Advice on cleaning head of Epson 3800

[NigelC]

Although I use my Epson 3800 fairly infrequently it's been remarkably resistant to ink blockages. I's also not had that much use although it's 7 years old so I'm not planning on a replacement.

My problem is just one section of one bar in the magenta (on the print head test) which will not clear despite several cleaning cycles.

I've found "Magic Bullet fluid" and instructions for cleaning the head on a 3800 on the Marrutt USA website but with tax and shipping to the UK it's $50 so maybe converts to £33-35, which is quite a lot for something that may or may not work. It's not listed on Marrutt's UK site and I can't find any other similar product available easily in UK/EU.

Any ideas?

[Mark D Segal]

Yes - have you done a search on this site for the numerous threads on proper head cleaning procedures for an Epson professional printer? Most likely you do not need any of those fluids. I have seen a 3800 brought back to life successfully after not having been used at all for over a year or two, with the inks expired no less. As mentioned over and over again, do a cleaning, run a print that exercises all the channels (3800 doesn't have pairs cleaning capability), do a nozzle check. If not yet clear run another cleaning, and repeat this cycle of "print-clean-check" until the pattern is solid in all channels. It could require a number of cleanings, in which case only do a power clean if after two or three regular cycles you are not yet in the clear. This procedure reduces the risk of sucking air into the system from the cleanings, and especially if power cleaning. Air pockets will also cause what looks like clogs and could damage the printer.

[NigelC]

Power clean - does the 3800 have this facility?

[Mark D Segal]

It should - as far back as I can remember; it's been a long while. Check the manual. But use this very sparingly.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

To add a bit to Mark's recipe, I suggest that if two or at most three regular cleanings don't clear it up, then let the printer sit overnight before trying any more cleanings.

I'm sure I read this advice on a LuLa thread some years ago, and it has never failed me or my aging 3800.

[Mark D Segal]

Yes Eric, now that you mention it, I recall that as well, and it was said to be helpful. I forget exactly how, but the OP should include this as well.

[Jeff Grant]

With only a small section missing, I would expect that the 3800 would print normally. Is this not the case. I had a similar problem with a small section that would not clear but the printer was fine.

Inkjetmall has loads of info on maintaining and repairing printers. The Epson Yahoo group is also a good place to look.

Last time I checked, Marrutt had a UK site, or this: http://www.specialistinks.com/clean-printheads.php

[davemiller]

Have a read of an article on this subject on Northlight Images website which I hope will help you.

[NigelC]

Thanks, useful links.

[Conner999]

This well known process works wonders. It's amazing the amount of ink gunk that collects in areas that will effect the head when being wiped or in capping station. Was shocked when cleaned mine for first time.

Fluid used is simple (in NA) Windex glass cleaner or similar - with ammonia

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iKzxAm9QtWo

[Mark D Segal]

I've heard from other well-informed sources that there is a risk of destroying the printhead using ammonia-based cleaners that the head may come in contact with. It may be cumulative damage, so I recommend researching this risk completely before making a habit of doing this.

[Conner999]

Good heads up. Obviously no ill effect so far , but worth looking into further. It obviously need not be an ammonia-based cleaner - just a head & plastics-safe solution that will dissolve ink.

[free1000]

I've got this on my 3800, again in the magenta head, and no amount of cleaning/checking/turn off or on cycles will do the trick.

I've also tried the magic bullet option, and used a variety of other surfactant cleaners that are basically the same (there are many similar products available including a variety of kitchen and bathroom cleaners).   

The printer still makes a pretty good print, but the nozzle check will not go clean and occasionally I get banding.

Like the OP I've had this printer about 7 years. My attitude is that is good milage and maybe its time to wave goodbye at this point.

I called a printer dealer who does trade ins and he won't touch it, in his view the head is finally screwed beyond fixing. So if it has no value to him, I guess it has little value to other people too.

So my order is in for a p800, and the option to use rolls, a better inkset and a lot more convenience via the wifi interface.

I'll be interested to see if anyone will buy this on eBay, that itself should tell us whether a 7 year old printer with a permanently blocked head is of any value to anyone.

[Ray R]

I got some Magic Bullet  from Marrutt in the uk

http://www.marrutt.com/printing-accessories/printer-maintenance.html.

It is some time since I have used my 3800, but needed to use it sometime back after it had not been used for months.

Patience helps in that it needs to sit for a while after using the windex trick, and after a nozzle check. I think it took a week or so to get mine back into printing a near complete nozzle check. (Just have one Magenta nozzle that will not clear).