Sheaffer Snorkel woes

[courrierblanc]

I have just gotten a nice old Sheaffer Snorkel as an early present.
Unfortunately, it won't drink from a bottle. The snorkel tube comes
out fine, and if you push the plunger somewhat quickly it'll make a few
bubbles in the ink, but it doesn't seem to get any more ink than what's
in the tube from dipping. Also, the tube doesn't always retract.

My hope is that I'm just doing something dumb, and someone can set me
straight. Otherwise, can someone point me to a good pen repair place
in Seattle, or a source for parts?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[RAClifford]

From: "courrierblanc"
I have just gotten a nice old Sheaffer Snorkel as an early present.

Unfortunately, it won't drink from a bottle. The snorkel tube comes out fine,
and if you push the plunger somewhat quickly it'll make a few
bubbles in the ink, but it doesn't seem to get any more ink than what's in the
tube from dipping. Also, the tube doesn't always retract.

My hope is that I'm just doing something dumb, and someone can set me straight.
Otherwise, can someone point me to a good pen repair place in Seattle, or a
source for parts?

Thanks in advance, Dave<

Dave, sounds like the pen does need restoration, which is not uncommon with
Snorks, as they are the most complicated filling systems out there. There is
an o-ring, a point gasket, a blind cap gasket as well as possible sac that
needs replacing. I believe there is a vintage pen repair person near you, but
I don't recall off hand the name. Also try a post on www.pentrace.com, and go
to the message board.

good luck, Randy

[Tim McNamara]

Post by courrierblanc
I have just gotten a nice old Sheaffer Snorkel as an early present.
Unfortunately, it won't drink from a bottle. The snorkel tube comes
out fine, and if you push the plunger somewhat quickly it'll make a
few bubbles in the ink, but it doesn't seem to get any more ink than
what's in the tube from dipping. Also, the tube doesn't always
retract.
My hope is that I'm just doing something dumb, and someone can set
me straight. Otherwise, can someone point me to a good pen repair
place in Seattle, or a source for parts?

It just needs a bit of restoration- a new O-ring and snorkel tube
gasket, possibly a new sac, and a little silicone lube on the moving
parts. This is normal. Any decent pen repair person can fix this for
you for a very reasonable price. IMHO these are my favorite pens to
write with as well as being a delight to fill since you don't have to
futz around with wiping off the nib and section.

A little Google searching turns up:

Seattle Pen, 1424 Fourth Ave., Fifth Floor, Seattle 98101;
[phone]. New and vintage pens and inks. Does repairs.

I have no idea if this is current information. No doubt there will be
someone in this newsgroup who knows of someone near you that repairs
pens. If not, there are many excellent repair people to whom you can
mail the pen for repairs.

[SMSmith007]

Post by courrierblanc
Unfortunately, it won't drink from a bottle. The snorkel tube comes
out fine, and if you push the plunger somewhat quickly it'll make a few
bubbles in the ink, but it doesn't seem to get any more ink than what's
in the tube from dipping.

Sounds like at very least you will need a sac. An otherwise perfect Snorkel
with no sac will blow bubbles.