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jor412 · Vintage

Parker 88 Vendome

Chthulhu · Rawr.

Do you mean that a cartridge or converter won't fit into the pen, or just that ink won't flow from either?

It *looks* like the nib and feed arrangement is the same style as the Vector and Reflex pens, in which case there should be a slot where the feed meets the black collar around the nib. I use a thin metal ruler in that slot to pull the nib and feed straight out of the pen.

Here's what the slot looks like on a Reflex; the Vector looks much more like your 88, but has the same style nib and feed as this:

In any case, soak the section thoroughly first!

-- Edited by Chthulhu on Wednesday 3rd of August 2011 10:27:58 AM

jor412 · Vintage

My friend has been unable to push a cartridge or a converter into the pen. He showed it to another friend who, after identifying the pen, now doesn't want to disassemble it. I told him I'd take a look at it and start with cleaning first just to make sure it isn't gunk that's blocking the way. But if it looks more complicated than a simple knock out or pull out job, then I'll stop.�I'll try your ruler tip.�

BTW the flange tool is working great for knocking out nibs and feeds.�

Chthulhu · Rawr.

Have you looked at the cartridge end of the section for any damage or debris there? If by some mischance the nipple has been bent to one side, you could easily break the feed trying to pull it out. Also make sure your friend is using Parker or Aurora cartridges and converters; nothing else will fit.

jor412 · Vintage

Ok I'll check the cartridge end of the section before doing anything. I actually thought something might just be stuck or blocking the way. I haven't met up with my friend yet though so it's probably not urgent to him.

Chthulhu · Rawr.

He just may not know that it takes a proprietary cartridge.

jor412 · Vintage

He has more than one Parker and Parker converter and cartridges. Anyway, I'll wait for him to show me the pen.

Chthulhu · Rawr.

A good plan.

jor412 · Vintage

� biggrin �Yeah I haven't even seen it yet. LOL

My friend doesn't like tinkering with his pens because he's afraid he might break something. (He's had pen sacs crumble on him and some big ink accidents, and several pen drops.) So I've gotten to reset the feed and nib of his Waterman Charleston and reassemble his TWSBI. Lots of free practice for me.� wink �

Chthulhu · Rawr.

Any time you learn something is a good time.

jor412 · Vintage

I finally saw my friend and his Parker 88. The feed and nib are as shown in Mike's pic. The problem is that no ink will flow. Stick the converter in and you can't push the liquid out. I guess it's clogged in a big way. I think I may have to pull the nib and feed to give it a good cleaning. I'll attempt to use a ruler to pull them and will post again how that works out. :) Right now the whole thing is soaking in ammonia solution and though my friend (and another friend) already soaked, flushed, and stuck this in an ultrasonic cleaner, some remnants of red ink are now in the solution.

jor412 · Vintage

Nothing I tried worked. I soaked it for a day in ammonia solution and washed it and let it dry. I even tried using a tire pump to force air through it. Nada. So I gave up. I told my friend let's send it out for repairs when we have enough to justify the shipping cost. For three to four weeks, the pen was sitting in one of my pen trays.

I decided to open it up again and soak it in ammonia solution for a longer period of time. But when I disassembled it, and pushed at the converter, it was working. I have no idea what happened.