Flexible nib factory feed for Custom 743 won't seat fully

[MythrianXeras]

So I bought two flexible nib factory feeds for an FA-nibbed Custom 743 I got recently and the immediate thing I noticed is that, even after using considerable force to move the nib in, and making sure it was aligned exactly with the grooves cut into it, the nib sits about 1 mm further from the housing/grip than it did previously, and I'm not willing to use more force to insert it as I'm worried about cracking the grip. Is this a common issue with these feeds and will it be fine to continue using the pen as I normally would under these circumstances?

[Ted A]

I have no experience with any of this. 

 

Since no one has responded I would suspect it isn’t common. I would contact Flexible Nib Factory to see if they have some suggestions. They would have more experience than anyone.

[Ron Z]

Are the two nibs exactly the same length?  Is the radius of the nib, and width of the nib at the tail the same?  Is there a "key" in the section?  Some sections have a flat spot, or a ridge built in, often at the very end that fits into the end of the feed.  If you don't get things lined up just right the nib and feed won't sit far enough into the section.

[Christopher Godfrey]

Pay attention to the questions Ron asks, MythrianXeras, because I think that one of those points may be your problem.  There is no key or flattened side in the Pilot 743 section.  A few years ago I myself bought the FNF feed for my #15FA nib and the exchange took me all of about ninety seconds to perform (alright: a hundred and twenty!)  The entire nib/feed unit is friction-fit and all you need do is push it back in -- probably using a tiny smear of silicon inside the section.

 

If your nib still extends beyond where it used to be, do check that the tip does not foul the cap when closing the pen.  I had no problem with mine, obviously, and I think the FNF ebonite feeds are well-made and they work beautifully.  

 

I wonder if this helps you at all?

[Karmachanic]

Pilot feeds have a transparent flexible ring that fits over the stem at the top of the feed.  The FNF feed does not arrive with this ring, but must be transfered from the original feed.

 

Could this ring be stuck in the section off axis?

[effrafax]

11 hours ago, Christopher Godfrey said:

 -- probably using a tiny smear of silicon inside the section.

 

 

 

Don't EVER put silicone grease anywhere near a nib, that's just asking for trouble.  For one thing, putting the grease on there defeats the whole point of 'friction fit'.  For another, if any grease gets on the nib, and it will, you risk clogging the feed and nib slit.