Hardened Sac?

[Inga]

So, I have an old Mabie Todd Swan that I think may need a new sac for a couple of reasons.

First off, the lever doesn't go to the 90 degree angle I've heard it should.

Second, the ink ink capacity seems VERY low. (It lasts about two or three pages.) It IS a fairly wet writer with what LOOKS like a medium nib, (it's not labeled with the nib size) so not exactly what I'd consider a thin nib, and it has a fairly small body, but 2 to 3 pages seems a little... TOO little.

I didn't actually take it apart to see the sac yet since it doesn't seem like it will open up that easily. I don't want to pull to hard for the fear I'll break it. (It's my favorite pen.)

So, does anyone have any idea about it? From what I've read I'm pretty sure it's a hardened sac, but it could be something else too.

[Ron Z]

When you have a vintage pen with problems, and you don't know when it was last restored, you always start by restoring the pen. i.e. at a minimum you should replace the sac and clean the nib and feed. That eliminates the most basic and typical problems. Then check to see that things are as they should be, fill and write. With the basics taken care of, you may have taken care of the problems. If not you dig deeper, but often you don't have to...

[Inga]

Okay, thanks.

So then how should I take it apart? It doesn't twist off or it doesn't pull off, so is it 'shellaced' in? (is that right?)

[OcalaFlGuy]

Inga start by either clearly IDing the model of pen or better yet a couple of phone pics in case there are any special precautions you need to be made aware of.

 

To add a bit to Ron's excellent advice, the issue could the the sac or it's position interfering with the pressure bar your lever actuates to press in on the

sac to cause it to fill. The sac could also be twisted if you've noticed the section moving at all within the barrel.

 

I'm sorry but I can't think of anything you can do to shed any light on the problem that Doesn't involve pulling the section. I myself would rather know What pen we're talking about for I go any further with suggestions.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[Inga]

It's a Mabie Todd Swan Eternal 54.

[Inga]

Also, how do I find the sac size?

[ac12]

Also, how do I find the sac size?

 

I was not able to quickly find anything that stated the sac size.

What I usually do when I can't find the size in a chart is to open the pen. Then I stick a few sacs into the pen to see which sac goes in without touching the sides of the pen. IOW a drop in loose fit. Better to be loose than tight, so when in doubt go down in size. But this requires you to have an assortment of sacs.

 

I did find the following:

 

 

Latex ink sacs are available in a variety of sizes.

To determine the correct size, measure the diameter of the nipple at the bottom of the section. Use the table below to find the right size;

Size 12 - Nipple Diameter 4.20 to 5.35mm

Size 14 - Nipple Diameter 5.36 to 5.75mm

Size 15 - Nipple Diameter 5.76 to 6.15mm

Size 16 - Nipple Diameter 6.16 to 6.55mm

Size 17 - Nipple Diameter 6.56 to 6.95mm

Size 18 - Nipple Diameter 6.96 to 7.35mm

Size 20 - Nipple Diameter 7.36 to 8.25mm

Size 22 - Nipple Diameter 8.26 to 9.25mm

In addition, the following list gives a number of the most common pens and their associated ink sacs;

(note, it does not list a 54)

Swan (Mabie Todd)

31xx, 16; 32xx, 17; 44xx, 20; 46xx, 22; SM100/60, 17; 2-SF, 18; L212-60, 18; Minor, 16

[Inga]

Thanks. So I guess now I'm ready to start repairing!

[Inga]

I actually took it apart today and it wasn't a hardened sac, just slightly crushed. Anyway, even though the sac is in OK condition I decided to replace it.

[ac12]

When in doubt of the age of the sac I replace it. Better safe than sorry.

I would rather not have to open up the pen again for another 15 years. Because pulling the section on some pens is where the greatest risk of damage is.