Epson Stylus Color 900

[Brad]

April 27, 2004

When I print (test page, nozzle check, wordpad doc, etc) - there is NO black and only
very, very faint color.

Here is everything I have tried:

- downloaded latest drivers from Epson site.
- replaced both the black and the color ink cartridges twice (with ink bought at 2
different stores).
- cleaned the nozzles (several times).
- cleaned the heads (several times).
- ran self-test 4 times (with printer disconnected from PC).
- tried different paper types.
- tried setting the ink to color in the properties, then tried setting it to black (on the
Main tab).
- ran the print head alignment twice.
- tried using a parallel cable.
- tried it with a USB cable.
- tried it on 3 different PCs.

I am out of ideas.

What else do I need to try?
or what do you suspect may be wrong with it?

Thanks for any help,
Brad
PS Our PCs: Win98SE, and WInXP Pro.

 

[Tony]

April 27, 2004

When I print (test page, nozzle check, wordpad doc, etc) - there is NO black and only
very, very faint color.

You have blockages which can be solved most times by using a solvent for dye
based inks. Try some Windolene (Windex USA) on the parking pads and letting
it sit overnight. For determined blockages where apparently the heads will
not prime it is often a good solution to use the solvent in a spare
cartridge and print a few windy pages with that: effectively you are
injecting the cure from within and when the ink fades have probably proved
that the liquid is getting through.
You don't state whether it was left for a long time between prints where
condensation occured - but if it is a few years old residue does build up
and needs a drastic solution. Household ammonia in dilute form can also be
used.
Tony
--
Inkylink JetTec UK Quality - Wot others wanna-be
Epson C64/ C84 Lighfast (30% more free) pigmented inks.
Canon BCI-3 i560 i750 BCI-6 i865 S-820 / S-900 series.
Specialist ink refill kits... http://www.inkylink.co.uk
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[Brad]

Wow! Worked like magic - in just 2 days it's as good as new!
Thanks!
Brad