Roman Harvest feed housing stuck in the section! HELP!

[pianomanpj]

I have a customer who wants to replace the nib in a pen I made for her a few years ago. She couldn't get the feed housing unscrewed so she gave it to me. After several cycles (some with heat) in the ultrasonic cleaner using distilled water, it still won't budge. I let it soak overnight and it still hasn't moved. I'm quickly running out of non-destructive ideas.

Has anyone had this issue? And if so, was there any magic juju that helped get the housing out? Is there an additive to the water I can use to help dissolve any dried ink in the section? (A little ink had dissolved initially, but the water is clear now.)

Below are two photos: the first showing the state that it's currently in, and the second (a different pen) is where I'm trying to go.

Thanks for any and all advice, folks!

Roman Harvest

 

[Mortalis]

Doesn't the nib just pull out?

 

[Dieseldoc]

What I have found that works is , soak in diluted ammonia and water over night. Many have to do several times.

 

[pianomanpj]

Doesn't the nib just pull out?

It does, but I need to get the housing, which screws in, out of the section.

 

[pianomanpj]

What I have found that works is , soak in diluted ammonia and water over night. Many have to do several times.

Excellent idea! That may be the next thing I try. I was thinking acetone. Thanks!

 

[ed4copies]

Acetone MAY distort your plastic feed---I'd avoid it.

 

[Fred Bruche]

Goulet Pen Co sells a pen flush solution that could help. From the smell it seems to contain some level of ammonia, and from shaking the bottle some mild detergent.

 

[pianomanpj]

Acetone MAY distort your plastic feed---I'd avoid it.

Yes, that had occurred to me. It would have been a last resort.

 

[pianomanpj]

Goulet Pen Co sells a pen flush solution that could help. From the smell it seems to contain some level of ammonia, and from shaking the bottle some mild detergent.

I knew about the solution, but I was hoping to get this solved quickly. Considering you say it smells like ammonia, I am more inclined to go that route. I was also thinking of adding a surfactant (Dawn detergent) to the mix to reduce surface tension. Let it soak and try the ultrasonic cleaner again.

 

[Mortalis]

It does, but I need to get the housing, which screws in, out of the section.

I was thinking once the nib is pulled the ink delivery comb would unscrew.

 

[pianomanpj]

I was finally able to the housing out after an overnight soak in a distilled water, ammonia and surfactant solution. Thanks, everyone, for your input. Most appreciated!

 

[Paul-H]

A bit late to the party but the recommended solution for dissolving dried ink in the vintage fountain pens is 70% IPA 30% distilled water (rubbing alcohol is about the same so can be used) then take 90% of that and add 10% ammonia plus a dash of surfactant like dish soap but photographic wetting agent is better. That is then either used as a soak or used in an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[pianomanpj]

A bit late to the party but the recommended solution for dissolving dried ink in the vintage fountain pens is 70% IPA 30% distilled water (rubbing alcohol is about the same so can be used) then take 90% of that and add 10% ammonia plus a dash of surfactant like dish soap but photographic wetting agent is better. That is then either used as a soak or used in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Thank you! I'll be sure to keep this recipe handy!