Help With P51 Aerometric Filler Mechanism

[Cicero]

Hey!

 

I need to replace the ink sac in my Parker 51 aerometric, but for the life of me I cannot get the metal cover off! I've tried using a hair dryer, pouring hot water over the spot, but I can't seem to loosen the shellac holding it together. Maybe the guy who last did this used super glue, I don't know. Any suggestions? Is there any special tool I need to do this?

 

Thanks!

[Grendel]

Don't try anything else just yet -- what year is the pen ? Is the cover made of aluminium or steel ? Do you see injection molding seams across the connector threads ?

Edited August 7, 2012 by Grendel

[Ron Z]

Parker used two different designs for the connector/sac guard assembly. The "press 6 times " sac guards are threaded on, the "press 4 times" sac guards, and the open hoop end design, as well as the 51 special sac guards are pressed on.

 

The "press 6 times" variety can be very difficult if not impossible to remove. It's not uncommon to find that the threads inside the sac guard are badly corroded. Trying to use force to get it off can snap the connector. You might want to leave it to someone with experience.

 

There two designs for the press fit - one has three ridges on the connector, one is ribbed. The first is easier to disassemble, the later is tougher. Heat and a twisting motion can help to get it off. If you have the 51 wrench and an OS vac wrench, you can hold the connector from the FRONT end with the 51 tool, and use the OS vac wrench to grip the sac guard.

Edited August 7, 2012 by Ron Z

[Cicero]

The pen is from 1948. It is the "press 6 times variety." Ron Z, from what you say, I'm guessing that the threads are probably corroded. Thanks for the info; I had been trying to pull it off, so thankfully I didn't break anything. I think I'll try one more time to unscrew it. Thanks!

[Grendel]

What Ron said Try heating the base of the guard a bit before trying to unscrew it to soften the sealant. I use a piece of rubber from a bicycle inner tube to hold on to the guard for a better grip.

[Cicero]

By the way what can I use as a sealant when I put the hood back on the pen? I've heard that shellac or rubber cement can be used. What do y'all suggest? Oh, and where do you get shellac?

Thanks!

 

Edit: Oh, and also, I've heard that black nail polish also works for this sort of thing. Is that true also?

 

Thanks very much!

Edited August 7, 2012 by Cicero

[FarmBoy]

By the way what can I use as a sealant when I put the hood back on the pen? I've heard that shellac or rubber cement can be used. What do y'all suggest? Oh, and where do you get shellac?

Thanks!

 

Edit: Oh, and also, I've heard that black nail polish also works for this sort of thing. Is that true also?

 

Thanks very much!

No to fingernail polish.

No to rubber cement.

Yes to shellac and section sealant. Ron Zorn sells both.

Farmboy

[Cicero]

By the way what can I use as a sealant when I put the hood back on the pen? I've heard that shellac or rubber cement can be used. What do y'all suggest? Oh, and where do you get shellac?

Thanks!

 

Edit: Oh, and also, I've heard that black nail polish also works for this sort of thing. Is that true also?

 

Thanks very much!

No to fingernail polish.

No to rubber cement.

Yes to shellac and section sealant. Ron Zorn sells both.

Farmboy

 

Thanks for the info, but all I can find on Ron Zorn's site (http://www.mainstreetpens.com/stuff.htm) is "Sheaffer-formula thread sealant," which he says he uses on any pen except Parker 51s. I could not find the shellac. Do you know anywhere else it can be found?