Montblanc Generation hard starting

[ipadmister]

Hi everyone,

 

I recently purchased a Montblanc Generation with a medium nib on Ebay for a decent price. The pen looks to be in great condition overall and so does the nib. However, when I write with it, I frequently bump into starting issues with the pen not writing immediately after touching the paper. As long as the nib keeps touching the paper it'll continue to write and ink flow is good. I've disassembled the pen completely and fully cleaned the feed and nib so they can't be the issue. Writing angle also does not seem to affect the issue in any way. Attached is a small writing sample and some pictures of the nib itself. 

What is likely the issue here and what can I do about it?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[meiers]

Are you using a cartridge converter or cartridges? Which ink are you using?

[ipadmister]

I'm using regular royal blue Pelikan ink cartridges. These work fine with all my other pens. Attached is another closeup of the nib.

 

 

 

[Sailor Kenshin]

Pelikan inks are dry.  I'd test your Generation with one of the Waterman blue inks, or some other wetter, more lubricated ink.

 

I have a Generation.  Let us know what happens.

[meiers]

Congratulations on acquiring a wonderful Montblanc. 

I suggest changing the ink AND using the pen...

In my experience this problem of hard starting etc. goes away with use.

Your nib looks wonderful and in very good shape.

Patience and use is the best way forward.

 

 

 

 

[meiers]

Have you considered getting a MB cartridge converter and/or MB ink for it?

[ipadmister]

I've been using fountain pens ever since I was 6yo but never did I think ink would make this much of a difference. I have a pretty much lifetime supply of 4001 Pelikan cartridges and therefore never bothered using anything else. I used these in my Pelikan P200 for years and bought this MB to replace it as it unfortunately started badly leaking ink resulting in a couple ruined exam papers in university. I cleaned the pen, put in a different cartridge (unbranded) and it started writing wonderfully. I will definitely look into getting some MB ink. Thank you all for the help!

[meiers]

It’s a lovely pen. Thank you for sharing the writing samples. 

[David In Austin]

IF you have not cleaned the pen recently you might want to flush the system and let the nib soak a little bit in case you have some coagulated ink that might be interfering with the flow. Of course. flushing and cleaning fountain pens reguarly is usually a good idea, and it might make the nib and feed cleaner and hopefully consequently smoother. 

 

Just a thought. If you do decide to clean it out use some pen flush and follow that with a good rinsing with distilled water. 

[ipadmister]

I took the pen apart and gave the feed a proper cleaning. I can't see anything wrong with it but I'm by no means an expert here. Attached are some pictures.