How To Fix A Leaking Grip Section?

[ggggggh]

I recently got a S.T. Dupont Classique. Unfortunately, the grip section has a little crack and leaks ink, as shown in the picture attached. I'm wondering whether I can fix this by myself. What should I use to fix the crack, glue, silicone oil, or vaseline? Advice welcome. Thanks.

[hankosaurus]

Hello g⁶h.

 

I would be very interested in the solution to your problem too. That's because I have a very similar one myself.

 

I have a Montblanc 149 which leaks like that. It has a fine crack in the seal where the barrel meets the black plastic section. This black section is that part which the fingers hold, and which section holds the nib/metal/writing part... same as the black section in your photo. That wee little crack allows ink to escape and get onto the hands while holding the pen. The crack is exactly where the two molded halves of the black section were fused together at manufacture. Manufacturing problem, IMO.

 

Anyway, I hope someone comes along with a solution for you soon.

 

Happy day.

 

Hank

[hari317]

I have a Montblanc 149 which leaks like that. It has a fine crack in the seal where the barrel meets the black plastic section. This black section is that part which the fingers hold, and which section holds the nib/metal/writing part... same as the black section in your photo. That wee little crack allows ink to escape and get onto the hands while holding the pen. The crack is exactly where the two molded halves of the black section were fused together at manufacture. Manufacturing problem, IMO.

 

 

If the ink is leaking out from the component on which you can see the mold parting line, it might not be a crack. Mb makes the feeder case and the barrel threads from a material different from the material of the grip, barrel and the cap and does not polish those componets as well as the rest of the body.

 

I think the feeder case's section sealant might have given away on your pen, a competent pen mechanic will be able to reseal the joint on your pen.

 

 

Regarding the OP's problem, maybe Dupont service has the part that you need?

[ggggggh]

I have a Montblanc 149 which leaks like that. It has a fine crack in the seal where the barrel meets the black plastic section. This black section is that part which the fingers hold, and which section holds the nib/metal/writing part... same as the black section in your photo. That wee little crack allows ink to escape and get onto the hands while holding the pen. The crack is exactly where the two molded halves of the black section were fused together at manufacture. Manufacturing problem, IMO.

 

 

If the ink is leaking out from the component on which you can see the mold parting line, it might not be a crack. Mb makes the feeder case and the barrel threads from a material different from the material of the grip, barrel and the cap and does not polish those componets as well as the rest of the body.

 

I think the feeder case's section sealant might have given away on your pen, a competent pen mechanic will be able to reseal the joint on your pen.

 

 

Regarding the OP's problem, maybe Dupont service has the part that you need?

 

Yes they do have, but it costs too much, even more than the price I spent for this pen. I was trying to use shellac to seal the crack, yet it seems there's still somewhere not covered, i.e. it still leaks. I'll keep trying and add more layers of shellac.

[seoulseeker]

I have a Montblanc 149 which leaks like that. It has a fine crack in the seal where the barrel meets the black plastic section. This black section is that part which the fingers hold, and which section holds the nib/metal/writing part... same as the black section in your photo. That wee little crack allows ink to escape and get onto the hands while holding the pen. The crack is exactly where the two molded halves of the black section were fused together at manufacture. Manufacturing problem, IMO.

 

 

If the ink is leaking out from the component on which you can see the mold parting line, it might not be a crack. Mb makes the feeder case and the barrel threads from a material different from the material of the grip, barrel and the cap and does not polish those componets as well as the rest of the body.

 

I think the feeder case's section sealant might have given away on your pen, a competent pen mechanic will be able to reseal the joint on your pen.

 

 

Regarding the OP's problem, maybe Dupont service has the part that you need?

 

Yes they do have, but it costs too much, even more than the price I spent for this pen. I was trying to use shellac to seal the crack, yet it seems there's still somewhere not covered, i.e. it still leaks. I'll keep trying and add more layers of shellac.

 

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for this pen, and how much is Dupont requesting for the part..? A full nib-section replacement (all metal) on their flagship model, the Olympio, is ~$250 here -the whole pen being closer to $1,000, meaning that one is paying about $750 for the lacquer cap and barrel. Considering this, I think that the cost of a new nib-section is relatively affordable.

 

I can't fathom that it would be so much for this particular piece, especially if it is plastic.

 

That said, this pen is very beautiful, it's a shame it leaks.

 

I would quite like to get my hands on one of these

Edited January 23, 2012 by seoulseeker

[newlife]

I have some pens with similar cracks, especially some older Kawecos. Go get yourself Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure, it sealed every crack for me. Takes you about two days, the fluid takes its time to dry and has to be applied at least twice. I'm sure it will work for you too.

 

Klaus

[ggggggh]

I have a Montblanc 149 which leaks like that. It has a fine crack in the seal where the barrel meets the black plastic section. This black section is that part which the fingers hold, and which section holds the nib/metal/writing part... same as the black section in your photo. That wee little crack allows ink to escape and get onto the hands while holding the pen. The crack is exactly where the two molded halves of the black section were fused together at manufacture. Manufacturing problem, IMO.

 

 

If the ink is leaking out from the component on which you can see the mold parting line, it might not be a crack. Mb makes the feeder case and the barrel threads from a material different from the material of the grip, barrel and the cap and does not polish those componets as well as the rest of the body.

 

I think the feeder case's section sealant might have given away on your pen, a competent pen mechanic will be able to reseal the joint on your pen.

 

 

Regarding the OP's problem, maybe Dupont service has the part that you need?

 

Yes they do have, but it costs too much, even more than the price I spent for this pen. I was trying to use shellac to seal the crack, yet it seems there's still somewhere not covered, i.e. it still leaks. I'll keep trying and add more layers of shellac.

 

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for this pen, and how much is Dupont requesting for the part..? A full nib-section replacement (all metal) on their flagship model, the Olympio, is ~$250 here -the whole pen being closer to $1,000, meaning that one is paying about $750 for the lacquer cap and barrel. Considering this, I think that the cost of a new nib-section is relatively affordable.

 

I can't fathom that it would be so much for this particular piece, especially if it is plastic.

 

That said, this pen is very beautiful, it's a shame it leaks.

 

I would quite like to get my hands on one of these

 

I applied several layers of shellac and the leak in the picture is fixed. It's not as perfect as a new section, but I'm satisfied with it now.

 

I got it from the bay, so the price is not so high as the MSRP. Dupont people charges $175 for a new section. They didn't mention if the new one is metal or plastic, but I think this pen only fits with a plastic section, which may crack in the future as well. So I skipped that option.

 

I agree that this pen is very nice looking. That's why I chose to keep it even when I found it leaks. Attached is a picture of the whole pen.

[edwinthedutchman]

I have some pens with similar cracks, especially some older Kawecos. Go get yourself Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure, it sealed every crack for me. Takes you about two days, the fluid takes its time to dry and has to be applied at least twice. I'm sure it will work for you too. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/#EMO_DIR#/thumbup.gif

 

Klaus

Can you detail the process please? I have a 1950s MB 142 with this type of crack which I can't find a repairman for! I ordered the Creeping Crack Cure from Amazon, should arrive later this week.

[fountainbel]

Can you detail the process please? I have a 1950s MB 142 with this type of crack which I can't find a repairman for! I ordered the Creeping Crack Cure from Amazon, should arrive later this week.

Hi edwin,

The section of your vintage MB142 section being made from celluloid, fusing the crack with liquid celluloid should be possible in my opinion.

Francis

[Glenn Atkins]

Hi edwin,

The section of your vintage MB142 section being made from celluloid, fusing the crack with liquid celluloid should be possible in my opinion.

Francis

 

fountainbel,

 

Not to high-jack the thread, but how do you make your liquid celluloid?

 

Thanks.

 

Glenn