Parker 75 Flow Problems

August 29, 2012

Hello fellow FPNers,

I've recently acquired a Parker 75, and from my newbie eyes, the nib looked to be in good condition.

So I flushed it out and inked it up, and when writing with it I noticed it was really scratchy and the flow was very poor. However, when I put pressure on the nib while writing, it produces a very even, wet line.

Any ideas why this is happening? The tines don't look misaligned to me, and I've cleaned it out a few times. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

August 29, 2012

It could be several things. You just have to eliminate them each one by one.

There is a pretty extensive collector inside the section similar to the removable collector in a P-51 that can get clogged. Unfortunately due to possible turning the section milky colored, it's not recommended to soak that section for more than an hour. An ultrasonic cleaner is your best bet. If you don't have one, get a small disposable plastic cup (NOT styrofoam) put some 1:10 Ammonia water and the section in that and take the cup to a local jeweler or pawn shop and ask them to put it in their ultrasonic cleaner for 5 minutes for you. (The sound waves will pass thru the plastic cup and the cup keeps your cleaning solution out of theirs.)

With or without the sonication, it's also a good idea to use a rubber bulb to flush Ammonia water thru the section from the open end. (With the nib removed) A quick soak and/or flush will not be sufficient to clean out a nasty P-75 section.

I would remove the nib from the section and run them both in the ultrasonic cleaner. Then lightly go over the feed with a toothbrush especially focusing on the very thin feed channels that can clog. There are a few more clean out tips at Parker75.com in the FAQ area.

Lastly, even after than, the tine tips could be too close together. Mine were and even after a good cleaning had to be spread some with some brass shim stock. **DO NOT attempt any nib smoothing or tine adjustment until you have at least a 10x loupe to see what you are doing.**

We will patiently await the pics of your cleaned out and writing nicely 75.

Bruce in Ocala, FL

August 29, 2012

Thanks for the reply, Bruce. I'll try to get it cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner as soon as I can.

Although, if the problem is with the feed, why does the pen flow normally if I put pressure on the nib while writing? It's only scratchy if I write while putting little pressure on the nib.

August 29, 2012

The 75 nib and feed are very tight to each other. Add that to the extremely narrow feed channels and you have a recipe for flow issues in an old pen. Any gunk (dried ink, grit, etc.) between the nib and feed or in the feed channels will have a dramatic affect on flow. The best thing you can do for a new-to-you 75 is give it a good cleaning. Also, pull the nib and feed from the section and soak and clean them thoroughly.

Scratchiness with a light touch many times points to alignment issues with the nib tines. Also, a very dry flow will add to the scratchiness. Take a look at the nib through a loupe and make sure the tines are aligned before trying any other smoothing.

August 29, 2012

FJG,

I came home from the Fla. Pen Posse meet and doubled up the thickness on a piece of my brass shim leaving a hair of single thickness in front to work up to the double thickness and did some more slit opening. I think I have the flow about right now, but I think your 75 is still a bit nicer writing.

Bruce in Ocala, FL