I noticed a clogged nozzle on my 1270 the other day (black) and after much nozzle cleaning and changing the ink cartridge it seemed to clear up. Actually changing the cartridge didn't seem to help, I was just trying anything!!
I just tried to print a B&W image. I ran a nozzle check prior to printing and it looked OK. When the print came out it was obvious something was not right. A second nozzle check shows the black nozzle clogged again. Any suggestions other than just running lots and lots of cleaning cycles? This printer is seven years old, although hasn't been used heavily. Could this simply be a sign of old age!
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Hi Duranash,
Firstly, I'm assuming you are using genuine Epson inks as they contain both a lubricant and a cleaning component to keep the nozzles as clean as possible.
From what you wrote, if the nozzle was working before you started the print and dropped out during the print it's unlikely that the nozzle is actually clogged. Much more likely is that the capping assembly has a fault or is not sealing correctly. The problem is that the capping assembly has a peristaltic pump attached to provide suction on the underside of the print head. If this fails the piezo crystals in the printhead cannot agitate the ink enough to continue the correct ink flow and dropouts will occur.
- Check the capping assembly - this is the part that the head sits on in the with a black rubber ring around it and some sponge in the middle. Is the sponge dry or clogged? Is the rubber seal around the sponge damaged or torn?
- Also, I would check the wiper blade - This is the little "squeegee" part that removes the detritus from the flat underside of the print head. If this becomes contaminated you will need to wipe off the excess with a cotton bud and this will allow cleaning to be more effective.
Other than that you could be looking at a dead printhead, but it's unlikely.
Hope this helps. I wouldn't bother trying to clean with non genuine inks as they just cause more problems in the long run.
Cheers.