Thanks all,
I replaced the LC since that was almost out... but it's still "stuck" attempting to do a cleaning cycle, giving me an error that there isn't enough ink to perform one, but once I change the ink I could switch it back to finish what's remaining.
That's completely frustrating me to no end... it won't even let me load paper, and attempting to cancel the "job" simply causes an infinite loading screen. The monitoring software on the PC OTOH seems to think everything's "OK", albeit with low ink. Currently the LK is down to 1% on a 700ml cart.
I did a number of cleaning cycles with just pairs only, a couple power ones, specifically on the LC, but I think the cart may have run out ahead of the printer's estimated time. The thing was even lighter-weight than the 1% LK cart.
You're probably all right that I should have used something that wouldn't have the potential to deposit lint or fibers, but I don't have that type of cleaning supply on hand or a replacement part, and it's my impression that he head runs over dust and lint from the paper regularly, and while the wiper is supposed to help remove that, it doesn't mean it should never come in contact with it. My main concern was removing the thick residue from repeated cleanings, and that seems to have been quite sucessful, I'll know soon if I need to replace the wiper or such... my technique may not have been preferred, but I don't believe it should cause any lasting ill effects.
Regarding the doors, from what I understand the ink lines are a pressurized system... I can't remember if it's negative or positive pressure, but that's why it makes all those hissing sounds on power-down and such.
It's specifically because of this newer pressurized system that they added doors, because if you simply popped a cartridge out it would be akin to popping the radiator cap off a hot and running engine. When you select the option to open the door, it's not simply opening the door, it's equalizing the pressure before you remove the cart. Without a door you need to be much more careful to not pop the cart out while the lines are under pressure.
I'm sure the printer will be worth far more than I paid for it, since I got it for free.
The previous photographer who had the head replaced had replaced the entire unit while it was being serviced because he was impatient, and after looking for a buyer for this one for over 6 months he simply wanted it moved out of his studio.
My main objective is to get it in working order at the lowest amount of work and cost possible. I might contact a tech-support, but I'm going to make sure I've done everything I can before that point. I've repaired similar Epsons before, a 9600, 7600, and a couple R1900, R1800, and R1400's. The 9600 I even replaced the entire head flushing box assembly... I was really glad when I discovered how readily the wiper blade could be removed on this unit, did anyone ever try taking one out of a 9600?
Thanks,
Dan O.
Dan O.