How to replace an inker in Epson 740

[SG]

I'd like to replace the color inker in my Epson 740 (it's clogged), but
if I press the ink button, the printer simply cleans the cartridge. How
do I get it out if the computer "empty inker" light isn't flashing?

 

[cvt]

I'd like to replace the color inker in my Epson 740 (it's clogged), but
if I press the ink button, the printer simply cleans the cartridge. How
do I get it out if the computer "empty inker" light isn't flashing?

By inker you mean cartridge?
if so, holding the button for (think its 5 seconds) should move it over for
you.
the more common way, is turn the printer on, when the head unlocks/moves,
pull the power out, the head is now free to move by hand.
when you power it up again it will realign the head and be fine.

 

[cvt]

By inker you mean cartridge?
if so, holding the button for (think its 5 seconds) should move it
over for you.
the more common way, is turn the printer on, when the head
unlocks/moves, pull the power out, the head is now free to move by
hand. when you power it up again it will realign the head and be fine.

Actually, I can't remember, but if the 740 had seperate colour and black
buttons, you must hold the 2 down together.

Cheers.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

A quick lesson in Epson design.

All Epson printers have permanent ink heads. They do not come out nor
are they replaced.

They also have several ink cartridges, which are just plastic boxes
which contain ink. In the case of the 740 we are speaking of two boxes,
one black, and one with three colors, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow.

Replacing the cartridge will probably not resolve a head clog which is
what your printer probably has.

If you email me, I will send you a manual which explains how to unclog
your printer's heads.

The manual is free, and you will not be spammed by me, as I have nothing
to sell you, and I do not trade, sell or give away my email lists.

There is a way to remove an "outdated" cartridge, but that probably will
not resolve your issue.

Email me at:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

Art

 

[Jan Alter]

To replace the old cartridge hold the paper infeed button for 3 seconds. The
head will move to change position.

 

[measekite]

A quick lesson in Epson design.

All Epson printers have permanent ink heads. They do not come out nor
are they replaced.

They also have several ink cartridges, which are just plastic boxes
which contain ink. In the case of the 740 we are speaking of two
boxes, one black, and one with three colors, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow.

Replacing the cartridge will probably not resolve a head clog which is
what your printer probably has.

If you email me, I will send you a manual which explains how to unclog
your printer's heads.

The manual is free, and you will not be spammed by me, as I have
nothing to sell you, and I do not trade, sell or give away my email
lists.

IF HE DID NOT WANT TO CONTROL THE SITUATION HE WOULD POST IT ON HIS
WEBSITE FOR ALL TO DOWNLOAD. IF YOU USED AFTERMARKET INK YOU GOT WHAT
WAS EXPECTED: A CLOG

 

[SG]

Thank you Jan, that did the trick.

I think the cartridge was empty, not clogged.

 

[Jan Alter]

I have about twenty-six 740's running at our school and very often the
software will misread how much ink actually is remaining in the cartridge
Banding starts or loss of color because the cartridge has run out but the
software is reading that there's plenty of ink left in it. I reach for a new
cartridge if the one or two head cleanings doesn't fix the missing color.
I have to say the 740, though noisy and sometimes slow, was one of
Epson's great early all around printers. That was followed by the 880, which
was also a marvelous model. Both are cheap to run and dependable.

 

[Lou]

I have about twenty-six 740's running at our school and very often the
software will misread how much ink actually is remaining in the cartridge
Banding starts or loss of color because the cartridge has run out but the
software is reading that there's plenty of ink left in it. I reach for a new
cartridge if the one or two head cleanings doesn't fix the missing color.
I have to say the 740, though noisy and sometimes slow, was one of
Epson's great early all around printers. That was followed by the 880, which
was also a marvelous model. Both are cheap to run and dependable.

--
Jan Alter
(e-mail address removed)
or
(e-mail address removed)12.pa.us

So I should try to get my 880 working (unused for six months).

Lou ( I do have Art's manual)

 

[Jan Alter]

When you first turn it on push the paper infeed button to move the head over
for changing. On the docking sponge (where the at rest head sits) wet with
6 - 8 drops of a mixture of 10 % ammonia and 90 % isopropyl alchohol, or if
you can get "original formula" Windex do the same.
Purchase two new ink cartridges for the 880 of reputable origin. They
can even be Epson if you can't find a good quality third party ink and
replace the cartridges that are currently in the printer. You really want
to flush the old ink that's been sitting in the head out, so go to the 880
printer utility. Epson constantly warns that one should replace any ink that
has been sitting in the head for 6 months or more with fresh ink due to
oxidation and eventual thickening of the ink carrier liquid that could clog
up the heads. Run a head cleaning using the software and then a nozzle
check. Run another head cleaning and do a nozzle check. Run another head
cleaning and do a nozzle check. Every third head cleaning will have a more
rigorous cleaning action that builds up more vacuum to pull more ink out of
the cartridge. You'll notice this by the sound of the cleaning action. If
the nozzle check at this point is good then you should be OK. If it isn't
then you have options.
I have had good results by filling a syringe (without the needle) with 4
cc of Windex and very slowly injecting it into the ink orifice and then
replacing the cartridge. Avoid injecting air. When I say slowly I mean it.
Push down on the orifice snuggly, put inject very very slowly. You don't
want to blow the head membrane with too much pressure. Replace the ink
cartridge and let it sit for a couple of hours. Go through the print utility
procedure again.

If still not having any luck please refer to other options in Art Entich's
manual often described on this NG. He covers the Epson exceptionally well.
Additionally head cleaning cartridges are also a decent alternative if the
printer does not print a good nozzle check.

 

[Lou]

Thank you very much for that detailed reply!

Lou

 

[Arthur Entlich]

That can happen if you use 3rd party (where not enough ink is put in) or
refilled, or they are reinstalled after some use. OEMs are supposed to
have the right amount of ink in them... at least that's the theory. ;-)

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

One small clarification...

I'm assuming when you state 10% ammonia and 90% i.a. you mean 10%
household (non sudsy) ammonia. Ammonia comes in many strengths, and
making up cleaning fluid you want to keep the concentration of actual
ammonia between .5% and 2% in the final mix to protect the piezo parts
from being damaged.

Art

 

[Jan Alter]

Thanks for your clarification Art. I wasn't thinking about the difference of
sudsy and non-sudsy and the various concentrations of ammonia. I mostly get
much of what I pass on from you in fact, and would like to get it right when
passing it onto anyone else.