Re: Cleaning Epson Printheads

SS wrote:
After refilling my cartridges many times finally I am unable to get the
black to print properly on my Epson 870 photo. I have tried cleaning (many
times). I have an 'empty' cartridge and wonder what I could fill this with
to clean out the nozzles. I have heard Windowlene is good but have looked at
the latest offering here in UK and its not got Ammonia in and is thick and
coloured. I suppose any solvent that will dissolve in water will be good but
what to use that will not damage the printhead? Distilled water? At the end
of the day if I can't clear the head the printer is scrap anyway.

I'm in the USA, not familiar with Windolene but if it is thick, I would
not use it.

I use:
1 part nonsudsing household ammonia (no added scents, no coloring)
4 parts clear isopropyl alcohol
5 parts distilled or filtered water

One thing that confuses me: I get my ink from Selectafont and it is said to
be at least as good as manufacturer's original - so why is the printhead
blocked?! Reasons for it not working are said to be air bubbles but I use a
technique of overfiilling the cartridge and then centrifuging it to gat all
the ink to the outlet (fortunately these carts have a little flap valve on
the outlet!). Are there any suppliers that do really produce inks as good as
originals?

Who says "as good as manufacturer's original"? Selectafont? Use the
same judgement you would when shopping for a used car...

The bottom of the print head builds up gunk over time. Paper dust,
carpet fibers, pet hair, and house dust get stuck in it and make a kind
of inky mud.

I saved some of my past posts on print head cleaning and put them here:
http://www.polyphoto.com/tutorials/PrintHeadCleaning

Steve

.

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