about not practicing on a pen you care about. So I did the only sensible thing and threw good money after bad-–I bought another Vac-Fil today. At an online auction. This one has a Triumph nib. The seller says it looks brand new, and she thinks it’ll write. She seems honest. So maybe this pen won’t need any work. After all, it’s a Vac-Fil. How bad can it be? When the pen arrives in a few days I'll take it apart and post the pictures. Should be fun.

 

Ashby

[watch_art]

The pen you got back from your "expert" may have one loose part. If you can get it apart, check the point on the rod that holds the rubber gasket on and be sure it's tight enough. Either mine was never tightened properly, or it had come loose. Either way, it wasn't filling properly. Tightened it up and now it works like a champ!

 

You're right. The pointed gasket (or cap nut) was in fact loose. I stuck a tiny tube wrench into the barrel from the nib end and discovered it. Unfortunately, the head gasket (or "flipper") was incorrectly cut, so tightening the cap nut didn't help. I bet loose point gaskets are a common problem, though, because they're just threaded on with no adhesive to secure them.

 

Ashby

 

yeah, and b/c of the nature of the beast (the way it's usually put together) routine disassembly to tighten the durned thing isn't really possible. silicone grease on my feed threads (where it goes into the barrel) has worked perfectly so far, and makes for easy disassembly.

[ashbridg]

Vac-Fil Update:

Cartridge top and nib section now removed—Success!

 

As promised yesterday, I found better cutting tools at my storage. And they work. The plastic washer that is the top of the Vac-Fil’s cartridge comes off easily with a sharp scalpel. That gives me access necessary to slide a dowel in from the blind-cap end. Then I apply some heat, and the previously stubborn inner section taps out smoothly. A clean job and no damage.

 

Here’s the blow by blow:

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/oring_600.jpg

 

The cartridge lid (sitting on the blade face) is cut off, exposing the O-ring at the top of the packing unit. I scraped off the dried glue and the plastic is surprisingly clean. And the fit is tight.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/clip_600.jpg

 

I remove the packing-unit washer and gasket using my special high-tech O-ring puller (a bent green paperclip). This packing unit will be replaced (I hope) with lubricant-saturated felt and rubber washers like the ones Sheaffer used originally.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/insert_600.jpg

 

Now the cartridge is open at the back. I heat the plastic and insert a dowel to tap the inner section out of the nib end of the cartridge barrel.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/barrel_600.jpg

 

The unthreaded inner section (right) is hand-fitted into the cartridge (left).

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/3parts_600.jpg

 

The nib and feed are friction-fitted into the section, which in turn is friction-fitted into the cartridge. No threads are used in this assembly.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/nibfeed_600.jpg

 

The nib and feed are assembled in the inner section. This is how the section is supposed to come out of the cartridge. It should be intact. When the section remains stuck in the cartridge, as this one did, the potential for disaster increases greatly.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/swivel_600.jpg

 

The packing unit washers from lower to upper: a flat washer, an O-ring, and the plastic cartridge disc that seals the top. I prefer a swivel-tip blade for cutting the solvent-welded glue seam where the disc joins the cartridge (it’s easier for me to dig into the seam and follow it).

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/rodparts_600.jpg

 

The plunger rod parts are arranged in order.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/allparts_600.jpg

 

The Vac-Fil parts pose together for a portrait.

 

http://ashbridg.com/vacfil/2pens_600.jpg

 

The striated gray celluloid Vac-Fil looks small next to its pastel green Radite successor, the TM Snorkel.

 

Does anyone know where I can find an authentic packing-unit replacement with the lubricated felt washers? I would appreciate any help with locating or installing one. Thanks.

 

Ashby

Edited November 24, 2010 by ashbridg

[watch_art]

Daggumit son, this is nice! Great pics. I'm sure this will help many other do-it-yourselfers in the future.

[ashbridg]

Daggumit son, this is nice! Great pics. I'm sure this will help many other do-it-yourselfers in the future.

 

Shawn, your movie is what inspired me. I had never thought of using tweezers as a spanner wrench. Once I got the blind cap off the plunger rod, the other parts were accessible. Now I've decided to restore some more Vac-Fils. My goal is to collect a working example of each of the four different feed systems used to move the plunger rod sideways in the Vac-Fil. I have another Vac-Fil coming by mail in a day or two, an auction win. Who knows what challenges it holds?

 

Ashby

[watch_art]

Glad my movie was of some use! Can't wait to see your next pen.