Should I buy a new head? G3501

beneix

Printing Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
7
Reaction score
3
Points
14
Printer Model
Canon G3501
I have a G3501 that does not see high volume use. I use original Canon ink. There are some issues on the nozzle check print-out:
Screenshot 2025-10-15 095313.png


I have tried the built-in cleaning and also done manual cleaning as follows: I let the black print head sit in an alcohol/distilled water mix overnight and then wiped with a lint-free cloth.

Subsequent nozzle checks all come out as above. Is the only way to clear this to purchase a new head? Is it the QYS-6011 / CA91 head, and how important is it to get an original Canon head?
 

The Hat

Printer VIP
Platinum Printer Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2010
Messages
16,067
Reaction score
9,032
Points
453
Location
Residing in Wicklow Ireland
Printer Model
Canon/3D, CR-10, CR-10S, KP-3
Subsequent nozzle checks all come out as above. Is the only way to clear this to purchase a new head? Is it the QYS-6011 / CA91 head, and how important is it to get an original Canon head?
There are several things you can do first, just set the printer media to use photo paper only and you’ll notice very little difference with your B&W printing, your colour print will be unaffected.. Orr !

Try running another nozzle check follow it up with one deep clean on the black only, then print another nozzle check and compare both copies to see if the missing nozzles are in the same position or are moving about, that will tell whether your print head is just clogged or the damage is permeant..

If seems odd that the print head would be damaged while only using OEM ink !

If you go down the road of a new head, make sure you only buy from an authorised dealer, don’t be tempted by EBay or China sites, because these heads are all refurbished and most Fubar…
 

beneix

Printing Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
7
Reaction score
3
Points
14
Printer Model
Canon G3501
There are several things you can do first, just set the printer media to use photo paper only and you’ll notice very little difference with your B&W printing, your colour print will be unaffected.. Orr !

Try running another nozzle check follow it up with one deep clean on the black only, then print another nozzle check and compare both copies to see if the missing nozzles are in the same position or are moving about, that will tell whether your print head is just clogged or the damage is permeant..

If seems odd that the print head would be damaged while only using OEM ink !

If you go down the road of a new head, make sure you only buy from an authorised dealer, don’t be tempted by EBay or China sites, because these heads are all refurbished and most Fubar…
I ran a deep clean and the nozzle check pattern didn't really improve, if anything it worsened in a few spots.

Before buying a new head I will get a cleaning kit with syringe and tubing and see if it can restore the nozzles.
 

Jessica421

Newbie to Printing
Joined
Sep 19, 2025
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Points
5
Printer Model
Canon PIXMA MG3620
I have a G3501 that does not see high volume use. I use original Canon ink. There are some issues on the nozzle check print-out:
View attachment 17791

I have tried the built-in cleaning and also done manual cleaning as follows: I let the black print head sit in an alcohol/distilled water mix overnight and then wiped with a lint-free cloth.

Subsequent nozzle checks all come out as above. Is the only way to clear this to purchase a new head? Is it the QYS-6011 / CA91 head, and how important is it to get an original Canon head?
Hi,
Thanks for sharing — I know how frustrating clogged nozzles can be, especially with low-volume use.
You've already done thorough cleaning, so at this point a partially blocked black nozzle seems likely.
Sometimes multiple deep cleans (with rest in between) can help, but if not, replacing the print head (like QY5-6011/CA91) may be the only fix.
Hope it gets sorted soon!
 
Top