Should I buy a new head? G3501

[beneix]

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:

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]

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]

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]

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!

 

[beneix]

In the end, no cleaning/soaking with alcohol, window cleaner, distilled water or dedicated cleaning solution, including using syringes to push/pull the liquid through the head and nozzles, helped. I ended up buying a new head and that has resolved it.

I guess you can end up with blocked nozzles even on a low print count (in my case ~3000 pages) if you are unlucky or if you happen to overheat the nozzles by printing when they are clogged.

From now on, I will run a nozzle check regularly when my print volumes are low to generate a modicum of ink flow through the nozzles.