Epson 740 - odd problem

[Dan S]

My old-but-not-used-very-much Epson Stylus Color 740 has developed an odd
problem.. it says (flashing button) it has no paper, no matter what I do.
When I try to start it up, the cartridge carrier slams around. One friend
says toss it, another says "that's how it cleans its heads."
Any advice?
Dan

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Both your friends are probably giving you bad advice.

The usual cause of this problem is a sticky head carriage guide bar.

The large cylindrical bar that the head rides on can get dry or
contaminated with dust, etc, and then the printer gets confused, and
loses track of positioning, which resolves in the "head-slamming" problem.

To fix this problem, first clean the bar with some isopropyl alcohol
(rubbing alcohol). Then, get some lightweight machine oil, like that
used for sewing machines, or 3in1 and spread a few drops over the
surface of the same guide bar. Then place a drop or so on either side
of the head carriage where the bushing and bar meet. Don't over-oil, a
few drops is enough for some time.

If this doesn't resolve your problem, contact me at:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

Art

 

[Dan S]

Thank you! I'll try it.
But what about the "I have no paper" error?
Dan

 

[Jan Alter]

The no paper error goes along with the electronics getting out of synch with
the sticky head when it bangs itself against the side. Usually once the head
travel bar is lubricated the printer will reset itself when it turns on
again after the lubing. The manual way is with the printer off hold both the
paper infeed button and the head cleaning button in while depressing the
power button. When the red lights flash I believe one lets go of the buttons
and pushing either the paper infeed button once or the droplet button will
reset it.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I suspect it is throwing that warning because the paper feed isn't
working correctly with the head carriage moving as it is. Try this
first (as below) and see if it resolves the problem, if not get back to
me, and I'll explain what to do next.

 

[NotMe]

"Then, get some lightweight machine oil, like that
| >>used for sewing machines, or 3in1 and spread a few drops over the
| >>surface of the same guide bar. Then place a drop or so on either side
| >>of the head carriage where the bushing and bar meet. Don't over-oil, a
| >>few drops is enough for some time.

3in1 has parifin. Might want to try some air tool oil. Light weight,
usueally clean of contaments and relatively cheap. (most auto parts stored
carry the stuff)

 

[Nicolaas Hawkins]

"Then, get some lightweight machine oil, like that
|>>used for sewing machines, or 3in1 and spread a few drops over the
|>>surface of the same guide bar. Then place a drop or so on either side
|>>of the head carriage where the bushing and bar meet. Don't over-oil, a
|>>few drops is enough for some time.

3in1 has parifin. Might want to try some air tool oil. Light weight,
usueally clean of contaments and relatively cheap. (most auto parts stored
carry the stuff)

For such an application I have had good results from using a drop or few
of automatic transmission fluid, or a drop (only! - it's very aggressive)
of silicone oil. I have found that paraffin-based lubricants tend to go
gummy after a while.

--
Regards,
Nicolaas.

2007 Pricelessware CD now available. 600Mb of the best of the best in
Freeware. E-Mail me for details.



.... It is not what a teenager knows that bothers hir parents, it is how
s/he found out.

 

[Dan S]

Stranger and stranger!
I used a bit of gauze to apply WD-40 to the shaft, which was covered with a
blue substance. Sure enough, the cartridge glided perfectly and no no-paper
light!
So I went to the Chooser. But it told me "Cannot find the necessary files to
use the sc-740 printer driver. Please reinstall the appropriate printer
driver." OK. I reinstalled the Color Stylus 740 Driver and then the Updater
v1.0cEs.
The pointer froze.
Hit the reset button.
Long First Aid..
arrow still frozen.
Reset, didn't wait for First Aid, got the arrow moving right away.
Went back to Chooser: Same thing.
Anyone??
Dan

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Thanks for that bit of info. Never had a problem with 3in1, but the
cleaner the better, I suppose.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I would stay away from autotrans fluid, because, beside that it has many
formulations, it has solvents and detergents in it, and I suspect it may
be quite aggressive with some plastics.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I suspect this isn't directly related, unless you have now corrupted
your driver.

The problem with the mechanics is directly internal to the printer, and
the firmware. The problem with the interface with the software is on
your computer only. Are you using a USB or parallel connection?

You may need to manually remove the SC-740 driver components and then
reinstall. Epson may be willing to provide you with a list of files
that need to be removed, and then do a new install. If you are using
either a USB connection, or a USB/Parallel cable, you need to follow the
sequence of loading to make sure you plug in the printer at the right
point in the installation of software.

Art

 

[Dan S]

Huh??
It's a USB connex.
Epson wishes I'd buy a new unit.
Dan

 

[Arthur Entlich]

A couple of things

1) WD-40 is not a lubricant that is appropriate long term for this. It
is a penetrating oil and can damage plastics as it migrates. It also
evaporates pretty rapidly relative to real oil.

2) Of course, Epson wants you to buy a new printer, why wouldn't they?
Who cares what they think you should do?

3) USB can be a problem with the drivers. Make sure you aren't using a
unpowered USB port/hub. For Epson printers they need a powered hub, or
a direct to printer line.

Many USB drivers only get installed properly with the printer
disconnected to the computer. Read any instructions with the driver(s)
for that printer. Remove the old ones as thoroughly as possible. Epson
will probably provide you with a list of files to remove via email if
you request via email from the info at their website. If they tell you
not to install it during a part of the process do not plug it in until
they suggest to.

Art

 

[Dan S]

Thanks Art!
I DID get 'er running! Had a good time tossing prefs and extensions and
defective downloads.
Then i was able to print a b/w document. Tried clearing the heads a bunch of
times, changed color cartridges..
Tell me this:
If the little light doesn't come on saying it's time to change color inks,
but the cartridge won't print, what is the right way to get the carriage to
let you trade ink cartridges?
Anyway, i want to print, but now I get: SimpleText doesn't have enough
memory. PictureViewer doesn't have enough memory.
What now?!
Dan

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Hi Dan,

Each printer has a slightly different manner to force a cartridge
change, but they are usually explained in the regular user manual which
comes with the printer and is available by download from Epson's website.

However, I just happen to have the 740 user manual in front of me...

Make sure printer is on but not printing

Press the load/eject button and hold it down for about 3 seconds until
the head moves to the left. The power light will being flashing.

Open the printer cover and remove the old cartridge and install a new
one. Do not press any control panel buttons.

Press the load/eject button and close the printer cover

The printer moves the print head and begins charging the ink delivery
system. The power light flashes and the printer makes "A variety of
sounds" Charging will take a few minutes, but when complete, the power
light will stop flashing and stay on.

Sorry, but I honestly do not know what Simpletext and PictureViewer do,
or even that they are Epson related components.


Art

 

[Dan S]

Thanks Art.
At this point it is not a printer problem but a Mac OS problem, albeit tied
to printer use. Simpletext is for writing, PicViewer is for looking at
photos etc. on all macs.
Dan

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I am unfortunately unfamiliar with most of the Mac operating system
software. I wish I could help further.

Art

 

[Dan S]

Here's the solution: tossed for 4th time my drivers..
I went to the Epson site, found/ downloaded the latest drivers, and Hooray!
everything works!
I will put some 3-in-1 on my shaft if you say wd-40 won't last. But any oil
will degrade plastic won't it? what does Epson use? what was it I wiped off
that was colored indigo blue?
Thanks guys
Dan

 

[Tony]

Most printer manufacturers use a very light machine oil or similar, sparingly
applied.
The colour you saw was probably the original lubricant contaminated with ink,
there is often a very fine ink spray happening in inkjet printers and this will
stick to the lubricants. In itself this spray is nothing to be concerned about.
Tony

 

[Dan S]

If I cleaned heads yesterday, shouldn't my machine have printed well today?
But all I got was yellow and black til I recleaned them.
dan