getting these ink dots vertically down the page on my MP980, see nozzle check

[jimbo123]

been getting these ink dots vertically down the page on my MP980, see nozzle check(jpg and PDF). i realize the printer is 15 years old, but still think there is some life in it.

i have tried:
- several bottom plate cleanings
- several roller cleaning
- a few ink cart cleanings
- have cleaned off the bottom of the print head
- sprayed Windex on the ink pads and the wiper

still getting the dots. looks like it may be on the paper roller, but unsure how to clean that.

any tips or others ideas to try

thx

J

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• Active Printers: MX700(2007), MP980(2008), MX870(2010), PRO-100(2013)
• Stored Printers: IP4500, MX700, MX860, MX870, MP980
• Past Printers: MP830
• Method: German Durchstich Method
• Ink: Hobbicolors, then OCP, now ASPEN
• Misc: Squeeze bottles - so much easier than syringes

 

[The Hat]

i have tried:

Try printing a nozzle check, than as the sheet is coming out (Half way) pull the power plug, you can pull the sheet out yourself by hand, (best option) or power on the printer and it will eject the sheet itself..

Examine the sheet and see how far the little dots had got while printing, that may give you a better understanding as to where the issue is..

Rollers before printing, print head contact, or exit rollers…

 

[PeterBJ]

I opened the nozzle check in Irfan View and adjusted the zoom so the nozzle check was true size on my screen. I measured the distance between the dots to 12.95 mm or 0.51". This could mean that a roller with a diameter of 4.12 mm or 0.16" is the culprit, but I don't see any rollers that small inside my MP980?

I also had a little smearing at the top of the page in the nozzle check of my MP980. I cleaned the underside of the printhead which was not very dirty, but the underside of the printhead carriage was. I moved the carriage without printhead back and forth over a tissue paper handkerchief wetted with pharmacist's cleaning solution. After this cleaning the smearing was gone. Here is a clip of the nozzle check before cleaning.

 

[jimbo123]

good news, my 15 year old MP980 is back in business. i followed the advice of The Hat and PeterBJ and got a perfect nozzle check, see jpg

pretty sure it was the bottom of the carriage that was gunked up that caused the issue. guess after 15 years a little gunk can be expected

The Hat and PeterBJ are long time members of this forum, their experience and advice is invaluable.

The Hat and PeterBJ are "Simply the Best"

J

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• Active Printers: MX700(2007), MP980(2008), MX870(2010), PRO-100(2013)
• Stored Printers: IP4500, MX700, MX860, MX870, MP980
• Past Printers: MP830
• Method: German Durchstich Method
• Ink: Hobbicolors, then OCP, now ASPEN
• Misc: Squeeze bottles - so much easier than syringes

 

[The Hat]

The Hat and PeterBJ are "Simply the Best"

There’s no need to make a song and dance about it…
Glad your back in business..