How To Soften A Petrified Diaphragm In A Parker Vacumatic?

[drop_m]

Hello there, i've just bought a nice second generation Parker Vacumatic whom need restoration.
I managed to pull off the filling unit - with a big effort - but than i've found that part of the old diaphragm has petrified on the inside walls of the barrel.
Any advice of how to soften it? It seems virtually impossible to get rid of it in his actual state.

Ps. I - still - don't have an ultrasonic bath

Edited October 6, 2016 by drop_m

[ac12]

I hope you did not pull the pellet cup off the filler unit.

If you did, you will need to get a replacement cup.

 

In that condition, you need to remove the section (careful use of dry heat) and come in from the front.

I use a small wooden dowel, cut to a bevel. Then use the beveled end to wedge the diaphram off the pen. Be CAREFUL and GENTLE.

 

Richard Binder had a web page about the Vac, including making tools to help remove suck diaphrams. And it works.

 

No need for the USC.

[drop_m]

The filler has came out as it should, just with difficulty due to the rocky diaphragm.

I've removed the section and used a tube to help the pump to come out of the barrel.

Not the first time i restore a Vacumatic, but i've never find a diaphragm that hardened

[ac12]

Worse than hardened, is a diaphram that has melted . . . YUK.

[drop_m]

i'm trying to soak the area with lighter fluid as i've read around the forum
We will see

[drop_m]

The light fluid trick has solved the problem

No evident harm to the pen barrel or to the filling unit, for what i can see