Pelikan 400 Piston Mechanism Won't Come Out

[Kynaeilijae]

Hello, everybody.

 

I am new to Pelikan, and my question concerns removal of the piston mechanism on a Pelikan 400 from the mid 50s.

 

The problem with the pen is that the sleeve in which the piston moves has lost a big piece including nearly half of its threads. The turning knob can therefore not be tightened and the sleeve obviously has to be replaced.The piston irself seems OK and moves effortlessly up and down.

 

From what read on various internet sites, on this 400 model, the mechanism is of the friction fit type and should be removed by pushing with a suitable rod from the front towards the rear after the nib and feed are out. Is this correct, or is it possible that it is threaded?

 

Assumig it is friction fit, I removed the nib/feed asssembly (no problems), gave the barrel a thorough soaking, and then pushed a tight fitting rod into the barrel. I then gave the barrel some heat and tried knocking the piston mechanism out as instructed. But no matter what amount of heat or what amount of knocking, the sleeve sits put.

 

Is it possible that the barrel has shrunk and somehow "bonded" to the sleeve?

 

Any ideas on how to proceed so as not to destroy the barrel in the process?

 

And furthermore, if/when the mechanism comes out, where should one go to purchace a new mechanism? Do other Pelikans, for example 120 or 140 have the same mechanism, or the modern versions?

 

Martti

[whych]

Have a look at this thread:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/160897-vintage-400-repair/

[watch_art]

Wow! I can't believe my old photos are still up on flickr!

[Kynaeilijae]

The piston is out.

 

It just needed a wee bit more force than I dared to use on my first attempts. The plastic (or resin or whatever the Pelikan barrel is made of) is tougher than I thought.

 

Thank you!

 

The next step is to find a new piston assembly.

 

Martti

[drrusso]

All the best on finding a new piston assembly.

Maybe you can find one here in the classifieds too.

 

Best,

Arvind.

[mitto]

Wish you the best of luck in finding a replacement piston assembly for your lovely 400.