---
title: "How to Fix a Fountain Pen That Won't Write"
canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write/"
description: "Why a fountain pen won't write and how to fix it, from Pilot, LAMY, Sailor, Platinum, Pelikan and Nakaya: dried ink, new cartridges, skipping, paper and repair."
category: "How To"
type: "Fountain pen"
published: 2026-10-31
updated: 2026-11-02
author: "Ellis Penhale"
publisher: "Stationery Times"
sources: 14
products:
  - name: "Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen"
    brand: "Pilot"
    brand_origin: "Japan"
    made_in: "Japan"
    material: "Brass body and cap (painted; per Pilot Japan for the Cocoon and JetPens for the Metropolitan), resin section, steel nib"
    released: "2012"
    price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pilot-metropolitan/"
  - name: "LAMY safari Fountain Pen"
    brand: "LAMY"
    brand_origin: "Germany"
    made_in: "Germany"
    material: "ASA plastic body, steel nib"
    released: "1980"
    price_band: "$$$ ($20–75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)"
    model: "safari Füllhalter"
    url: "https://www.lamy.com/de-de/p/lamy-safari-fullhalter/54912096764248"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/lamy-safari/"
  - name: "Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)"
    brand: "Platinum"
    brand_origin: "Japan"
    made_in: "Japan"
    material: "Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib"
    released: "2011"
    price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)"
    model: "PNB-15000 (3776 Century, gold trim)"
    url: "https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fountain-pen/1464/"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/platinum-3776-century/"
  - name: "Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen (Black, gold-plated trim)"
    brand: "Pelikan"
    brand_origin: "Germany"
    made_in: "Germany"
    material: "Resin body and cap, 24-carat gold-plated clip and rings, gold-plated stainless steel nib"
    released: "1985"
    price_band: "$$$$ (over $75 per item, typical US retail, October 2026)"
    manufacturer: "Pelikan Group GmbH (Germany), owned by Hamelin since December 13, 2023"
    model: "M200"
    url: "https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-200-schwarz.html"
    guide: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pelikan-m200/"
---

# How to Fix a Fountain Pen That Won't Write

> Most fountain pens that won't write have dried ink in the feed: flush the nib section with lukewarm water until it runs clear, dry it and refill. If a new cartridge won't flow, push it in straight without twisting. If the first letters skip, turn the nib flat to the paper. If washing fails, send it to the maker.

- URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write/
- Category: How To
- Author: Ellis Penhale
- Published: 2026-10-31
- Updated: 2026-11-02

![Four fountain pens drawn to scale, each labelled with its maker's first fix: Pilot Metropolitan soak, LAMY safari converter flush, Platinum 3776 monthly bath, Pelikan M200 flush and half fill](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-illustration-16x9.png?v=76b3c701)

*Each maker's first fix for a pen that won't write; drawn to scale at 1 mm = 1.21 px from each pen's guide.* Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times. Original drawing (SVG): <https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-illustration.svg?v=0571d109>. Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

## Product facts

| Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen | Pilot (by Pilot Corporation (Japan); sold in the US by Pilot Corporation of America) | Japan | Japan | Brass body and cap (painted; per Pilot Japan for the Cocoon and JetPens for the Metropolitan), resin section, steel nib | 2012 | $$$: $20–75 per item |
| LAMY safari Fountain Pen | LAMY (by C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg (part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.)) | Germany | Germany | ASA plastic body, steel nib | 1980 | $$$: $20–75 per item |
| Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim) | Platinum (by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)) | Japan | Japan | Resin body and cap, gold-plated trim, 14k gold nib | 2011 | $$$$: over $75 per item |
| Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen (Black, gold-plated trim) | Pelikan (by Pelikan Group GmbH (Germany), owned by Hamelin since December 13, 2023) | Germany | Germany | Resin body and cap, 24-carat gold-plated clip and rings, gold-plated stainless steel nib | 1985 | $$$$: over $75 per item |

- Made in (Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen): Japan. Per Milligram's listing (made in Japan). Pilot's Japanese catalog page for the Cocoon (read in full on October 20, 2026) doesn't state a country. eBay and Rokomari listings cited earlier blocked our access on that date, so we dropped them. Source: https://milligram.com/products/pilot-pen-metropolitan-fountain-pen
- Made in (LAMY safari Fountain Pen): Germany. LAMY's own product listing (India storefront) gives Germany as the country of origin and names C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Heidelberg, as the manufacturer, and also says made in Germany. LAMY's German page names no country. Source: https://www.lamy.com/en-in/p/lamy-safari-fountain-pen
- Made in (Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen (Chartres Blue, gold trim)): Japan. Unsharpen's review says the band reads "Platinum #3776 Century Made in Japan". Platinum's own English pages don't state it in the sources we found. Source: https://unsharpen.com/pen/platinum-3776-century-fountain-pen/
- Made in (Pelikan Classic M200 Fountain Pen (Black, gold-plated trim)): Germany. Pelikan's German product page for the Classic 200 Schwarz says "Gefertigt und montiert in Deutschland" (made and assembled in Germany) and "Qualität, made in Germany". Source: https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/writing/elegance/classic/classic-200-schwarz.html

## Key takeaways

- Pilot suggests a 1 to 2 hour soak in water or 40 °C (104 °F) lukewarm water for a cartridge pen's nib section, overnight if it sat unused.
- Pilot gives 2 cartridge mistakes: twisting it on insertion can reseal its lid, and pushing it in backwards can break the part that pierces it.
- LAMY says an unopened ink cartridge keeps about 12 months; after that, evaporation can leave it only half full.
- Pelikan says ink that has dried hard may need the nib to soak in clean water for up to a week.
- Pilot says coated papers such as fax, thermal and inkjet paper can scrape coating into the nib and clog it.

## Why won't my fountain pen write?

**Usually because ink has dried in the nib and feed.** Pilot says a pen left unused for a long time stops flowing mostly because dried ink solids or debris clog the nib and feed, and Sailor names ink hardening inside the feed as the most common reason a pen stops writing. The other usual causes are a cartridge that isn't feeding, a nib held at an angle, or a paper or ink that doesn't suit the pen.

Work through it in this order:

| Symptom | Likely cause | First fix | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won't write after sitting unused | Dried ink in the feed | Flush or soak the nib section in lukewarm water | Pilot, LAMY, Sailor |
| New cartridge, no ink | Cartridge not pierced or resealed | Push it in straight, without twisting | Pilot |
| Old cartridge writes faintly | Ink evaporated in storage | Use a fresh cartridge; LAMY gives about 12 months | LAMY |
| First letters skip | One side of the nib lifts off the paper | Keep the nib flat and facing the paper | Pilot, Nakaya |
| Ink breaks up on some paper | Coated paper clogging the nib | Use uncoated paper, then flush | Pilot |
| Still fails after washing | A fault in the feed or nib | Contact the maker's repair service | Pilot, Sailor, Platinum |

## How do you fix a fountain pen with dried ink?

**Flush the nib section with lukewarm water until it runs clear, let it dry, then refill.** Pilot says to wash the inside with lukewarm water, and LAMY says never to add washing-up liquid. Our [how to clean a fountain pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-clean-a-fountain-pen/) guide has the routine for each filling system.

1. **Unscrew the front part and soak it in clean water.** LAMY says crusted ink dissolves if you leave the unscrewed front part in water for a while. Pelikan says ink that has dried hard may need the nib to soak for up to a week.

   ![The front part of a fountain pen soaking nib down in a glass of water turning pale blue, the barrel beside it](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-soak-front-part.svg?v=c374bee2)

*Let the water loosen the dried ink. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Fill and empty the converter with water several times.** LAMY says this also dissolves crusted ink, and that a piston or converter pen tends to clean itself as you fill it, which is why cartridge pens dry out more often.

   ![A nib section and converter held nib down in a glass of water while the converter knob is turned](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-pump-water-through-converter.svg?v=4920d321)

*Pump water in and out. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

3. **Blot the nib and feed until no water comes out.** Platinum says water left in the feed makes the first lines pale.

   ![A nib pressed onto a folded paper towel, leaving a pale blue blot](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-blot-the-feed.svg?v=d3630d78)

*Blot until the towel stays dry. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

4. **Refill and write a test line.** If the line is smooth, the pen is fixed; if not, see when to send it for repair below.

   ![A hand writing a smooth blue line across a cream ruled page with a fountain pen](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-write-again.svg?v=f2ca3d27)

*A smooth line means the feed is clear. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*


## Why won't a new cartridge write?

**Check that it is pushed in straight and has been pierced.** Pilot and LAMY between them give three checks.

1. **Push the cartridge straight in, without twisting.** Pilot says twisting it as you insert it can close the lid again so no ink comes out, and inserting it backwards can break the part inside the pen that pierces it.

   ![A fingertip pushing an ink cartridge straight onto the nib section, with a no-twisting sign](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-push-cartridge-straight.svg?v=6ac00e7f)

*Straight in, no twisting. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Gently squeeze the cartridge on first use.** Pilot's handling notes say this sends ink to the nib.

   ![A thumb and finger gently squeezing a fitted cartridge while ink reaches the nib](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-squeeze-cartridge.svg?v=949c8351)

*A gentle squeeze starts the flow. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

3. **Swap an old cartridge for a fresh one.** LAMY says an unopened cartridge keeps about 12 months, after which water evaporates through it and it may be only half full.

   ![An old half-empty cartridge crossed out next to a full fresh cartridge with a tick](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-use-a-fresh-cartridge.svg?v=5d91f566)

*Old cartridges lose water. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

See [how to fill a fountain pen](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-fill-a-fountain-pen/) for cartridges and converters.

## Why does my fountain pen skip at the start of words?

**Most often the nib is rotated, so one tine lifts off the paper.** Pilot says missing first letters happen when an unconsciously twisted grip leaves one side of the nib floating. Nakaya says the same and adds that broad and soft nibs show it more.

1. **Turn the pen so the nib faces the paper squarely.** Both tines should touch the page, as Pilot asks.

   ![A rotated nib with one tine lifted beside a nib facing the paper with both tines down](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-keep-nib-facing-paper.svg?v=31595b6f)

*Both tines on the paper. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

2. **Write with almost no pressure.** Pilot says a fountain pen writes with almost no pressure, and heavy pressure can spread the nib's slit.

   ![A hand writing lightly with a fountain pen, with a crossed-out arrow meaning do not press down](https://stationerytimes.com/images/how-to-fix-a-fountain-pen-that-wont-write-write-with-light-pressure.svg?v=f9fb5810)

*Let the pen rest on the paper. Original illustration made for this guide. © Stationery Times.*

Our [nib sizes explained](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fountain-pen-nib-sizes-explained/) guide covers which widths suit light hands.

## Could the ink or paper be the problem?

**Yes: coated papers, mixed inks and some third-party inks all cause trouble.** Pilot warns that fax, thermal and inkjet-coated papers can scrape coating into the nib and clog it. It says other makers' inks may not write smoothly in its pens, asks owners not to use pigment inks in them, and advises against mixing colors or old and new ink. LAMY says mixed inks can precipitate because of different pH levels, so flush with water before changing color. Read [fountain pen ink properties explained](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/fountain-pen-ink-properties-explained/) before trying a pigment or shimmer ink. After a flush, a small shaped blotting piece such as [Kobeha's SUITO cleaning paper](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/kobeha-suito-cleaning-paper/) can wipe the nib dry.

## When should you send the pen for repair?

**When it still won't write after a thorough flush.** Pilot says that if washing doesn't help, another problem may be present and to use its repair form. Sailor says the feed may have a fault and to contact its user service. Platinum says dirt a bath won't shift needs the maker to take the pen apart, and asks owners not to shake a pen with poor flow. Nakaya tunes its own nibs. For collector and lacquered pens, see [how to care for collector pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/how-to-care-for-collector-pens/).

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I shake a fountain pen that won't write?

No. Platinum says not to shake a pen hard when ink flow is poor and to soak the nib section in water instead.

### Can I press harder to get the ink flowing?

No. Pilot says a fountain pen writes with almost no pressure and that heavy pressure can spread the nib's slit, which makes things worse.

### Can I use another brand's ink in my pen?

Usually, but Pilot says inks differ in viscosity and ingredients, so some may not write smoothly in its pens, and it asks owners not to use pigment inks in them.

### Is it OK to mix two inks in one pen?

The makers say no. LAMY says different pH levels can make dyes precipitate, and Pilot advises against mixing colors or old and new ink of the same color. Flush the pen with water before changing ink.

### How long can I leave a fountain pen unused before it dries out?

The makers give no fixed time. Sailor says daily use is the best maintenance, and Pilot and Sailor both say to empty and wash a pen you plan to leave unused.

### Can a fountain pen write on receipt or printer paper?

Plain copy paper is fine, but Pilot warns that fax, thermal and inkjet-coated papers can scrape coating into the nib and clog it.

### My pen writes, but the ink looks pale after cleaning. Why?

Water left in the feed thins the first lines. Platinum says to blot the nib and feed with a tissue until no water comes out before filling.

## Sources

- [PILOT LIBRARY, how to use a fountain pen (soak a cartridge pen's nib section 1 to 2 hours in water or 40 °C lukewarm water, overnight if unused)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/library/002/repair.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: poor ink flow, how to fix it (dried ink, wash with lukewarm water, then the repair form; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/1122817724431.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: first letters missing (twisted grip lifts one side of the nib; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/post_26.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: how to fill (insert cartridges straight, never backwards; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/1120630708375.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: precautions when using a fountain pen (cap on, little pressure, wash before storage; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/1120630708373.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: ink breaks up on fax, thermal and inkjet paper (read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/post_29.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: other makers' inks and pigment inks (read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/post_24.html)
- [Pilot Japan FAQ: mixing inks (read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pilot.co.jp/support/fountain/post_25.html)
- [LAMY FAQ, German (crusted ink, soaking the front part, no washing-up liquid, cartridge shelf life, mixing inks; read October 31, 2026)](https://shop.lamy.com/de_at/faqs)
- [Sailor Japan: fountain pen care (daily use, causes of poor flow, contact user service if washing fails; read October 31, 2026)](https://sailor.co.jp/topics/fountain-pen-maintenance/)
- [Platinum Japan: care for long use (nib bath, don't shake, heavy dirt to the maker; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/about-fountain-pen/389/)
- [Pelikan archive: filling and caring for piston pens (soak dried ink up to a week)](https://archive.pelikan.com/pulse/Pulsar/de_CH.CMS.displayCMS.260230./befuellen-und-pflegen)
- [Pelikan Germany: filling and care (half fill for occasional use, clean before reuse; read October 31, 2026)](https://www.pelikan-passion.com/de/service/befuellung-und-wartung-service)
- [Nakaya FAQ: incomplete letters at the start, nib angle, ink flow (read October 31, 2026)](https://www.nakaya.org/en/faq/)