Re: Black Ink problems in an Epson Photo 820


"Arthur Entlich" <e-printerhelp@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:kHtLe.212022$s54.11491@xxxxxxxxxxx
> Answers integrated into text
>
> Mike O'Donnell wrote:
>
>> I have a question about the ink in an Epson Stylus Photo 820. I've had
>> this printer for several years, using it as a secondary printer for
>> photos. My general printer is an old Stylus color 800.
>>
>> I don't use the 820 as often as I thought I would, so I have to deal with
>> the cleaning cycles more often than I wish. I use the Windex on the ink
>> pad trick and it usually works OK.
>>
>>
>>
>> However, what's been happening recently is that even after the windex and
>> cleaning cycles, the black square on the test pattern will still have
>> major white streaks in it. The color squares are fine.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have two questions:
>>
>>
>>
>> Is it possible to trigger a cleaning cycle for only the black cartridge,
>> like in my old Stylus 800? I hate the idea of wasting the color ink
>> trying to clean out the black.
>>
>>
>
> No. The 820 has only one cleaning station and therefore one purge pump
> for all the heads, so all get cleaned at the same time.
>
>>
>> My other question is: Can the black ink cartridge be too old? I pulled
>> up the printer information and it shows the black cartridge production
>> date as 7/2001 (I can't believe I've had it that long without changing
>> it). Both cartridges show about half full, and the last time I printed
>> some photos with it (about 4 weeks ago), they came out fine. I've only
>> used Epson cartridges. I have a new black cartridge, but I don't want to
>> open it if it's not going to make a difference. With the cost of the
>> photo printers, I could take the cartridge back and apply the refund to a
>> new printer.
>>
>>
> Yes. That's an old cartridge, and I expect the ink has become too thick
> since there is an exposure to air through a vent. You can remove it and
> add several eyedroppers full of ammoniated window cleaner to it to dilute
> it slightly. It will also help to break up the clogs.
>
> If you do not have my cleaning document which will explain about underhead
> cleaning, email me privately and ask for it.
>
>
> Art
>>
>> Any opinions would be appreciated.
>>
>> - Mike O.
>>
Thanks. I would like a copy of the cleaning document, I've sent you an
email requesting it.

You talked about "several eyedroppers" of ammoniated cleaner, that sounds
like a lot considering the size of the cartridge. Also, considering the
amount that would be going into the cartridge, would it be better to use
plain ammonia?

On a related note, do you have any thoughts on the R200 printer? I print
labels that I put on CD's, and being able to print directly would be a nice
feature. Also, I really like the idea of individual ink color cartridges
instead of disposing of a six color cart just because you're out of one
color. Do you know if those can be cleaned individually?

The R200's are going for abour $80 locally, and changing both of the
cartridges for my current Photo 820 would run about $50..

Mike O.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Black Ink problems in an Epson Photo 820
    ... Never use more than required to have the ink flow well. ... I'll go ahead and try the window cleaner stuff, I don't have much to lose at this point. ... After I put the stuff in, do I need to mix or shake it or wait any time until I replace the cartridge? ... On 4 color machines the advantage of individual cartridges is usually lost, due to extra cleaning and purging cycles. ...
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  • Black Ink problems in an Epson Photo 820
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    (comp.periphs.printers)
  • Re: 6color?
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