Epson Clogged Nozzles and Heat

[Racer Tees]

My shop isn't air conditioned and it has been a good 95 degrees the whole time we were gone.  Without the doors open or fans running I'm sure it was toasty in here.  I do have a window unit on my office for the hot days, but I can't leave it running all the time as the office isn't insulated.  It's not a big deal most of the time.  After a long weekend I will have to run a head cleaning and we are back in business.  We have been out of town for about 18 days and I can't get these print heads un-clogged this time.

If I were to upgrade to something like a 4900 to do 17" film, will I still have the same issues with heads clogging due to heat?

Is there a way to combat these issues?

Gotta figure something out as I've been messing with this thing this evening and I have major banding issues.

[Doug S]

Aside from power cleanings have you tried parking the head over a cloth soaked with regular windex over night? 

[mooseman]

it sounds like your printer may not have the little pads in the "parking area" where the head rests. Even if you do have them they may be very dry.
Best information on this device is obtained from the Epson web site where you can down load everything from the quick start manual to the service / repair manual
start here
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#newwindow=1&q=epson+stylus+color+3000+service+manual

and here too
http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/inkjet/60757



mooseman

[Racer Tees]

I soaked it in the park position and it's mostly unclogged and not banding anymore.  I'm more concerned with a long term solution.  Seems like I'm having to run 3-4 head cleanings every week.

[Frog]

Are there inks known for their increased "clog resistance" over others?

[Homer]

I have a 4800 and JUST went through this a few days ago. I use windex or Armor All in the empty carts. works like a champ.... I would do the same thing, come in monday and the sucker would band and throw errors.... I bought different ink and it seems to have cleared up...? so maybe start with a different ink?

[Racer Tees]

For reference.  I use refillable cartridges and all uv dye black ink from PrintPayLess.

[Homer]

For reference.  I use refillable cartridges and all uv dye black ink from PrintPayLess.

I didn't catch it, what printer do you have?

[ebscreen]

Do NOT get a 4900. They are the worst clogging Epson to date.

We have few issues with missing nozzles, but when we do, it's almost always over a three day weekend
or right when the weather changes from winter/spring to summer. Definitely heat related.

If you know you are going to be gone for awhile, there are programs to schedule a print job every couple days.
The most important thing with any inkjet is to keep it printing.

[GraphicDisorder]

Sooooo happy to not have epson printers in my life anymore LOL

[ebscreen]

Super helpful as usual.

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Racer, you can force Greased Lightening, Windex etc through the nozzles onto a folded paper towel.

Too long to write again, but if you just CAN'T get all the nozzles to fire, PM me and I'll walk you through it on the tele. I ran across the info on Cobra Ink System's site and modified the delivery method.

Tonight is out for a phone conv, but tomorrow would work.

Hey, I might have posted that on this forum before. (lemme see.....)




Yup.

http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php?topic=14490.0  It doesn't include pressuring the solution down through one of the little posts that pierce the carts.  I got some fuel line from a hobby store and it fits on a syringe and right over the nipple hoomahickey. Squeeze some "juice" in there and it might break the plugs loose. Don't over do it.  I unplugged a completely plugged 3000 many moon ago with warmed solution.

The ink is designed to dry. It does that... in the heads too, unfortunately.

[mk162]

Brandt has a point, Epson printers are great, but finicky...he said what many people that run Epsons wish.

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Brandt has a point, Epson printers are great, but finicky...he said what many people that run Epsons wish.

Yup. I wish I had a nickle for every time I've cussed 'em.

But in the end, I usually win.

And they make money for me.  I can't spring for a DTS...and a bona-fide imagesetter doesn't interest me.

[Frog]

Brandt has a point, Epson printers are great, but finicky...he said what many people that run Epsons wish.

But, it's a little like you asking a repair question on an MG forum and being told "you should get a Miata!" True or not, it's not what you went there to see.