How To Take Apart This Sheaffer Section?

[beanbag]

 

I think it is called "Lifetime 1250".

 

Anyway, I tried moderate heat and it didn't unscrew. The reason I want to take it apart is that I got it off ebay and not only is there dried out ink inside, but also chunks of stuff that don't seem to dissolve.

 

I already did the ammonia soak for 1 hr, and then quite a while in the ultrasonicator + multiple flushes. It still occasionally "blows chunks", LOL.

Edited August 11, 2015 by beanbag

[Smothier]

I have one section, similar to this though from a Imperial IV that I struggled with quite a lot. It appears to me that it has already popped out some way so you're on the right track but DON'T force it.

 

What I would suggest is applying heat, either through a one of those hotguns (I think that's what they were called) or through the budgeter's favourite - hair dryers. Though keep in mind that hair dryers are a little weaker, you don't get any temperature control nor is their air stream focused so do it in burst.

 

I'm unsure whether or not the section is fit or screwed in, and whether or not Sheaffer used shellac/rubber cement for these. Perhaps some of the more experience repairmen will chip in here.

 

You seem to have exhausted every other option, so best of luck with your repair!

[pajaro]

I suspect these sections are not meant to be taken apart. You might get some benefit from an overnight soak in water. You might also adapt one of those bulbs available in pharmacies that are meant for cleaning ear wax. Cut the end off to fit the converter end of this section and use it for a pen flush with water.

[newlife]

If I'm not totally mistaken there should be an o-ring inside the threaded part. When removed, the feed can pushed out from front to back.

[beanbag]

I was flushing it out (using a syringe) with plain water while running in the sonicator until most of the ink residue was gone. It seems like the only things that are remaining inside are the little chunks that don't dissolve in plain water. What are those chunks, and what chemical can I use to make them dissolve?

[The Pensmith]

I'm not really sure why you would bother to attempt dis assembly of a sealed section. New sections with nibs are still widely available. Either the section and feed flush out cleanly and can be used again or, they are beyond redemption. Sadly, after a period of time, all things die and become unusable - nib and section units included.

[beanbag]

I'm not really sure why you would bother to attempt dis assembly of a sealed section.

 

So your claim is that this section cannot be taken apart?

[pajaro]

Ink is water soluble. If you soak the section long enough the ink should come out. There is probably some way to get the section apart, even if it were not meant to come apart by the end user action. How you would put it together again maybe some knowing repair expert could inform you. My information was that these sections were not meant to be taken apart. On the other hand I have a dolphin that had the section unscrew. Accidentally. I thought that those were sealed units too, so you never know. Still, extended soaking should get ink out. Sometimes it takes a long time of several soaks.

[graystranger]

I have heard of someone having success after soaking an old fountain pen in a pen flush for a week. The old ink residue softened enough to be flushed out.

 

I have a 1965 Sheaffer Lifetime cartridge pen with a section that looks just like yours. I had success using warm water (not hot) with a little ammonia and dish detergent. I connected some plastic tubing that slipped over the cartridge post with the other end connected to a hypodermic syringe. I flushed the warm ammonia/detergent water back and forth through the section. All kinds of tiny flakes came out. That was in 1997 after being left dried out since mid to late 60's. The pen has been working flawlessly ever since and is in use today.

 

If you can't get a piece of tubing to fit the post, I have an empty Sheaffer cartridge that has the end cut off so my Goulet bulb syringe fits tightly in the cartridge which fits tightly in the section post.

 

Good luck. I would go carefully and not try to take the section apart, let it soak longer. I love my ultrasonic cleaner and would go to that after a longer soak.

 

Another option is to send the pen to a restorer who specializes in Sheaffer pens. My pen is a wonderful writer and I would spend the money to get it restored by someone who knows the right way and not risk damaging it doing it myself.