Replacing an Epson 4800 printhead and main board

[pluche17]

My original problem was getting a horizontal magenta streak, (banding), on nozzle checks, cleaning cycles, and on prints. I was hoping that I could solve the problem by using the Epson printer cleaning solution. I cleaned the head and the pads to the right side of the carriage.  I even ejected solution into the magenta tubing on top of the head.
After all the cleaning, the streak looks exactly the same.  I next reinstalled the printer software, with updates. Again, all to no avail.  I had emailed Epson support to see what they made of this problem. Their response was that it was either the printhead or the main board. So, my question is if I get a replacement printhead and main board, what is the best field manual used by repair tech’s to do this work at home? I’ve read the horror stories on this forum regarding repair tech’s, so am resigned to doing this myself. I had 4 good years with my epson 4800, and never previously had any major problems until this. Any experience with replacing a head or main board? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Included a picture of the magenta streak. thanks

[Doombrain]

what makes you think the head and mainboard will be cheap.

[pluche17]

I'm in the process of determining what the best option is:

1. repair by epson

2. repair locally, (albuquerque).

3. buy parts from epson, diy

4. donate

If the cost of repair goes over $1000, why not just buy a new 3880, or save for the 7900. Has anyone had any repair work done in Albuquerque?

thanks    

[Wayne Fox]

I'm in the process of determining what the best option is:

1. repair by epson

2. repair locally, (albuquerque).

3. buy parts from epson, diy

4. donate

If the cost of repair goes over $1000, why not just buy a new 3880, or save for the 7900. Has anyone had any repair work done in Albuquerque?

thanks

5.  Discard

If it is that hard to repair who would you "donate" to?  

Honestly I believe you could buy a used 4800  cheaper than repairing that one if indeed it requires a board and head swap. That 3880 would be a nice upgrade. I think you would see a difference in your prints.

[KeithR]

The print head for a 4800 is about $700 USD. Don't have any idea as to the cost of a board. I'd have it checked out and let them tell you whether or not it's worth repairing or discarding.
I will always remember an saying I heard long ago; Do it yourself camera repair is akin to do it yourself brain surgery.
But if you do decide to, there are manuals online that can be purchased.

[arcman]

$700.00???  Someones making a profit.  

This guy quoted me $312.95.

www.signagespecialist.com

They will need your printers serial number.

Lee

[T_om]

5.  Discard

If it is that hard to repair who would you "donate" to?  

Honestly I believe you could buy a used 4800  cheaper than repairing that one if indeed it requires a board and head swap. That 3880 would be a nice upgrade. I think you would see a difference in your prints.

I agree about the "discard" recommendation, but if he has been using roll paper (which is all we use BTW) then the the 3880 is not much of an upgrade, eh?

I am a DIY kinda guy and would try and find a cheap, working, printer and swap parts.  But that is just me.  A new printhead for the price the above poster mentioned is not too bad really.  I wish printheads form my Canon printers were that cheap.

Tom

[arcman]

Pluche 17:

Did you "inject" directly into the head or where the ink line attaches to the damper?

If you injected into the damper (see attachment)(top pic.)  (Oops... arrows point to Cyan.), you may have damaged the damper.  It's a one way valve that only allows ink to flow when the head demands.

Your image does look suspicious.   It's kinda weird that it starts after the Light Magenta.  I've never seen that one before.

[Wayne Fox]

I agree about the "discard" recommendation, but if he has been using roll paper (which is all we use BTW) then the the 3880 is not much of an upgrade, eh?

True, but he was the one that mentioned the 3880 so I assumed roll paper wasn't an issue.