Sailor 18K 1970's "sleek" Nib And Feed Blocked - Disassembly?

[Buzzie]

Aloha - This vintage Sailor has an 18k "sleek" 70's style nib, not the traditional open nib. Red jewel on the blind cap. The section including nib and feed and converter bay are virtually one piece, filled via a squeeze-sac converter. No flow initially, but I managed to get a weak and temporary flow after overnight soak in soapy water, bulb flush (no luck), soak in amonia solution, flossing nib/feed with brass sheet - after all this, I loaded with Iroshiguzu asa-gao and just get a trace onto the soft paper. Some flow from sac, not much. How can the "modern" sleek nib molded over the feed be disassembled to clean the feed, or otherwise improve flow? Dipped, it is a dream writer.

[stan]

Let's not take it apart. Okay?

 

You do not have the right tools to do so.

There may be only one person in america who does and I'm not sure about that.

 

I suggest you keep soaking it for awhile using something strong. Neither of the solutions below will harm the pen.

Try Windex mixed 50/50 with water. Soak the pen in that overnight. Periodically squeeze the sac and release any liquid inside.

It might be okay in the morning.

 

If not, get some tile cleaner. This is just a much stronger household cleaner.

Again, mix 50/50 and let stand overnight.

 

Initially, do not write with ink. After squeezing and cleaning out the sac and nib well well, try writing just with water and see how that goes.

Keep trying. It is not a feed problem but, one of dirt.

 

You never mentioned what size nib. If it is a Fine or Very Fine, it may not flow as much as you desire. Simply because ink on a dipped nib writes well does not mean that ink from a sac will do so. Sailor pens do write dry. Consider this - try writing complicated Japanese characters with a wet nib!!

 

Good luck.

[Buzzie]

Let's not take it apart. Okay?

 

You do not have the right tools to do so.

There may be only one person in america who does and I'm not sure about that.

 

I suggest you keep soaking it for awhile using something strong. Neither of the solutions below will harm the pen.

Try Windex mixed 50/50 with water. Soak the pen in that overnight. Periodically squeeze the sac and release any liquid inside.

It might be okay in the morning.

 

If not, get some tile cleaner. This is just a much stronger household cleaner.

Again, mix 50/50 and let stand overnight.

 

Initially, do not write with ink. After squeezing and cleaning out the sac and nib well well, try writing just with water and see how that goes.

Keep trying. It is not a feed problem but, one of dirt.

 

You never mentioned what size nib. If it is a Fine or Very Fine, it may not flow as much as you desire. Simply because ink on a dipped nib writes well does not mean that ink from a sac will do so. Sailor pens do write dry. Consider this - try writing complicated Japanese characters with a wet nib!!

 

Good luck.

 

Aloha, Stan, and Mahalo (thanks) - By coincidence, I have spent the past few hours looking at your FABULOUS website - so entertaining and informative! and I am not easily impressed. It is great.

 

I'll follow your instructions carefully. Oh, by the way, the nib is at least a medium, and slick as glass. Hope to be able to use it regularly. I'll not give up. Aloha, Jim

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

What kind of pen is it specifically? If you have pictures, I can see, since I do have special tools to disassemble many Pilot and Sailor pens from the 70's to present. You really don't want to use incorrect tools to open the pen since this can result in damage to the internal parts and cause leakage and other problems. If it is a pen that I can service, I'll let you know. It is indeed highly likely that I can service it and clean it for you if need be.

 

Dillon

[Buzzie]

Aloha, Dillon - Thanks! It is in 24 hour soaking now. I haven't photographed my pens, but I have a nice camera that should be up to the task, I hope. I'll let you know if the soak is not sufficient.

[Buzzie]

After soaking in 50% window cleaner/water, ink is flowing well from sac thru feed to the nib. This is a BIG improvement. After writing several pages, nib exhibited dryness. So, I'm going to try the tile cleaner/water soak. Very optimistic. Indoor photos with available light attempted.

Clip with hole, and wet 18k 1970's nib - Cactus Fruit sample





"Gem" on end - cap band, clip - writing sample Noodler Cactus Fruit

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

It's quite possible that I can service that pen. Let me know if there is a need.

 

Dillon