Removing And Cleaning Waterman Piston Converter

[J. Koehler]

I have several Waterman pens with piston converters which have never been removed from pen or disassembled to clean and lubricate the piston. I have been unsuccessful in removing the converter from the pen since it seems to be stuck in place. Also I've been unable to unscrew the metal cap (has vertical striations presumably for gripping)on on the end of the converter. In spite of forceful gripping and twisting, no success, I'm afraid further force may damage, or break the pen, and I don't want to resort to pliers. Any suggestions or tools which may be helpful?

[jar]

Welcome home. Pull up a stump and set a spell.

 

First, if it ain't broke don't fix it. There is almost no reason to ever disassemble or lube a piston style converter.

 

Next, find out which type (push-fit or screw in) converters your Waterman used. Then soak the nib, section and converter in water until the excess ink dissolves.

Edited August 9, 2013 by jar

[J. Koehler]

Thanks for your response. The converters are screw in types. I have soaked one of them, including the nib section while attached to the converter since the converter cannot be removed. Some water did accumulate above the piston and only very slowly dissipated overnight as the pen air dried on a paper towel. I suspect this will not cause any problems. Any thoughts?

[jar]

That should be fine. Did the converter then screw out?

[ac12]

JK,

As jar has said you probably have dry ink "cementing" the converter in place on the section.

 

I had that happen with a used Parker that I got. The converter was stuck solid and no amount of hand turning without tools could move it in the least. Fearing that any more force would break something, I resorted to my ultrasonic cleaner (USC). I had to do many cycles thru the USC to clean out the dried ink that had cemented the converter in place. Once the dry ink was disolved, the converter easily came out.

 

w/o a USC, you have to do many soak and rinse cycles to soften and rinse out the ink.

[J. Koehler]

That should be fine. Did the converter then screw out?

No. After soaking, the converter would still not screw out. I don't have an US cleaner. Is there any limitation how long I can soak the pen to free up the converter? Do you suggest just plain water without any additives? Thanks.

[jar]

No. After soaking, the converter would still not screw out. I don't have an US cleaner. Is there any limitation how long I can soak the pen to free up the converter? Do you suggest just plain water without any additives? Thanks.

 

With Waterman Pens that would use a converter I doubt there is any harm done by soaking, but there are a few other things you can do.

 

First, add a few drops of liquid detergent to the water. Soak overnight. If in the morning though you see no signs if ink in the bath, there may be bigger problems.

 

Did you buy these pens new or used? Did they all come from the same source?

[J. Koehler]

 

With Waterman Pens that would use a converter I doubt there is any harm done by soaking, but there are a few other things you can do.

 

First, add a few drops of liquid detergent to the water. Soak overnight. If in the morning though you see no signs if ink in the bath, there may be bigger problems.

 

Did you buy these pens new or used? Did they all come from the same source?

All purchased new from different sources.