problem with refilling BCI-220/MX860 cartidge

[nutcr0cker]

After a lot a reading finally took the plunge to order from hobby colors came with a syringe and the inks. I am a newbie to refill ink. Drilled a hole on the side and injected the ink. Howver the ink does not reach the ink tank! Is the syringe needle too short? any good kits that definitely work with an MX860/BCI200 cartridge.?

TIA

 

[IanYY]

The MX860 uses PGI-220/520 and CLI-221/521 cartridges. You need a 2-inch needle to fill these carts using the Durchstich (German) refilling method - that's the length of the metal part, not the overall length of the needle. Any needle will do if you are filling from the top.

If the needle is the right length (and it should be if you have bought the right kit from Hobbicolors), the chances are that you have not found the little hole which leads into the ink chamber from the sponge chamber. This hole is central, along the bottom of the cart, so your needle needs to run along the bottom surface to get through the hole. You may need to pull the needle out and in a few times to hit the hole.

Ian

 

[nutcr0cker]

IanYY, Thank you for your response. My second question is can we dill a hole directly to the ink tank rather than going through the sponge??

 

[IanYY]

There are at least three methods of filling these cartridges ...

Method 1
The durchstich technique filling through the sponge into the ink chamber along the bottom edge. More detailed instructions elsewhere on this site.

This is my current favourite because it's quick(ish), doesn't leak and correctly maintains the negative (suction) pressure inside the sponge chamber. The cartridge is filled to the correct level if the filling is done in two stages with the cart allowed to stand for a minute between fills.

Method 2 Step (a) &
Method 3 Step (a).
Drill a hole directly into the top of the ink chamber. Before you make the hole, you must seal the ink outlet hole (preferably using the original orange clips) - or use insulating tape or similar. Expect and prepare for leaks from the outlet hole. When you have finished filling you must ensure the drilled hole is completely sealed and airtight, or more leaks.

Method 2 Step (b).
Seal the air vent over the sponge section with insulating tape. Fill the ink chamber with ink. Seal the ink chamber hole. Remove tape from the air vent. Remove clip from the outlet hole.

This is easy, maintains the negative pressure inside the sponge chamber, but does NOT fill the catridge to its maximum capacity.

Method 3 Step (b).
Do NOT seal the air vent over the sponge section. Fill the ink chamber with ink. Allow to stand for a minute, then continue to fill the ink chamber until full. Seal the ink chamber hole. NOW seal the air vent over the sponge chamber. Remove clip from the outlet hole (prepare for drips). Press the sides of the cartridge and force about 5 drops of ink drip back into your ink bottle - this is to get the sponge pressure back to its correct state. Remove tape from the air vent. Remove clip from the outlet hole.

The original, complicated, but tried and tested filling method.

Your choice - all three methods work.

Ian

 

[IanYY]

PS

The durchstich technique does not work well with "compatible" Canon cartridges because the sponge material in these carts is often denser than in genuine Canon carts. This makes needle penetration harder and more likely to damage the sponge around the outlet hole. Finding the hole between the sponge chamber and the ink chamber can be harder as well, due to plastic moulding differences compared with Canon originals. It can be done - just harder.

No such problems using the other methods with "compatible" Canon cartridges.

Ian

 

[nutcr0cker]

I do have the original canon cartridge. My initial two attempts have been a dismal failure. Will try again today with the german method else will have to try option #2