Sheaffer snorkel locked up

[JESimmons]

I found a number of fountain pens in the late 80s and early 90s, repaired some and was unable to find information on repairing others.  I'm trying to repair those thanks to all the information and parts available now.

One of these is a Sheaffer snorkel.  It is completely locked up - the blind cap doesn't turn, the gripping section does not unscrew.  What should my first step be?  With other pens, I would soak it in water to see if the old ink and gunk softened, but I've read cautions that the snorkels can be damaged by water.  I have not tried heat yet.

Thanks.

John

[John T]

Good Morning John,

 

More than likely with the conditions you are describing the snorkel and point gasket is binding up. The first step is to soak the nib and about half the section in cold water for a day and then seeing if you can unscrew the nib unit from the section. Taking a snorkel apart completely can be a challenging experience if you have not done it before.

 

It's more than likely that you have internal issues as well. But all is replaceable. 

 

Does the pen have a standard nib or a triumph nib?

 

Have you looked at Richard Binders webpage? He has very good information about how snorkels are put together and taken apart. Also many UTube videos can be found with good info.

 

John T

[John T]

I am going to add, it is quite possible that the spring and other parts are corroded/rusty and stuck together, if so it's going to take soaking the entire pen and replacing most of if not all the internal metal parts. But before we get there let's try to get it apart without creating any more damage.

[Ron Z]

I don't know that I've ever seen the snorkel tube stuck that firmly in the point holder gasket. The more likely/typical problem is that the spring is rusted because either water got in around the point holder gasket, or because water or ink got into the barrel because of a failed sac.  When that happens the spring can rust and get stuck in the ring on the sac guard, and sometimes even gets stuck to the wall of the barrel.   Once that happens the internal parts won't be able to move, and even removing the section to get inside can be a challenge.  When stuck like that, the ring usually unscrews back down the sac guard while the spring stays in place.

 

Side note - because pulling back the touchdown tube creates a vacuum in the barrel, the pen should be pulled out of the ink/water before you pull the touchdown tube back.  Otherwise the liquid can be drawn in between the gasket and the snorkel tube.  I've seen it happen.

[John T]

15 minutes ago, Ron Z said:

I don't know that I've ever seen the snorkel tube stuck that firmly in the point holder gasket. The more likely/typical problem is that the spring is rusted because either water got in around the point holder gasket, or because water or ink got into the barrel because of a failed sac.  When that happens the spring can rust and get stuck in the ring on the sac guard, and sometimes even gets stuck to the wall of the barrel.   Once that happens the internal parts won't be able to move, and even removing the section to get inside can be a challenge.  When stuck like that, the ring usually unscrews back down the sac guard while the spring stays in place.

 

Side note - because pulling back the touchdown tube creates a vacuum in the barrel, the pen should be pulled out of the ink/water before you pull the touchdown tube back.  Otherwise the liquid can be drawn in between the gasket and the snorkel tube.  I've seen it happen.

Thanks Ron, you explained better where I was going to go eventually all in one post. 😀 

 

[JESimmons]

Thanks, guys.  I fear internal parts are probably corroded, but we'll see.  Yes, I'm familiar with Richard's site.

It has the Triumph nib.

It's probably been stuck for 20-years.  I do remember being able to extend the snorkel at one time. I don't remember that it filled, though.

Thanks for your suggestions.  The pen is soaking now.

John

Edited August 7, 2024 by JESimmons

[Ron Z]

Really, don't soak.  Soaking a snorkel may allow water to get into the barrel, and then the spring gets wet.  When wet, that carbon steel spring can rust very quickly, and then you have an expensive mess.  You are likely to at least have to replace the spring, and maybe the ring that the spring sits in towards the front of the sac guard.  It can be very difficult to get the spring out of the ring without distorting or damaging it.  A rusted spring and internal parts is why I charge so much for snorkel repairs, and that doesn't include parts.   If you can, get the pen open as quickly as possible.  Section pliers, or a piece of fuel line hose slipped over the section may be needed.

[JESimmons]

I soaked overnight.  Neither end will turn.  I tried section pliers with as much force as I dared.  It still doesn't budge.  I think I'll put this back in my unrepaired pile and move on to something more cooperative.  I have a Balance that needs resacking and a flat top that needs a new pressure bar.