My 823 needs lots of help

[Tony the Tiger]

I'm fairly to new to this hobby--7 months now. And my nicest FP to date was a clear Pilot Custom 823 Demonstrator. When I got it (new) back in February, it was only after a fair amount of research, to determine if this was the demonstrator I really wanted. For the 2 months I got to use it, I loved it. Then I made the (clearly apparent now) mistake of trying to rinse out the Waterman Purple ink it contained. I had some concerns about it staining the barrel. These fears were later determined to be unfounded. Anyway, as I was rinsing it out, I remembered being advised to use a small amount of denatured alcohol, diluted in the water. I don't know if this contributed to what happened next or not. As I was rinsing, and (very gingerly, mind you) tapping the excess water out of the cap, it just fell apart on me. Upon closer examination, I also discovered a significant crack in the barrel, just above the section. Plus there is condensation in the cap and barrel, that has remained, after this (seemingly) tragic rinsing attempt. To make this long story somewhat shorter, Pilot USA, their parent company, and the Japanese dealer it was originally purchased from, Ujuku--none have them have been of any help whatsoever in fixing this pen. At least they've been consistent though. All three have basically quoted me a price of $285 to repair/replace the pen, considerably more than I originally paid for it.

 

My only recourse seems to be to seek parts to rebuild this pen. The nib is still in pristine shape. If you have spare parts or suggestions, please let me know. It may be that I'll just have to put this nib put on another pen body altogether. That alternative would not be unpalatable. I'm just trying to salvage something useful from this disappointing and frustrating experience. Sorry for this long-winded diatribe, but I'm sure many of you can sympathize with my plight.

[Lloyd]

There may be a less expensive (used) pen whose cap might fit. Also, though still costly, the Pilot 742's cap may fit. If you can get to a show, you might be able to try a variety of beater pens' caps.

Edited May 22, 2008 by Lloyd

[Kelly G]

I think you may have confused alcohol with ammonia. A 10% ammonia/water solution is often advised for cleaning ink from nib/feed/section. The household ammonia is already a dilute solution and when you mix it to 10 parts water/1 part ammonia it is harmless to most plastics (avoid using ammonia with ebonited/hard rubber).

Alcohol can be harmful to some plastics, adhesives, and lacquers. But, unfortunately, you already know that.

 

Good luck with your pen.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Yes, unfortunately what seems to have happened is that you *accidentally* caused your pen to disintegrate by using alcohol.

 

I hate to say this, but it looks like you have to just buy a new pen.

 

Dillon