New P900: head strikes and print scratches

[Frodo]

The setup of my new P900 (called P906 here) was easy.  However, I am having headstrike issues on the right hand side of the paper, using a relatively thin paper - Ilford Smooth Pearl.  It also produces faint scratches down the paper from top to bottom (not cross-wise as could be expected from the print head).  And the leading edge of the paper catches when feeding in, lifting the top layer of the paper about a quarter inch wide.

I am using the Epson Premium Luster media type. Using Epson Media Installer, I increased the platen gap and paper thickness about 30%, but the headstrike and scratches remain.  Using the front paper feed stops the leading edge of the paper catching, but the other problems remain. I've contacted Epson and have yet to hear back. I have an exhibition in a fortnight (and have sold my P600) and would prefer not to send the P900 away!

[markgunion]

     I haven't had a chance to see the P900/P906 in person, but if it's built like the P800 it has a series of spiked wheels that the paper runs under as it prints.     I would check to see if the top-to-bottom scratches line up with any of these wheels.    I had this problem with my second P800 when it was brand new, and I found that using my finger to "exercise" the spiked wheel that lined up with the scratch (and which was not stuck, and seemed to move freely) cured the problem.   I had to do a couple of times, but after it was "fixed," the scratching never recurred.
     As for the head strikes and paper feed issues, I don't have a solution.   Sorry.    I would mention that my first P800 had a single nozzle that was DOA, and Epson replaced the printer with a new one since I informed them of the problem within 30 days; after 30 days, I would have gotten a new or refurbished one, at Epson's discretion.    I don't know what your warranty is, but I hope you've contacted Epson in a timely manner....

[Frodo]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions Mark.
The spiked rollers certainly seem to be the culprit in terms of scratches.  On closer examination, they seem to be in pairs, in which the left one moves freely and the right one does not and is presumably driven by the shaft (see photo).  All of them seem to be like that so I didn't want to force them.
I have included a photo of the A3 print and close ups of the scratch and inkblob.
I did get in touch with the dealer and Epson immediately - the printer was like that on arrival.
Any suggestions appreciated.

[Conner999]

Had same issue with our 3800 with all but matte paper, which is why we eventually swore off Epson and any printers w/o vacuum hold-down and moved to Canon iPF.

The paper swells under inkload, often in a wave-type pattern when observed head-on, then contacts the 'pizza wheels' and sometimes the head. The heavier the ink load, the worse it got. Paper changes made no difference.

We tried EVERY official and 'You've got to be kidding me?' DIY trick in the book to absolutely no avail. Nothing, no matter how arcane, worked.

The issue and it's severity seemed to vary by individual 3800, likely due to manufacturing tolerances.  Some folks had no issues whatsoever and some could mitigate it with a DIY cure.

As a last resort, we removed the pizza wheels and it just allowed the paper to hit the sharp plastic bits around the (now gone) PWs. 

Sorry to hear folks like yourself are still having such issues. Good luck.

[Frodo]

The Epson tech inspected my P906 and agreed that the scratch is likely to come from the spiky wheels.  This possibly the same issue that P800s had ("pizza wheel marks").
The tech also noted quite a bit of ink on the pads collecting overspray - see photo.  This is surprising as I have not printed borderless or made an error with paper size.
He will discuss this with the "product specialist" and get back to me about options...

[unesco]

The Epson tech inspected my P906 and agreed that the scratch is likely to come from the spiky wheels.  This possibly the same issue that P800s had ("pizza wheel marks").
The tech also noted quite a bit of ink on the pads collecting overspray - see photo.  This is surprising as I have not printed borderless or made an error with paper size.
He will discuss this with the "product specialist" and get back to me about options...

Hi Bob,
Pizza wheel marks on Epsons are visible (in very most cases) on heavy baryta PK papers under strong light (eg. direct sun) in dark prints, not on standard PE luster or glossy papers (nor matt ones). So, if pizza wheel marks are visible you your print, it means something is wrong with them mechanically, I suppose.

[Frodo]

Yes, Maciej, they are visible on a range of papers, even on thin Epson Glossy Photo Paper.
I ran a piece of card (that came with my A2 Epson Exhibition Fibre box) backwards from where the paper leaves the printer underneath the pizza wheels.
At first a couple of the wheels refused to move.  I have since run the card back and forth several times and it appears to be getting better.  Will report back after I produce some prints.
(Is it possible to post a video here?).

[Frodo]

The technician looking at my printer problems has advised me to use the "No Eject Roller(Glossy Paper)" as a paper feed option.

The following is copied from https://download4.epson.biz/sec_pubs/sc-p700_series/useg/en/GUID-75F67FCB-674A-4BF9-B8ED-E2F117BB2539.htm

Eject Roller Marks Appear on Printouts
Roller marks may appear when you use some glossy paper types.
Solutions
Select Front Paper Feeder - No Eject Roller(Glossy Paper) in the Paper Setting menu, then load paper in the front paper feeder. This feature is only available for glossy paper. When you use this feature, borderless printing is not available and there will be 2 cm margins at the top and bottom of the printouts.

Frankly I consider this quite unacceptable given the hassle in using the front feed and the loss of almost an inch off the top and bottom of the print.

What do other's think?

Thanks

[Frodo]

I have subsequently had a range of different problems regarding using the front feed tray, so I think that there is an issue with the paper feeding mechanism.
Epson has agreed to replace the printer.
I'll report back after I get the replacement printer.