PFM Repair

Repair of the PFM

Use these instructions with the attached diagram using the Nomenclature of PFM Parts from a 1959 Sheaffer document.  These instructions are based on the authorized Sheaffer repair method from 1961. Additional comments have been added to make the procedure more clear or to highlight a method perhaps no longer seen as necessary in the repair of this pen.

Supplies needed for this repair:

• PFM Repair Kit (Sac, O-ring, Point Holder Gasket)
• Size 17 Sac (included in Snorkel Repair Kit above)
• Large O-ring (included in Snorkel Repair Kit above)
• PFM Point Holder Gasket (included in Snorkel Repair Kit above)
• Silicone
• Section Sealant

1. Remove barrel by unscrewing it from the point unit threaded bushing. Dry heat may be necessary to remove the barrel.
   
   
2. Remove the sac protector assembly by pulling it out of the threaded bushing.
   
   
3. Grasp filler tube near sac protector bushing rocking back and forth gently and at the same time pulling out.  CAUTION — be certain to handle the filler tube with extreme care as damage to this part will cause malfunction of the pen.  After removing filler tube, screw a #4 screw into the hole, grasp by a pliers and pull out sac protector bushing and old sac. Remove old sac cleaning the smaller end of the bushing to receive new sac.  Place small amounts of shellac on narrow portion and install new sac (trim to fit) and allow to dry as you continue the process.
   
   
4. Unscrew the bushing from the gripping section using a rubber strip to hold the gripping section and rubber tubing to hold the threads.  Soaking in warm water for a few minutes will help loosen the thread seal in case normal pressure fails to loosen the joint. Dry heat is a good option here, but be careful removing the bushing as too much force can cause this part to break.
   
   
5. Remove the metal seal gasket washer and the rubber point holder gasket.  Remove the feed by pushing on the end of the feed finger. Note, the removal of the feed is not often necessary.
   
   
6. Unscrew the plunger tube screw with a long shank screwdriver (straight blade).  Make sure to hold the plunger knob and turn the screwdriver so as not to crack the plunger knob. After removing the plunger knob, push the plunger tube through the mouth of the barrel.  Remove the compression gasket (“O” ring) taking care not to damage the groove inside the barrel and dispose of the old O ring.
   
   
7. Replace the compression gasket (“O” ring) in the barrel shell.
   
   
8. Place the plunger tube into the barrel shell through the mouth end and push it through the compression gasket with a long shank screwdriver.  Position the screw on the blade of the screwdriver and insert into and through the plunger tube, NOTE: Models I, II and III use the same screw as a snorkel pen.  Models IV, V and PFM Autograph use a different screw to engage in the plunger knob ornament. Apply a small amount of silicone grease inside of plunger knob.
   
   
9. Place the plunger knob gasket (Note this gasket does not usually need to be replaced.) on the screw and tighten the screw into the correct plunger knob. As before, hold on to the plunger knob while turning the screw to avoid cracking the knob. Lubricate the plunger tube with silicone grease.  Place the propelling spring around the plunger tube in the barrel.
   
   
10. Insert the tip of a pencil into the hole on the bottom of the feed to hold the feed in position and, with the pencil, push the feed into the gripping section and point assembly.  Be sure the feed finger is centered on the point.
    
    
11. Lubricate the hole in the point holder gasket with silicone grease and place the gasket into the gripping section followed by the seal washer.  Wetting will keep the feed from turning when the threaded bushing is tightened.
    
    
12. Position the friction ring into the three grooves in the gripping section with the open side of the friction ring away from the point.
    
    
13. Lubricate the end of the threaded bushing with silicone grease and start into the gripping section.  Place a small quantity of section sealant on the threads and screw the threaded bushing tightly into the gripping section.  Make sure the feed finger is still centered on the point.
    
    
14. Place the end of the sac protector assembly containing the rubber bushing into water at least 180 degrees F so that the water completely covers the four splines.  Hold the assembly in the position for approximately two minutes to allow the rubber bushing to be heated, then remove and insert the filler tube into the sac protector assembly busing.  Dry the assembly with a cloth.  Lubricate the filler tube with silicone grease and insert through the hole in the point holder gasket and push out through the feed, lining up the four splines on the sac protector with the four grooves in the threaded bushing and keeping the slope on the filler tube as close in alignment with the slope on the feed as possible. Note - this step is not often necessary. Dry heat may be enough to warm up the bushing to insert into the sac protector tube.
    
    
15. Assemble the barrel to the point unit applying section sealant to the threads to help make the seal.
    
    
16. Retract the filler tube and turn, push or pull the tube so the slope is in alignment with the slope of the feed and is flush with the contour of the feed.