Finally Fixed the R3880

[Ian Barber]

After weeks of researching and through great support on here, I am confident I have now finally fixed the issue with my R3880.

I know its early days, but I have a good feeling about this now.

Here is a link to my findings

https://www.digitalblackandwhite.co.uk/epson-r3880-revived.html


Edit:

 

[websnail]

Ah, so the R3000 and Pro 3880 do indeed have the same weakness in that switchover system. Interesting that it didn't present itself that way initially but finally nailing it down must be pretty satisfying..

So has your motivation and/or excuse for a newer P series replacement gone up the Swanee now then?

 

[Ian Barber]

Ah, so the R3000 and Pro 3880 do indeed have the same weakness in that switchover system. Interesting that it didn't present itself that way initially but finally nailing it down must be pretty satisfying..

So has your motivation and/or excuse for a newer P series replacement gone up the Swanee now then?

Having dissected the valve, it was clear that PK was not sealing on change over.

I see no reason now to buy the P800 as the 3880 is running just like new again.

 

[W. Fisher]

On reading your blog, that photo of the top of the two pads of the capping station might be an indicator that something was leaking black ink as both are black. I think on mine from the monthly squirt cleaning, one of those two pads is often a magenta along with a bright yellow color on the pads, not being colored in black in both pads.

W. Fisher

 

[Ian Barber]

For anyone that maybe interested or even curious, the two images below show the underneath of the capping station and tubes which are used to direct the waste ink into the maintenance tank and also the main logic board and power supply unit of the Epson R3880.

 

[Miska]

I did notice exactly the same symptoms on my Pro 3800. First an empty PK ink cart while lcd was displaying cartridge being ~50% full. After installing a new cartridge, I found some black ink dripping onto the paper while printing. I used to print only with matte black for a long period of time (a few months, I quess) before my intention was to print something onto glossy paper.

I did immediately ran into assumption that my print head is dead but thanks to the internet, I found Ian's blog post and now I think I may still have some hope left.

Ian, after dissecting the ink switch valve do you think it would be worth to try simply cleaning the old ink deposits away from the valve? Or maybe the inner sealing has just worn out over time?

I found the ink assembly from the ebay with a reasonable price so maybe I will try with new parts anyway.

 

[Ian Barber]

I tried to clean the valve but I think the issue lies inside where the seal is not accessible.

I would personally suggest that you replace the whole unit

Ian

 

[bobjoek]

After weeks of researching and through great support on here, I am confident I have now finally fixed the issue with my R3880.

I know its early days, but I have a good feeling about this now.

Here is a link to my findings

http://www.ianbarberphotography.co.uk/epson-r3880-ink-system-repair/

Ian,

I had the same problem with my 3880 (PK leaking ink). I replaced the ink system (cartridge bay, ink lines, dampers and PK/MK switching system). The problem is now fixed. My 3880 is now functioning as new.

Bob

 

[Miska]

Bummer! I did place on order to eBay a while ago and the seller informed me there is some delay in delivery. Everything all right until it turned out that the factory is no longer delivering the part. It seems my 3800 is doomed to print only on matte materials, unless someone still has the replacement part stocked.

 

[J.Emmett Turner]

Ian has moved his article to another site. In case anyone else lands here while googling (like I did):
https://www.digitalblackandwhite.co.uk/epson-r3880-revived.html