Epson 3880 Print Head failure

<p>Hi folks,<br>

This is something of a last throw of the dice, but I'm open to all suggestions. My infrequently used 3880 has had persistent intermittent nozzle clogging issues with the black inks. Recently after multiple cleaning attempts I sent it to a repair shop for a hardcore cleaning of the black nozzle. The surprising response from their technician was that it was unfixable, and needed a new print head. The cost of repair is approx 500 euro! That's borderline uneconomic, thus rendering the machine unserviceable.<br>

I've 'chatted' with Epson support, and consulted another repair service, and despite neither Epson nor the second technician seeing the printer, all seem to agree that a new print head is in order, and the prices bandied about makes the first estimate received seem cheap.<br>

Given all other nozzles are working, and that the problem has only emerged in the last month or so, I'm struggling to accept the inevitability of the professional consensus. Is there any other suggestions out there?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Have you done the paper towel and Windex treatment?</p>

<p>Your options are to buy a new black ink cartridge and see if the problem goes away. Ink can separate and the pigment not redissolve into the fluid but become particles suspended in fluid.<br>

Inkjet Mall http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.362672/.f has head cleaning fluid in refillable cartridges for the 3880. A full set is $155. You can get individual cartridges and cleaning fluid also. <br>

Following their instructions of doing 2 power clean cycles to get the cleaning fluid to the head then leaving a minimum of 24 hours might help. I would do 3 cycles then let it set 36 to 48 hours then repeat. If that does not clear the problem using a fresh ink cartridge then the repair shop was correct, you need a new print head.</p>

<p>Soaking a folded paper towel with windex, isopropyl alcohol, or distilled water, placing it in the head path then manually parking the head over the towel and letting it sit overnight will dissolve the ink residue on the bottom of the print head but I doubt it is the cause of your problem.</p>

<p>Les, Charles, Thanks for the suggestions. I've read about the Windex approach, cleaning cartridges, etc, but always seemingly in relation to the 2880, which I'm not familiar with. I may as well give it a shot.</p>

<p>When I ran an Epson (never again!) that had a stubborn head clog, I stripped it to the ceramic nozzle plate and used methylated spirit to unclog it. It took a while soaking out the dried ink, but eventually came good. You might try just running the head over a paper towel or similar soaked in meths or just plain water. - I'm not sure about the Windex - its unknown ingredients would put me off. Anyway, this doesn't need any dismantling and it's worth a try.</p>

<p>I'm not sure what type of black ink the 3880 uses. Plain old water is usually the best solvent for pigment-based inks, and alcohol better for dyes, but YMMV.</p>

<p>That's why next printer I get is going to be a Canon. My Epson 2800 practically disintegrated in the air even though I rarely used it. </p>

<p>Sort of what I'm feeling too Harry. I feel a 'professional' grade machine should not be an economic write-off because of a clogged ink head.</p>

<p>My 3880 has been indestructible, but I use it at least 2-3 times a week foe BW work. Frequent use seems to be the key. This ia a hell of a machine if you keep it in use, even a little bit every week.</p>

<p>-O</p>

<p>This is not unusual. All pigment printers have this problem, in my experience, and it is often connected with infrequent use. Good luck. I have gone over to the dye ink Canon PRO100 and so far it is much better than my previous Epsons and HP with respect to clogging issues, but I have only had it 6 months so the jury is still out.</p>

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<p>My 3880 has been indestructible</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Ditto, best printer they've ever made (and I've owned the 7800, 4900, 2200 and printers dating back to the 1200). The 4900 was just awful in terms of clogging while the 3880, 15 feet away has been flawless. And I can go months without printing on it and no clogs. </p>

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<p>And I can go months without printing on [the 3880] and no clogs.</p>

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<p>Same for me with the predecessor 3800.</p>

<p>I just replaced a 3000 with the 3880 due to continuous head clogging and splattering black ink with the 3000. Epson replaced my original 3000 under warranty with a refurb that was even worse. My new 3880 produces outstanding prints and even comes with a timer that shuts it down if not used for a period of time. (Default timer settings can be changed.) </p>

<p>Mine just crapped out when I tried to change to PK ink after using MK for months. Three cleaning cycles didn't unclog it. I'd never buy another Epson printer.</p>

<p>OTOH my HP Z5200 has been great</p>

<p>When HP originally introduced the photo printer, each new ink cartridge had its own new printer head. This was a little more expensive than an ink cartridge by itself but a superior solution to printer problems experienced today. </p>