Can't Remove 140 Nib Unit

[Kugelschreiber]

I recently received an all black vintage 140. The pen is in excellent condition and the nib writes pretty well. However, I'd like to grease the piston but can't because the nib unit will not unscrew out. I've cleaned the pen manually and with an ultrasonic cleaner. I also applied some heat when trying to remove it. No luck. If the culprit is not dried ink but plastic shrinkage, is there any way to get the nib unit out? My understanding is that since the piston units aren't threaded, they ideally should be pushed out from the front (which, of course, would require removing the nib unit). Is there a repair person in the USA anyone could recommend? Or is trying to save the nib unit intact likely a lost cause? Thanks.

Edited October 11, 2015 by Striated

[Notgatherox]

It might be a cracked collar, which makes unscrewing the nib difficult.

 

If so, try removing the nib and feed like you would on a friction fit, it should come out relatively easy.

 

And yes, the pistons on the 140s are friction fit, so you need to push it out from the front: http://www.penboard.de/penpoint/en/fillingsystems/PelikanPenRepairs.htm

 

If it is indeed a cracked collar, send it to Pelikan Germany, they might have the parts to help you out.

 

 

~Epic

[Kugelschreiber]

Thanks. I thought about a cracked collar; but if it was that, wouldn't the nib likely be dripping ink? And wouldn't I also feel some movement or give when I tried to unscrew it?

[whych]

A cracked collar generally means the nib and fee will rotate quite easily, but the pen won't leak.

It may be a push fit nib unit.

See this thread:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/298151-120-nib/

 

If you can't shift the nib, put the whole pen in water and work the piston while the pen is submerged. This should get rid of dried ink that has worked itself behind the piston seal over the years.

[DrCodfish]

"...The pen is in excellent condition and the nib writes pretty well. However, I'd like to grease the piston but can't because the nib unit will not unscrew out."

 

Not to seem flip here, but why do you want to grease the piston? Is it sticky, or leaking ink behind the piston? If there is no problem I recommend against trying to disassemble the pen, until their is a problem.

[Kugelschreiber]

@whych: Thank you. I'll fiddle with it a bit more.

 

@DrC: Thank you.

 

The piston is a bit stiff.

 

I'm one of those who uses vintage nibs in modern birds. If I can't remove the nib unit, I can't use it in another pen.

 

I paid a bit more for the pen than, I think, the going rate for 140s. Since I paid top dollar, I want a pen with no issues.

Edited October 12, 2015 by Striated

[coolguy684]

I had this issue before. Sometimes the section material has shrunk over the decades, and the tolerances are much tighter than was originally machined by Pelikan. After getting out the nib and feed, you can use a sharp blade to wedge into the collar, and then unscrew it that way.

 

This next part is difficult, and I've not worked out a way to reliably and safely remove the nib and feed. I just pulled it out by hand, but I ended up damaging the feed fins. I just took the loss and found a new feed.

 

After that, you can buy a new collar from http://www.custompenparts.co.uk/

 

Sand down the custom pen collar to fit the shrunken section. Check often and sand slowly and carefully. Remember, you can always grind off, but you can't put the grinds back on.

 

My logic is that it's much better to sand down the cheap collar than risk damaging the section.

Edited October 12, 2015 by ChrisChen

[sargetalon]

The sections certainly can shrink over time. That is what happened to a 400N of mine. The feed would not budge. To be honest, if the piston is moving, it might be worthwhile to leave well enough alone. Perfect is the enemy of good. Perhaps consider one of the "lubricating" inks. Whichever route you choose, good luck with it.

[pmn]

Hi,

Not disregarding the comments above, let me just add:

Sometimes one gets really subborn nib units that, regardless of US cleaning, will still require long soaking time.

Fill the pen with water and dip it in just upto the threads in the section (you don't want water start creeping under the binde).

Leave it there for a while and try from time to time. If it doesn't move, don't force it, just put it back in the water.

I've left pens soaking for almost a week.

Bear in mind it probably took 50 years for the nib unit to get "glued" in, you must be patient and concede time to get things calmly undone.

 

Regards.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Agree with PMN.

 

Always pad with a doubled or more paper towel your left forefinger crease, so you don't break the fins/combs which is very easy to do with the 400's -140's of that era.

 

Friction feed Pelikans from that era are rare, I've read about first year 400's, have a first year 400NN to my vast surprise was fiction feed.

Shrinking plastic was new to me....cracked collar not.

In the mean while get a lubricated ink.

[coolguy684]

Also, it's not necessary to be able to remove the nib and feed. If it writes and fills, leave it alone. Nib units were never intended to be constantly changed anyway.

[Kugelschreiber]

Thank you all for the recent posts and additional advice. I've been discussing returning the pen with the seller, which is why I haven't taken any further action in cleaning it or trying to remove the nib unit. I already own a couple other black 140s, so this isn't an absolute must have for my collection. If I do end up keeping the pen, I will follow some of the suggestions above. Thanks again.