Ink vacuum-lock problem

[JohnG10]

I have a Parker Jotter FP with a Parker converter.  It starts easily and writes wet.  But after using about 1/4 of the ink the pen acts like it’s out of ink...

 

If I twist the converter plunger to remove at least 75% of the air space - it writes fine again.  Until it uses about 1/4 of the remaining ink - and then it stops again.  
 

This process repeats for the entire converter capacity...

 

I’ve given the pen a VERY thorough cleaning (disassembly, ammonia to dissolve any ink clogs, flushing with a bulb and syringe) and ensured the feed, tines and converter are properly aligned and seated.  I’ve degreased the inside of the converter, it seals well to the feed, and does not have any ink getting past the plunger.  
 

I tried several wet inks (Irosozuki, Sailor, Aurora) and even tried adding a drop of dish soap to the converter.
 

There does not seem to be a way to disassemble the converter to add a bb like the pilot converters have to break the surface tension of the ink. But - none of my other FP’s require one...
 

Any ideas ?

[Karmachanic]

Part 1: Accept the problem, knowing that you are not alone.

Part 2: Head it off by giving the section a tap every now and then.

 

For your reading pleasure and edification:

 

[JohnG10]

Thanks.  Very interesting read !

 

But none of my other Converter FP’s have this problem - so I’m still hoping to find a solution.  
 

If it was just my expensive FP’s I’d understand.  But I have a 2 Pilot metropolitans, 2 lady safaris and 1 kaweco sport that all work great.  And my “expensive” FPs aren’t exactly high end and they all work great too.  They are a Sailor 911 large, pilot custom 912, and 2 pilot falcons.  
 

Coincidentally, I have 3 vintage Parker 51’s - and 2 have ink flow issues.  The Vacumatic is by far the most stingy about supplying ink to the nib, and 1 aeromatic is pretty stingy too.  So I’m not sure that integrated fill systems are the solution either

[LukeSkyliner]

I’ve had some luck with Rain-X, but that requires disassembly of the converter.  Once you get it apart, use a pipe cleaner or skinny brush to get the RainX all over the inside of the converter - let dry and then buff with twisted cloth. 
 

All this assumes the air channel is open, and it sounds like it is.

[JohnG10]

Thanks - I’ll try that !

 

 I can’t figure out how to disassemble the Parker converter though - and can’t find any videos on you tube...  

 

Anyone have any idea if the Parker converter is a “twist to open” or “pull to open” converter ?  I’ve tried both and fear trying harder will just break the converter.  Maybe it’s permanently glued shut...

[Ron Z]

9 hours ago, LukeSkyliner said:

I’ve had some luck with Rain-X, but that requires disassembly of the converter.  Once you get it apart, use a pipe cleaner or skinny brush to get the RainX all over the inside of the converter - let dry and then buff with twisted cloth. 
 

All this assumes the air channel is open, and it sounds like it is.

You're being facetious, right?

 

Rain-X repels water and therefore ink, and it's tough to get off.  The LAST thing you want is to risk getting the stuff into the feed, and it will eventually wash out of the converter into the feed.

[LukeSkyliner]

On 4/6/2021 at 7:27 AM, Ron Z said:

You're being facetious, right?

 

Rain-X repels water and therefore ink, and it's tough to get off.  The LAST thing you want is to risk getting the stuff into the feed, and it will eventually wash out of the converter into the feed.

One hates to disagree with the Oracle at Delphi - or tug on Superman's cape, but the Inoxcrom I RainX'd years ago still hums along without requiring opening the barrel to move the converter.  Could just be luck, of course; I'd not have mentioned it had it not - however improbably - worked.