The indi HP Tech came out and did the fan replacement!
So I now have a quieter fan, dual BBearing and IP55 rated and hope I never have to deal with it.
I don't think I would have brought it up to him until you told me how important it may have been Mark.
You are THE MAN!
He had quoted me originally to do the belt with the fan and bushing. It took him an extra hour. He took the left side off and opened the PS can and popped the fan in. Lots of screws and some ribbons to deal with. He actually did have to cut the wires and reconnect with the stock plug, and shrink wrapped it. I took video of the process in case I need to do something one day(hope not).
Mark, I think I got the heads as good as they can get. When taking them out I noticed a couple were the original 2008 heads! So I'm surprised they are still firing the way they are. The main issue was the MK, so the rest with some imperfestions, they held up well. I have a couple more ordered and within a week I should have them all replaced. Then I'll make you a print of the Everglades :-)
I ran a small version of it, and it workout well. With the water and contrast in that image, I think it would be punchy and really sing on a gloss, but I also appreciate the color on timeless look on the slightly antiqued, almost aged newsprint paper with the Litho. I think the B&W are amazing on it.
So following your regime of shake, squeze, and alignment was helpful. But you are right, new in date heads would be the sanest way to go. The difference between the before and after were a hit and miss, and somewhat equal, but got the ink flowing and was able to print! I checked the prints with a 4x loupe.
One thing the tech mentioned is that the best way to revive a bad head in an emergency is to run a print with heavy use of the problem head.
The tubes are heated when being used, and that helps bring them to life....with a good dose of the "Mark regime".