Feed/nib removal slots position. 1970s 146

[CS388]

Hello all.

I think my 146 is a 1970s or 1980s model. It has the monotone nib and the blue ink window.
I could do with some advice on putting it back together, following a broken sleeve replacement.

I don't know how much difference it makes, but I recall reading that the slots to remove/replace the nib/feed assembly are at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock on some models, and at different locations on other models (eg 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock?)
I'm assuming that this is with the nib's upper side parallel to the ground, so 12 o'clock would be in line with the nib slit?

I'd be grateful if any fellow members who own this model could check and inform me of the correct positions, before I put it back together.
Or does it make no difference? The unit seems to be circular inside and out, with no notches or other positional markers etc?

Thanks in advance. CS

[talkinghead]

Hello all.


I don't know how much difference it makes, but I recall reading that the slots to remove/replace the nib/feed assembly are at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock on some models, and at different locations on other models (eg 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock?)
I'm assuming that this is with the nib's upper side parallel to the ground, so 12 o'clock would be in line with the nib slit?

You are correct. And actually I believe all MB, (at least the Meisterstuck line ) should be replaced in this manner/position, 12:00 and 6:00. You'll find also that if the nib has not been pulled before, the nib/feed will slide in easy in one position, because over time the feed has "formed" slightly in its orientation inside the feeder case. Try fitting it first in one position (still with the slots at 12/6) then rotate it 180 degrees. See which way it "feels" to fit better.

Rick

[CS388]

Many thanks, Rick.

Hoping to pick up some sealant today and should be tackling the rebuild this evening.

Thanks again for the advice. Much appreciated.

[mmahany]

Note sure if these help but I tried to take a picture of mine.

EDIT- This is my favorite writer out of all 50-60 of my pens (20 or so being Montblanc) so I'd dare to say that it's set up very accurately.

It may give you some guidance on how deep to fit the nib/feed, and where to line up the feed ring

[CS388]

Thanks mmahany, that's a real help.

We have the exact same pen, except mine has a medium tip on the nib.
My favourite writer for many years, too. Perfect set-up. Must have laid down miles of ink over the last five (or so) years.
Totally reliable.

But, now, I have a new dilemma: The old split ebonite feed doesn't quite fit in the new sleeve.
The diameter is (ever so slightly) smaller than the new plastic feed (Supplied with the new sleeve).

So: The split ebonite feed worked SO well, I'm wondering if I should 'pack out' the sleeve and try to fit it, instead of the newer plastic feed?
If the unit is fitted correctly, the ink should come from the barrel into the top of the feed, so any packing I use in the mid section of the sleeve should not affect performance, as the ink will be in the feed and nib only?
Dunno.
Might give it a go.
If it doesn't work, take it apart and put it back together with the new plastic feed.
It's just because I'd be sad to lose the original feed/nib set up.

I'd probably try PFTE tape to take up the slack between the sleeve and the old feed/nib. As I said, it's hardly noticeable - but it IS there.

Anyhow - I'm just rambling now. Not fully convinced which way to go, at the moment.

But, thanks, again, for your post. Much appreciated.

All the best, CS

[hari317]

Hello CS,

The 146 you are asking about, the nib will go in only one way, there is a slot there in the case feeder for the nib, there is no other way it will fit.

a modern case feeder will NOT accommodate the ebonite feeder, why?, read below.

Pls note that the modern case feeder has no slot for the nib, rather the plastic feed has a depression in it to accommodate the nib so that the resulting nib-feed assembly contour is a cylinder that slides into modern case feeder. orient the slots in such a case feeder along the wings of the nib. Pls also note that the slots are not exactly opp to each other, they fall below the centre line, this is because MB has redesigned the case feeder tool for better.

all this info is there in one of my posts on FPN, IIRC. you will have to dig it out.

HTH.

[CS388]

Hello Hari,

Hope you are well. Thanks very much for the information. Very useful, at the moment.
I've had a quick look through FPN for your thread, can't find it yet, but will have a more in-depth search later on (I'm a bit snowed under, just now)

Have only just got the sealant, so will be re-assembling the 146 soon.
However, it's been back together and apart a few times, during the last couple of weeks, as I've tried various 'experimental set-ups.
I see the slot(s) you mention inside the old feeder sleeve. Didn't realise their function, until you explained. Thanks.

Meanwhile, have tried both feeds in the pen, to see if I can spot a difference in the performance.
Nothing much to report here - EXCEPT that the plastic feed can sometimes have a dry start, requiring a flick or a dip (or even a small knob turn) before it starts writing. Once it has started, the two perform much the same.

The ebonite feed is smaller than the new plastic feed. After mating the nib and feed, I wrapped 2 layers of PFTE tape around them, around the top collar of the feed/nib and about halfway down the assembly (hidden when assembled). This ensured a tight fit and the set-up works a treat.
I didn't use sealant (yet) as I knew I would be taking it apart a few times. I used a (VERY SMALL) thread of PFTE tape to ensure no leaks from the barrel joint.
Been using the ebonite feed for this last week and no problems yet. Was using it today, out and about, and it's working perfectly.
I've always loved this pen and it seems to be it's old self, again.

So, I think I'm going to stick with the ebonite experiment, once I do the final assembly and seal it all up.
I'll never sell this pen, so I've nothing to lose by my experiments.

My photography is rubbish, but I'll take a few snaps and post them up, when I do the big fix.

Thanks again. Always appreciate your advice.
Best wishes, CS

[CS388]

Old threads never die.
Some old grunt usually comes along and resurrects them.

Just to update and conclude this experiment:

The split ebonite feed in the more modern sleeve did fail in the end. (You were right, Hari.) (Again!)

It wrote very well, but after about a month, there was ink on the section - coming from ink in the cap, I think.

I sometimes hand a pen to a colleague or friend, to jot down a note etc. People I know, but who have no interest in FPs.
If they get any ink on their fingers (from this simplest of tasks), it's a disaster to me. I see it as a cardinal sin!
Makes FPs seem as if they belonged in the stone age.

So, I took it apart and fitted the plastic feed which was supplied with the new sleeve (both NOS from speerbob).
Of course, it all fitted together perfectly, like the well engineered thing it is - and has been working perfectly ever since.
Back to being my No 1 everyday workhorse pen.

The plastic feed is even wetter than the original s-e feed.
Which suits me down to the ground!
And not a drop of ink on my fingers. (Well, none from that pen, anyway.)

Thanks for all the advice and help.

Enjoy!

[hari317]

Thanks for posting the followup, glad to hear the pen is allright now. MB plastic feeders are one of the very best in the market today.