Pilot Custom 823 - How to Clean and Change Inks

Demonstration of cleaning a Pilot Custom 823 and changing ink colors.
Instagram: / theloveofpens
Pilot Custom 823 - amzn.to/45zeoFP
Diamine Oxblood - amzn.to/3xlHOuz
Sailor Shigure - amzn.to/4erVPrh
Plastic Cups - amzn.to/4b8Voz9
Adjustable Wrench - amzn.to/3zaXSzT
Bulb Syringe - amzn.to/3KSAJou
Gripping Material - amzn.to/3XtgJQE
Silicon Grease - amzn.to/3Rz4Vsv
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Emptying Fountain Pen
02:44 Cleaning Method 1- Thurough
07:50 Cleaning Method 2 - Quick
09:33 Drying and Reassembly
13:27 Inking
14:41 Writing Sample

[@Alianderfarm]

Just what a newbie to fountain pens needed to watch and learn

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@Alianderfarm thanks! Proceed with caution, this model is prone to cracking

[@ExFideBiblesandStationary]

YES! Thank you. I just got one on a trade and I love it. I have had one ink in it since I got it...looking for a change up. This came up at the perfect time.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@ExFideBiblesandStationary congrats! Glad you found it useful!

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have not thought of cleaning the barrel of a vacuum filler with the nib and feed in place with a bulb filler. I have always removed the section with the nib and feed, then removed the nib and feed from the section.
The same procedure can be used for piston filler.
Thanks for the demonstration and will now consider getting the 823.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@paulmchugh1430 you can certainly remove the section but many warn against this as it’s prone to cracking

[@technologicalsingularity1788]

I thought the wrench was a joke 😂😂😂😂😂

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@technologicalsingularity1788 lol, nope!

[@SteveJarek]

That’s so much grease 😂

[@rexiioper6920]

those diamine bottles are hazardous

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@rexiioper6920 they are very tippy. I’ve had a few close calls 😳

[@davyj5216]

This is the kind of cleaning regime that leads to practically ALL the stories of 823 cracking. And it invalidates any warrantee.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@davyj5216 You bring up a good point, it’s important to proceed with caution when disassembling any pen. Regarding Pilot’s warranty - it’s a 1 year warranty for manufacturing and mechanical defects. To me this would be things like the trim pitting or seals prematurely breaking. Plastic cracking or bent nibs are never covered regardless of use.
From what I can tell the area where most people crack the pen is over-tightening the grip section, hence my recommendation to leave it in place. You could also crack the back barrel if you over tighten with the wrench, but I’ve found if you turn the barrel instead of the wrench this largely prevents that.

[@davyj5216]

@@fortheloveofpens It's good that you recognise the danger and advise caution. I've never disassembled my 823 and find it relatively to clean out. Having said that, I tend to have it filled with Sailor Doyou ink, which has a known propensity for cleaning by itself! Generally speaking though, I don't think the 823 is an ideal pen if one wants to change inks often.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@davyj5216 I agree, especially if you aren’t comfortable with the disassembly process. Outside of regular use, it is a good idea to apply silicone grease to the seal on the rod for regular maintenance. Otherwise over years you may find the rod becomes difficult to move