Thread: Montblanc fountain pen piston stuck

If it is the model that does not disassemble, start with an overnight soak in plain warm water to loosen up the ink, then just suck up water and squirt it out into another container.

Do not force the mechanism, but if after a couple cycles, it still does not improve, it is probably time for service. There are several good online pen repair shops, probably a bit less expensive and quicker than Montblanc.

Start with a good soak. If you use Ammonia or cleaners like 409 or Simple Green keep it to 10 percent.

I have been using an US cleaner and have not had an issue with discoloration, other than dulling, that a good hand polishing and buffing with Novus will not easily bring back, you might try some distilled water if you are having and issue.

I too use the zip lock bag filled with distilled water and placed in a tub of water, it does make for a quick and less messy cleanup.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

If it is the model that does not disassemble, start with an overnight soak in plain warm water to loosen up the ink, then just suck up water and squirt it out into another container.

This was what I was planning on doing, but it doesn't suck up any water when I operate the piston. I am not sure if that means that the piston is broken, if dried ink has clotted it so it can not suck up water, or if it is just because I can not move the piston all the way to the bottom position where it should have the most suction.

Soak it overnight and see if it loosens up to where it can take up some water then soak again for a few hours so the water loosens up the mechanism and the dried ink in the storage tube. Then try to flush. Just be careful the mechanisms are plastic and strip easily.

The 10 percent ammonia or cleaner in a bowl of water should loosen the ink up. Time is what you need, not strong chemicals.

I read a thread in a Pen forum once, that claimed soaking in milk worked great to dissolve ink. Then soak in a water ammonia solution to remove the milk. I have never tried that though.

If the suggestions above don't work seriously consider just letting a pro restore it for you. It's most likely just crud and dried ink but you never know, particularly if you don't feel you can open it up yourself.

Treat it like a razor - if you don't know, go to a pro.

James.

re: Materials
I have read that Mont Blanc makes near net size celluloid parts and stores them for "10 years" That allows any material changes to be finished prior to the final shaping of the materials.
Where we razor people find trouble is in the cheaper versions of celluloid that were not made for high value tools but as daily use and hard use tools. From factory to tools in a few weeks.
~Richard

Fountain pens are not my expertise, though I use them. I use this kohl-i-noor pen cleaner for my rotrings and fountain pens, it's great at dissolving dried ink. I have also used windex... but I'm not suggesting you do this with a mont blanc. +1 to Richard's advice to use an ultrasonic bath.

http://www.amazon.com/KOH-I-NOOR-Rap...512PJ9N5TGK95W