Parker 51 Vacumatic Flushing

[Geirrod]

I just picked up a pair of vacumatic 51s which seem to be in great shape but haven't been used for a while.

 

I've flushed them a few times using first a mild ammonia solution and then some distilled water, but what's the best way to empty the water from the pens before inking them? Nothing is expelled no matter how many times I pump the filler.

 

Thanks...

[pajaro]

Salad Spinner. An old story. There are old posts about it.

[icardoth]

Put them nib down over a paper towel and leave them alone for an hour.

[Larry Barrieau]

If you can't get them to take up or expel water then something is wrong with the filler and it is most likely the sac. So it seems that flushing is useless and they will have to be taken apart and fixed. Wait for a better answer from an expert though.

[Freddy]

I just picked up a pair of vacumatic 51s which seem to be in great shape but haven't been used for a while.

 

Nothing is expelled no matter how many times I pump the filler.

 

Thanks...

When I purchase vacumatic fillers from an unknown or find

in the wild.....I overhaul 'em..you need to replace the diaphragm

and thoroughly clean.

 

To remove excess ink/plain water..using paper towel as mentioned above is

a good idea.....Or use Ron Zorn's "Salad Spinner Centrifuge"....just google

and you will find..............................

 

Fred

Redactin'....here is the link to S.S.C. by Ron Zorn of Main Street Pens

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/12704-drum-roll-the-salad-spinner-centrifuge/

Edited July 18, 2015 by Freddy

[Geirrod]

Thanks, pajaro and icardoth, for the suggestions, I'll try both methods.

[ac12]

Take off the blind cap, then put your mouth over the back of the pen and BLOW.

If ANY air blows through, the diaphram is shot and needs to be replaced.

 

If the diaphram works and fills the pen with water, if you work the pump slowly, I've been able to get the pen to eject water.

But that is really slow and tedious.

I'm goina build a salad spinner centrifugal dryer to throw out the water/cleaning solution.

[Glenn Atkins]

Needs a new diaphragm. Requires a special tool and some skill to remove pump bushing. May also need a new pellet cup.

 

Glenn

[ThomasB]

In a cross between the spinner and paper towel approach: I wrap a paper towel around the nib/nose cone section and while holding the pen and towel at the same time with the pen in the position of sticking up out of my fist, shake up and down vigorously. This uses centrifugal force to push the water/ink out

[Geirrod]

I ended up disassembling both of the 51's. They're in good shape but just caked with dried ink. I'm soaking them and then they'll go into the ultrasound. Diaphragms are good but I'll change them anyway while I have them apart.

Edited July 20, 2015 by Geirrod

[ac12]

I ended up disassembling both of the 51's. They're in good shape but just caked with dried ink. I'm soaking them and then they'll go into the ultrasound. Diaphragms are good but I'll change them anyway while I have them apart.

 

he he

I just got a 51 that is so clogged with dried ink that it would only work like a dip pen.

I'm not looking forward to the cleaning. Thankfully I have an UltraSonic Cleaner, to make the cleaning go faster.

[Flounder]

Chaps using an ultrasonic to clean vac51s - take the BHR plug out of the colllector first and keep it safe till reassembly.

 

I've had 2 nice vacs arrive with clean collectors and missing plugs, ultrashaken away/thrown out with the inky water.