I have two Canon Printers - The i9100 which I have used now for over two years, and the i9900, which I recently purchased.
Your problem is not a new one. I have experienced the same thing on a number of occasions. For the record, I have had it happen more when I was using Canon ink tanks than when I was using bulk ink for Canon BCI-6 tanks, which I buy at $60-80 a gallon. (I print a LOT!)
I want to share something I discovered, that may be of value to others out there - How to clear a clogged head, or determine if the head is unsalvageable (time to replace). I am still using my original head on the i9100, so I know this works.
I have had very limited success with the cleaning/deep cleaning routines built into the printer maintenance. Before I knew anything about the internal workings of these Canon printers, that's what I used, but when the heads plug, as you've experienced, Bill, it usually never helps.
If you use Canon inks, at $12/tank, remember the ink is about $4800 US/gallon, and you are filling up the absorbent pad in the bottom of the printer at a rapid rate, which will cause more problems down the road. Many Canon users have experienced the 'waste ink tank full' message, which without knowledge of the proper maintenance procedure and routine will result in a trip to the nearest Canon Service Center, and a rather large service bill, just to have the felt pads replaced and the internal counter reset.
To perform the manual cleaning, one will need at least one ink tank filled with cleaning solution. You can purchase cleaning tank cartridges, and bulk cleaning solution in various sizes online. (I have six tanks filled with cleaning solution that I use in my i9100)
Keep in mind, that this type of cleaning is being performed when nothing else works, and is done at each individual user's risk. That said, when the nozzles are plugged, and you're faced with replacing a head, what have you got to lose if it doesn't work?
Also be aware that you need a work surface that won't be damaged by ink, and wear gloves if you don't want to stain your fingers.
Remove the head from the printer (all 8 tanks must be removed first on the i9900 - the i9100 head removes with the tanks installed). Install the cleaning tank in the position of the clogged nozzle. (In the i9100 just snap it in place. Hold it firmly in place over the ink pickup on the i9900 head) Place a folded paper towel on your work surface to absorb the cleaner/ink that will come through the nozzle.
Next, use a small air bulb (as supplied in many ink refill kits) and insert the tip into the air vent hole of the cleaning tank. Squeeze the bulb to lightly pressurize the cleaning cartridge, which of course should force cleaning solution through the nozzle. Solution/ink should start to flow easily through it. If excessive pressure is required, or very little fluid flows through the head, and no improvement can be made after several attempts, try wetting a paper towel with cleaning solution (I have even used 'The Works Glass and Surface Cleaner for this part) and placing the nozzles flat on it to soak for a while (keep in mind that you must keep the head and ink pickups from drying out during this time, or you'll just create a new problem! It's easy with the i9100, since you can leave all the tanks installed - not as easy with the i9900, since there's no tank carrier on the head, so I put a liberal quantity of cleaning solution on each of the open ink pickups, and keep an eye on things while it soaks). After the nozzles sit on the wet towel for a while, try the routine again. If the nozzles still seem plugged after one or more attempts, consider replacing the head - it is probably your only option.
Cost of Canon i9900 Printer Head
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Bill,
I have two Canon Printers - The i9100 which I have used now for over two years, and the i9900, which I recently purchased.
Your problem is not a new one. I have experienced the same thing on a number of occasions. For the record, I have had it happen more when I was using Canon ink tanks than when I was using bulk ink for Canon BCI-6 tanks, which I buy at $60-80 a gallon. (I print a LOT!)
I want to share something I discovered, that may be of value to others out there - How to clear a clogged head, or determine if the head is unsalvageable (time to replace). I am still using my original head on the i9100, so I know this works.
I have had very limited success with the cleaning/deep cleaning routines built into the printer maintenance. Before I knew anything about the internal workings of these Canon printers, that's what I used, but when the heads plug, as you've experienced, Bill, it usually never helps.
If you use Canon inks, at $12/tank, remember the ink is about $4800 US/gallon, and you are filling up the absorbent pad in the bottom of the printer at a rapid rate, which will cause more problems down the road. Many Canon users have experienced the 'waste ink tank full' message, which without knowledge of the proper maintenance procedure and routine will result in a trip to the nearest Canon Service Center, and a rather large service bill, just to have the felt pads replaced and the internal counter reset.
To perform the manual cleaning, one will need at least one ink tank filled with cleaning solution. You can purchase cleaning tank cartridges, and bulk cleaning solution in various sizes online. (I have six tanks filled with cleaning solution that I use in my i9100)
Keep in mind, that this type of cleaning is being performed when nothing else works, and is done at each individual user's risk. That said, when the nozzles are plugged, and you're faced with replacing a head, what have you got to lose if it doesn't work?
Also be aware that you need a work surface that won't be damaged by ink, and wear gloves if you don't want to stain your fingers.
Remove the head from the printer (all 8 tanks must be removed first on the i9900 - the i9100 head removes with the tanks installed). Install the cleaning tank in the position of the clogged nozzle. (In the i9100 just snap it in place. Hold it firmly in place over the ink pickup on the i9900 head) Place a folded paper towel on your work surface to absorb the cleaner/ink that will come through the nozzle.
Next, use a small air bulb (as supplied in many ink refill kits) and insert the tip into the air vent hole of the cleaning tank. Squeeze the bulb to lightly pressurize the cleaning cartridge, which of course should force cleaning solution through the nozzle. Solution/ink should start to flow easily through it. If excessive pressure is required, or very little fluid flows through the head, and no improvement can be made after several attempts, try wetting a paper towel with cleaning solution (I have even used 'The Works Glass and Surface Cleaner for this part) and placing the nozzles flat on it to soak for a while (keep in mind that you must keep the head and ink pickups from drying out during this time, or you'll just create a new problem! It's easy with the i9100, since you can leave all the tanks installed - not as easy with the i9900, since there's no tank carrier on the head, so I put a liberal quantity of cleaning solution on each of the open ink pickups, and keep an eye on things while it soaks). After the nozzles sit on the wet towel for a while, try the routine again. If the nozzles still seem plugged after one or more attempts, consider replacing the head - it is probably your only option.