When is a refilled cartridge done for good?

[Cedar]

Is there any way to determine if a refilled cartridge is getting worn out and needs to be replaced, aside from the obvious problems of not printing anymore, of course. Is it possible for an older cart that has been refilled many times to have a problem that could damage a printhead? I'm using a Canon Pixma iP3000 and 4000.

 

[msmart]

Define "older cart" and "refilled many times". I just passed two years refilling the same set of carts and have no intention of stopping any time soon.

 

[Cedar]

Can't be sure exactly how old they are or how many times refilled, but I've had this printer for 5.5 years, and I don't recall replacing any cartridges yet. I have noticed that the sponges seem less saturated with ink, especially in the upper part of the sponges, and sometimes in the lower part too, does this mean anything? Do the sponges soak up less ink as they age?

 

[rodbam]

The old cartridges with the less saturated sponges might benefit from being purged of ink with a good clean out with running warm water, I just do mine in cold water but they're not very old.

 

[The Hat]

Cedar
I would follow rodbam's advise on this and give your cartridges a good clean out, it will bring them back to like new again.
Happy Printing..