Epson Stylus 800 Print Quality
"I have an Epson Stylus 800 printer which is only
used infrequently. I seem to have a problem with
some of the jets clogging up after a while producing
a banding effect and/or a blurring of text.
The built in cleaning cycle does not clear the
problem. Running the head over a pad soaked in
Isopropyl Alcohol clears the problem, but after a
week or so things start getting bad again.
The user manual does not mention the need to change
any cleaning pads. How does the cleaning cycle work
and are there any checks or adjustments which might
improve things?"
(From: Paul Grohe (grohe@galaxy.nsc.com).)
Inkjet printers do not like 'infrequent' use. They
need to be 'exercised' every once and a while. Use
'em or loose 'em!
I'm not familiar with the Epson products, but on the
HP DeskJets, there is a little rubber "seat" that
the cartridge sits on when it is 'parked'. If it is
gummed-up or damaged, it can cause the cartridge to
slowly dry out.
The HP's have a little oval-shaped rubber 'do-hikey'
that seals the area around the ink jets. It
generally gets gummed up with dry ink, and does not
seal completely anymore.
Check and see if there is something similar that
covers the print head when it is not in use.
The "banding" can also occur as the cartridge starts
getting towards the end of it's life. Also try
cleaning the contact areas with a soft cloth. Poor
contacts can cause similar problems.
If large ink droplets are forming on the head during
printing, this is a sign of poor contacts or a
physically damaged head.
However, most of the time it is caused by "clots" in
the areas supplying the jets, or in the jets
themselves. Sometimes soaking the jets in a tray of
alcohol or water for a while can dissolve these
"clots", but the success rate is not that great.
Better to fix the root of the problem.
BTW: Avoid turning the cartridge upside-down. Always
hold it so gravity pulls the ink down to the jets
and keeps them primed. Turning it upside-down can
allow air to be drawn back into the jets.
Then again, it may be time for a new cartridge!
Printer and Photocopier Troubleshooting and Repair
Collection
Version 2.48
Copyright © 1996-2001
Samuel M. Goldwasser
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For corrections/comments/suggestions, please contact
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