7 replies to this topic

[Mike Hosea]

Got my first ever Parker "51" vac and replaced my second ever vac diaphragm yesterday.  The hood didn't want to come off so easily.  Though I would have liked to be able to inspect my work from the inside when I installed the diaphragm, I didn't have any pressing need to remove it, so I figured I'd apply patience and persistence to eventually get it off another day.  My question is about how far the nib sticks out of the hood.  This 51's nib doesn't extend very far out of the shell, only about 1.1mm.  My 51 aeros all seem to extend about 2mm.  The difference when using this pen is noticeable to me--it looks like the shell is close to the page.  It's the only reason I noticed in the first place.

 

Now, in the aeros, I just insert the nib as far as it will go and thread on the hood all the way.  Is this considered "adjustable" on the "51" vacs?  If not, is it a trait of some specific vintages?  This pen is from 1Q 1945.

Edited by Mike Hosea, 23 October 2014 - 07:25 PM.

[D Armstrong]

According to the Parker Service Manual, 3/32" ( 2.38 mm). They actually provided a gauge, which is shown in the manual, with the specs for several pens.

 

If you google "Parker Pen Service Manual" you will find several sources; they are an excellent resource to have on hand.

[TimGirdler]

Got my first ever Parker "51" vac and replaced my second ever vac diaphragm yesterday.  The hood didn't want to come off so easily.  Though I would have liked to be able to inspect my work from the inside when I installed the diaphragm, I didn't have any pressing need to remove it, so I figured I'd apply patience and persistence to eventually get it off another day.  My question is about how far the nib sticks out of the hood.  This 51's nib doesn't extend very far out of the shell, only about 1.1mm.  My 51 aeros all seem to extend about 2mm.  The difference when using this pen is noticeable to me--it looks like the shell is close to the page.  It's the only reason I noticed in the first place.

 

Now, in the aeros, I just insert the nib as far as it will go and thread on the hood all the way.  Is this considered "adjustable" on the "51" vacs?  If not, is it a trait of some specific vintages?  This pen is from 1Q 1945.

 

Mike,

 

I have seen some variation, though it probably hasn't been as drastic as you describe.  One thing I've noticed is that the "Fantasy" "51" pens have shells that are not always the proper length and the nib does look odd in them.

 

Also, though I haven't measured openings, etc., I suppose it's possible that someone, at one point, tried to put demi vac guts in the front of this particular pen.  Demi collectors are a tad shorter then the regular ones and this would explain why the nib sits further in the pen.  Now, I have to say, I've never tried to put a demi collector into a full-sized vac pen.  I don't know if the tenon would match the width of the barrel opening, so, essentially, I'm musing on this.  But, it would account for the difference in length.

 

Blessings,

 

Tim

Edited by TimGirdler, 24 October 2014 - 01:01 AM.

[MxMJ]

I just checked and if they aren't exactly the same size, demi and full size vac collectors are exceptionally close (and do fit). It wouldn't account for a noticeable difference.

[Mike Hosea]

Thanks so far.  I'm happy to say that the hood came off.  

Edited by Mike Hosea, 24 October 2014 - 01:58 AM.

[FarmBoy]

I just checked and if they aren't exactly the same size, demi and full size vac collectors are exceptionally close (and do fit). It wouldn't account for a noticeable difference.

They are the same size as are the Vac 51 full size and demi hoods.  Vac demi caps are slightly shorter.

Edited by FarmBoy, 24 October 2014 - 03:10 AM.

[Paul M]

with the vac I think there is little scope for variation as the nib and collector sits in a almost fixed position, and then the hood is tightened into place.

 

However I have found that with the aerometric version, error / variation can creep in if the 'repairer' decides to screw on the barrel before the hood. This may well leave the nib protruding far less than was intended, as the hood has not been screwed down as far as is correct.  

[Mike Hosea]

I have seen photos of Vacumatic-filler 51's that are similar in appearance to mine and others that look more like the 2+mm extension.  I was curious if this was a well-known thing that might be correlated with the pen's age.

 

I made an adjustment by pulling out the feed and nib slightly from the fully seated position.  I think it will be stable.  Well, I *know* the feed will be stable, as it's a very tight fit.  The nib seems tight enough.  I really wouldn't use the pen much, otherwise, so it's a necessary evil from my perspective.  We'll see how it goes.

--

Mike