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| Thread ID: 88962 | 2008-04-16 03:08:00 | Epson Stylus Color 670 - black ink blockage | Robin S_ (86) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 659377 | 2008-04-16 03:08:00 | I have an Epson 670 which has given good service up till now. The black ink cartridge ran out and I replaced it with one from Cartridge World but it won't print. The printer self test shows little or no black output even after numerous head cleans. It may have actually blocked at the end of the previous cartridge as I think it stopped printing black while the 'low ink' signal was showing but before it turned to 'no ink'. I wasn't concerned as I know that the software only estimates the amount of ink remaining. I have taken the top cover off the printer and checked the sealing ring which seals the printhead when in the park position (looks OK) and the cleaning pad (also looks OK). What I would like to be able to do is remove the printhead assembly (to check/clean the print face) and also to check for blockage in the tube/duct or whatever between the cartridge holder and the actual printhead. Q 1. Is it possible to disconnect the printhead assembly from the carriage rail without removing the rail ie to unclip it or something? This would make it much easier to work on, clean and check out. Q. 2. Where is the opening for the ink duct between the cartridge holder and the print head? I have checked the spikey thing in the bottom of the holder (the one that pierces the sealing tape and penetrates the cartridge) but cannot see an orifice anywhere on it (but it is difficult to see down there). I have read that it is possible to syringe a cleaning solution through such ducts, and I suspect that it opens from somewhere on the spike. I like the printer (my sister has had a trouble-free run from her same model for years) and would like to repair it if possible rather than binning it, but I know that getting it done professionally would cost far more than it is worth. I am also aware that ink blockages can sometimes be irrepairable. I would be grateful for any help. TIA. |
Robin S_ (86) | ||
| 659378 | 2008-04-16 03:30:00 | www.eserviceinfo.com | pctek (84) | ||
| 659379 | 2008-04-16 04:14:00 | I replaced it with one from Cartridge World but it won't print Is the cartridge a refilled cartridge or a brand new Epson Cartridge. I have seen way to many problems with refills not working or destroying otherwise good printers ? |
wainuitech (129) | ||
| 659380 | 2008-04-16 04:19:00 | I don't like to use 3rd party inks esp for photo's when you need color accuracy. Even for b/w I didn't like it. But anyway, if you are doing a printhead clean over and over again .. it could be bad for it. What I do is get some paper and just print like usual .. overtime it may fix itself. But 3rd party can clog, that's what I think. If cost is an issue one can import inks from the states and its half price, that's what I do. Even the photographic papers. |
Nomad (952) | ||
| 659381 | 2008-04-16 04:49:00 | Take it to a service centre www.epson.co.nz Do yourself a favour and use genuine Epson Inks for it. |
Bantu (52) | ||
| 659382 | 2008-04-16 05:16:00 | I have cleaned the bottom of the printhead on my Epson Colour 600 two or three times, to keep it going. This technique may help you. Fold a paper towel so that you have maybe four thicknesses of paper, about half an inch wide and a few inches long, soak it in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and a clear kitchen detergent of some sort (50/50), and place that soaked strip in the trough below the print head. Then move the print head, by hand, backwards and forwards across the strip until you can see that it is picking up ink off the bottom of the head. Some experimenting with the folded paper thickness may be required! The idea is that the solvent will soak into the print head and clear the blockage. It's a messy business, but it does work, and may do the trick for you. |
rumpty (2863) | ||
| 659383 | 2008-04-16 10:25:00 | Thanks for the replies. Pctek - link looks interesting, will check it out tomorrow when I have more time. Wainuitech - it was a refill, but as I mentioned I strongly suspect that it blocked just before the previous cartridge ran out. Rumpty - I have read of a similar method which used a piece of an old bedsheet (presumably because it should be lint free) instead of kitchen paper (because fibres from that might become lodged in the printhead openings). I would prefer to detach the printhead if possible because I could see what it is like and what I'm doing while cleaning it. I would still like answers to my 2 questions above if possible so any further contributions welcome. |
Robin S_ (86) | ||
| 659384 | 2008-05-01 05:49:00 | I have been rather busy and have not had time to pursue this diligently. PCTek - thanks for that eserviceinfo.com link (I have used it and noted it for possible future problems). I had some problems in learning how to drive it but got there eventually, so I am including some tips for others who may wish to use that site. I soon found a file for the service manual for the 670 printer but it was called (rather long name) ... .part1.rar, which I took to indicate that there was at least a part 2. I searched the eservice site using a variety of strings (including ... part2.rar), but they consistently came up with the part1 file but no others. I tried decompressing part1.rar but it came up with an error message 'can't find part 2'. Then I tried using Google for ... part2.rar and found it (on eserviceinfo.com!). Attempting to decompress part2.rar produced 'can't find part 3'. So I did Google searches for ... partx.rar for increasing part numbers till the series stopped - there were 5 parts in all. Decompressing the lot evinced the complete service manual. After all that it turned out that removing and reinstalling the printhead assembly is much too tricky for a DIYer. In various other searches I found several references to a 'last resort' method for syringing hot water through the printhead, but none adequately described how to connect the syringe (presumably with some sort of tubing) and what to connect it to (? the conical thingy in the base of the cartridge holder, called a needle in the service manual). Can anyone help on that? I will try Rumpty's method before trying this one. Any further contributions will be gratefully received. TIA. |
Robin S_ (86) | ||
| 659385 | 2008-05-01 09:51:00 | Find some rubbery type tubing that will push over the conical thing right down to its base, but be firm enough not to leak, and that will also fit your syringe. Pump away. Warm water, detergent, isopropyl alcohol, try them all and hope that something clears it. There's nothing to lose. | rumpty (2863) | ||
| 659386 | 2008-05-02 12:22:00 | Thanks Rumpty. I have seen instructions for doing this with another printer and the recommendation was to use fuel tubing for a model aeroplane diesel motor. I didn't know if that sort of tubing would fit over something as large as the conical 'needle'. I'll see if I can get some from a model shop. | Robin S_ (86) | ||
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