Frozen Sheaffer Snorkel. Help?

[Sailor Kenshin]

A friend gave us two Sheaffer pens to get writing again.  The first, a teeny Balance, has already been re-sacced and ready to write.

 

 He also gave us a Snorkel pen with the Snorkel tube stuck inside.  The blind cap cannot be turned to extend the Snorkel tube.  Internal rust from the spring is suspected.

 

Is it still safe to unscrew the barrel from the gripping section without extending the Snorkel tube?  Otherwise, how should we proceed, and could it be anything other than rust?

[Brian-McQueen]

The section can be unscrewed without extending the blind cap, but only very carefully, and usually not if the mechanism is stuck as badly as you say.  The best thing I have found to do to unstick a Snorkel is to get some naphtha down inside the barrel somehow to try and loosen it up.  Try to remove the nib and the Snorkel Tube and point seal gasket, and drop some naphtha down in the front end of the barrel.  If that doesn't work, try the whole thing in ultrasonic.  If it's rusted, it's not going to get that much worse by being submerged for a little while longer.  Wiggling back and forth, trying to get some naphtha in, and being patient.  Some of them are a real pain.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Thanks!

[vintagepenster]

I've had a great deal of success releasing rusted bits by soaking in white vinegar. Apple cider may smell better but I think stronger vinegar works better. Here in Indonesia, they sell acetic acid which is really strong.