Flow Issues With Airmail/wality Eyedropper

[Vindiction]

I recently got an Airmail Ebo pen from Fountain Pen Revolution (Ebonite eyedropper for 20 bucks? how could I resist?) and the pen seems to built pretty well for it's price. However, I'm having quite a number of issues with ink flow and severe ink starvation. Initially, the pen flows really well and wet when first inked (I think because the feed is primed), but as soon as I've written about a paragraph or so, it starts writing faintly, begins skipping, and then stops writing entirely. Beyond this, when I put a finger over the slit and breather hole, there is no ink that comes off it, whereas most pens I own will typically slather my finger with ink when I do that if they're working properly. The problem is so bad to the point that, when I put the nib up to a light I can see directly through the slit when it should be full of ink. I've washed the nib and feed with dish soap several times and am at wit's end about it. I also am not being able to pull out the nib and feed even though they seem friction fit, so I don't know how to even inspect the feed for defects. Any suggestions on what I should do or what the problem might be?

If it's of consideration, I've tried it with Pilot Black, Noodler's Black, and Waterman Black and all have suffered the same issues, and the issue's actually gotten worse the more I've written (I could go a full page without it drying out a few days ago, now it's about 4 lines).

[Noihvo]

 

[mhguda]

Airmail Wality pens sometimes do have ink flow problems. Have you tried forcing water through the nib&feed using an ear bulb? You use that to push water through. The best thing would be to somehow get the assembly out and clean it; sometimes I've found gunk or even small ebonite particles in the feed channel. Try rotating gently, using a rubber grippy. Pull towards you while slowly rotating the whole.

If that won't do it, try heat-setting in hot water. Hold the nib&feed inside just-boiled water for 20 to 30 seconds, taking care NOT to have the section touch the water (steady hand required, and patience.). See what happens; if necessary, repeat. This may also help in loosening the assembly so you could then pull it out and clean it. Lastly, try a brass shim or other thin sharp object to wiggle between the tines.

Good luck!

[hari317]

Since the pen writes well initially I feel the problem might be insufficient priming of the feeder. Ebonite feeds are dry when new and need time and conditioning to conduct ink properly. Try to fill the pen as per the instructions in the thread below.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/287765-filling-instructions-for-indian-eye-dropper-filled-pens/

 

One additional thing you can do is to prime the feed as described at link above and leave it overnight in primed condition. This will condition the feed and you should hopefully have reliable flow the next morning.

Edited January 2, 2019 by hari317

[icevic]

As I read this, I just happened to be writing with my Airmail 69T that Hari317 modified to take a Pelikan nib for me four years ago and I can say the combination of a Pelikan nib and feed plus the huge ink capacity and great feel in the hand make it one of my favourite and most used pens.

[hari317]

As I read this, I just happened to be writing with my Airmail 69T that Hari317 modified to take a Pelikan nib for me four years ago and I can say the combination of a Pelikan nib and feed plus the huge ink capacity and great feel in the hand make it one of my favourite and most used pens.

Really Glad to hear that. Thank you.

[Vindiction]

Airmail Wality pens sometimes do have ink flow problems. Have you tried forcing water through the nib&feed using an ear bulb? You use that to push water through. The best thing would be to somehow get the assembly out and clean it; sometimes I've found gunk or even small ebonite particles in the feed channel. Try rotating gently, using a rubber grippy. Pull towards you while slowly rotating the whole.

If that won't do it, try heat-setting in hot water. Hold the nib&feed inside just-boiled water for 20 to 30 seconds, taking care NOT to have the section touch the water (steady hand required, and patience.). See what happens; if necessary, repeat. This may also help in loosening the assembly so you could then pull it out and clean it. Lastly, try a brass shim or other thin sharp object to wiggle between the tines.

Good luck!

I've tried the priming the feed method so I'm likely going to pull out the nib and feed to clean it, but I'm having trouble here as this pen may very well have the tightest set nib and feed I've ever encountered. How would you recommend loosening the nib/feed/section in order to get them thoroughly cleaned?

 

Thank you.

[mhguda]

I've tried the priming the feed method so I'm likely going to pull out the nib and feed to clean it, but I'm having trouble here as this pen may very well have the tightest set nib and feed I've ever encountered. How would you recommend loosening the nib/feed/section in order to get them thoroughly cleaned?

 

Thank you.

Slowly and carefully. Maybe soaking in water for a few hours first. Do you have a rubber grippy? try gripping with that, making turning movements while pulling out. Yes it may take a while. Patience is the name of this game. Eventually it will come out...