Tutorial to clean clogged print heads.

I have an Epson XP-820. I have been using ink from Precision Colors. My black color print head is clogged, tried head cleaning many times but to no avail. Is there a manual or tutorial on how to clean print heads?

rsuryase said:

I have an Epson XP-820. I have been using ink from Precision Colors. My black color print head is clogged, tried head cleaning many times but to no avail. Is there a manual or tutorial on how to clean print heads?

Click to expand...

There just happens to be a few videos by @jtoolman on this very subject, enjoy..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz2enm5Qjq0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itl3UsPZK2Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZU1_XD7xE

there could be a problem with the ink flow to the printhead, the filter in the refill cartridge is clogged, or there is air in the tubes - isn't this the model with the cartridges at a fixed position and ink tubes to the printhead ? Did the problem occur suddenly -e.g. after a refill or did you struggle with some missing nozzles already for a longer time ?

I'm not using a Continuous Ink System. I'm using this product from Precision Colors. http://precisioncolors.com/XP5_ref.html
It happens all of a sudden. This has happened before and head cleaning usually solves it but not this time.
I'm using a product called Ecco Clean. http://www.ecco-clean.com/print-head_cleaning_systems_kits.htm It helps a bit but there is still some clogged nozzles. The printout is acceptable. May i should clean it several more times. I usually leave it to dry overnight when cleaning.
Thank you for the video tutorials. Does anyone know where can i download Art Entlich Printhead Cleaning Guide? I have emailed e-printerhelp@shaw.ca, waiting for a reply.

You should keep in mind that air bubbles can result in the same errors, streaks and missing nozzles, as clogging does. If the missing nozzles of a nozzle check are always the same, this may indicate a clog. But if the missing nozzles use to change, and if after a cleaning cycle results are getting worse, you may have a problem with ink flow from the cartridges.
There are many reasons, often bad refill carts or bad refilled ("primed") refill carts - what mostly applies to the spongeless type of carts. I don't know your epson model but it may have carts with sponges, like canon, where the contact between cart outlet and print head inlet may be critical..

If it happens repeatedly, and not only after long time of idle, I would search the source of this error.

Yes the missing nozzles changes, so it's probably bubbles. I'm using a refillable generic ink cart that uses sponges. Cleaning it seems to unclog it. I just have to be patient when cleaning since it takes an overnight. I should get a Canon backup printer. Seems Canon is more popular on these forums.

rsuryase said:

Yes the missing nozzles changes, so it's probably bubbles. I'm using a refillable generic ink cart that uses sponges. Cleaning it seems to unclog it. I just have to be patient when cleaning since it takes an overnight. I should get a Canon backup printer. Seems Canon is more popular on these forums.

Click to expand...

Canon's are just easier to refill than Epsons.

rsuryase said:

Yes the missing nozzles changes, so it's probably bubbles. I'm using a refillable generic ink cart that uses sponges. Cleaning it seems to unclog it. I just have to be patient when cleaning since it takes an overnight. I should get a Canon backup printer. Seems Canon is more popular on these forums.

Click to expand...

Get rid of the compatible sponge carts and get some sponge less carts or buy a good Canon printer, not one of the cheap ones, (250/251 type)

I have both epson and canon.
Advantage epson: spongeless carts which are plugged into the head on a spike, which results in a stable connection. If the refillable cart is working correctly, refilling is easy. Clogging or air could occur - but it will not burn the "cold" piezo head.
Other than canon, where you should have at least one printhead in stock, if it gets burnt...
And BTW, ciss is recommended only for epson "spike" heads, not for "sponge on screen" heads like most canons.

The Hat said:

There just happens to be a few videos by @jtoolman on this very subject, enjoy..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz2enm5Qjq0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itl3UsPZK2Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZU1_XD7xE

Click to expand...

I followed the tutorial using Windex, 70% Isopropyl alcohol and Simple Green. There are still many clogged nozzles. Any other solution or method I should try to unclog the nozzles?