Brand New Pen Leaking From Base Of Nib

[seoulseeker]

Brand new pen is leaking from the base of the nib, on the top.

 

I noticed it today because ink was starting to flow down onto the top of the nib, albeit in very small amounts. I poked the area that I thought was the source of the leak (where the nib connects to the pen) with a paper towel, and it absolutely soaked it.

 

Is there anything that I can do about this at home, or would it be more prudent to just take it in to the manufacturer and have them service it? Very bummed, since this is less than a week into a $1,000 pen...

[hari317]

Can you pls let us know a few more details like the pen, model and filling system used?

[seoulseeker]

Can you pls let us know a few more details like the pen, model and filling system used?

 

It is a Dupont olympio XL placed lacquer model, fine nib, and uses a cartridge converter system

[hari317]

I think you should allow the manufacturer to take care of the problem. Duponts are excellent quality pens, based on my experience with the couple of Montparnasse that I own.

 

I would check if the converter is seated fully in the section, a loose fit might allow ink overflow through the nib.

[seoulseeker]

I think you should allow the manufacturer to take care of the problem. Duponts are excellent quality pens, based on my experience with the couple of Montparnasse that I own.

 

I would check if the converter is seated fully in the section, a loose fit might allow ink overflow through the nib.

 

Thanks for the quick feedback - I took it to the boutique today, and apparently it was quite a serious problem, as they are ordering an entirely new nib section (nib, cartridge converter area, the works) and replacing it instead of just repairing, and for free. A bit dissapointing coming from a new Dupont, and I will have to wait a week to get the pen back, but at least they are making it right.

[olivier78860]

Such misadventure can only happen with a broken inner part (feed or cracked inner section).

And well, don't worry about the one week delay. My last adventure with Montblanc did last over 2 months.

[seoulseeker]

Such misadventure can only happen with a broken inner part (feed or cracked inner section).

And well, don't worry about the one week delay. My last adventure with Montblanc did last over 2 months.

 

This is my first fountain pen, so I was quite worried when they took the stores sample pen, inked it, and tested with a paper towel to see if ink came out of that one too! I just thought "Don't turn blue, don't turn blue".

 

But it didn't, of course.

 

I really don't know enough about fountain pens yet Will just have to go back to my rollerball for the next week. Can't wait to get it back!

[watch_art]

I've seen leaking like this once and the problem turned out to be a crack in the nib housing - the bit that the feed and nib fit into, that screws into the section. Don't know if this is how Dupont does it - but I agree wtih Olivier about something inside being broken or cracked.

[someonesdad]

In the meantime, buy a cheap pen like a Pilot Varsity or Platinum Preppy for a few dollars. It will 1) give you something to use while waiting for your other pen and 2) it will give you something to compare your other pen to.

 

Warning: sometimes people find out that the cheap pens write perfectly adequately for their needs. I have fancy pens (translated: they cost hundreds of dollars) and some of my cheap pens write better than these expensive pens. YMMV. My favorite every-day pen for writing with Heart of Darkness is a particular Hero 616 -- and it cost me less than two bucks. It sits next to a Mont Blanc costing hundreds of times more and writes better (IMHO) than the MB.

Edited December 3, 2011 by someonesdad