Leaking problem refilling Canon BCI-6 cartridges

[Debbie]

I have a Canon S820. When refilling a cartridge I use electrical tape
to seal the exit hole. I tried using the original orange clips with
rubberbands but as soon as I would start filling it would leak out.

Anyway, after I seal the exit hole with the electrical tape, I remove
the rubber plug from the top fill hole. Start filling empty chamber
very slow. I fill it up to 3/4 and I then use electrical tape to
tightly seal the fill hole. A minute later it will start leaking and
will not stop until the cartridge is empty. I was told that
electrical tape should work. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks,
Debbie

 

[Ray R]

Tape should keep ink from leaking. If you hold the cartridge
at a 45 degree angle while filling, ink can't leak out even
without the tape. Tape is not good for sealing the fill hole.
Tap the fill hole with a 10-32 tap and use a screw to seal the
hole.

 

[John Mills]

Sounds as if the clips are missing the clear plastic gasket.


--
John Mills ( (e-mail address removed) )
*comp.periphs.printers FAQ Archive
http://www.cppfaq.com/

: : > I have a Canon S820. When refilling a cartridge I use electrical tape
: > to seal the exit hole. I tried using the original orange clips with
: > rubberbands but as soon as I would start filling it would leak out.
: >
: > Anyway, after I seal the exit hole with the electrical tape, I remove
: > the rubber plug from the top fill hole. Start filling empty chamber
: > very slow. I fill it up to 3/4 and I then use electrical tape to
: > tightly seal the fill hole. A minute later it will start leaking and
: > will not stop until the cartridge is empty. I was told that
: > electrical tape should work. What am I doing wrong?
: >
: > Thanks,
: > Debbie
:
:

 

[s. kahalas]

))))I have a Canon S820. When refilling a cartridge I use electrical
tape
))))to seal the exit hole. I tried using the original orange clips
with
))))rubberbands but as soon as I would start filling it would leak
out.
))))
))))Anyway, after I seal the exit hole with the electrical tape, I
remove
))))the rubber plug from the top fill hole. Start filling empty
chamber
))))very slow. I fill it up to 3/4 and I then use electrical tape to
))))tightly seal the fill hole. A minute later it will start leaking
and
))))will not stop until the cartridge is empty. I was told that
))))electrical tape should work. What am I doing wrong?
))))
))))Thanks,
))))Debbie
Your problem is that tape does not seal the fill hole, so the ink
leaks out after you've removed the electrical tape from the bottom.
They say screws do the job, or else I use a hot melt glue gun to seal
the refill hole.

SLK

 

[Tiscali]

You should investigate the JetTec cartridges which I've used for refilling
for a year or so. One , they have a snap off clip which snaps on again - a
much better design than the Canon. Two, the ink reservior is enlarged and
the sponge side smaller which allows it to take 10 ml of ink instead of the
typical Canon of only 6 ml. A whole lot better design and unconditionally
guaranteed.
Tony. at www.inkylink.co.uk

 

[Debbie]

JetTec cartridges are spendy. I have purchase a 6 cartridge set on
ebay for about $18 including s/h.

Anyway do they have an english website I can check into?

Debbie

 

[Debbie]

I read about the 45 degree tilting but which way do you tilt it. Exit
hole part upwards or downwards?

Thanks,
Debbie

 

[Debbie]

Sorry but, clips.. gasket... HUH?

Debbie

 

[Taliesyn]

JetTec cartridges are spendy. I have purchase a 6 cartridge set on
ebay for about $18 including s/h.

Be careful buying cheap cartridges on eBay. I bought 2 sets of
4 cartridges (BCI-3e) for about $12. Bargain, right? No, total crap.
The black was runny - text looked extremely feathered, like dot matrix!
Genuine Canon ink gives crisp text, like a laser. I refused to even
try the color inks. I bought quality bulk ink instead which gave me
perfect compatibility, no real visible difference with Canon inks,
at a fraction of the price.

-Taliesyn

 

[Ron Cohen]

Electrical tape doesn't have a thick enough adhesive to make an effective seal. The two best methods of sealing the outlet while refilling are to use the orange clips with a strong rubber band - it works or to use thick cloth duct tape. Duct tape works very well at sealing the outlet while refilling. Also, removing the rubber plug is another way to have problems. I know the instructions on most of the refill vendor web sites say to do so, but I totally disagree. The instructions I've written below should make the refilling task much easier and without the problems you've experienced. I do a lot of refilling and never have a problem.
===================

1. If you still have the original caps that covered the ink outlet, put them back on and hold them tightly in place with a strong rubber band. If you don't have the caps, a spot of thick cloth duct tape will work just fine to seal over the outlet. Make sure it is thick cloth duct tape. Other tapes just don't have the sealing capacity of the duct tape. This is a critical part of the refilling process. If a seal isn't made, ink will run out when an opening is made for the ink syringe. Think of it like a soda straw with water. It doesn't leak while you have your finger on top to make a seal. This seal should stay in place until the tanks are ready to be put back in the printer. The only other reason to remove the seal would be to insure that the tank doesn't drip any ink after the refill is complete.

2. Once the outlet is sealed you need to make an opening to insert a syringe. I use disposable syringes available at any pharmacy. Tell them you want the biggest, meanest needle they have since it is for ink refilling and you shouldn't have a problem purchasing them. Get one for each color and label it. The last ones I bought were 23¢ each. The web site instructions will tell you to peel back the label on top and punch out the sealing plug on top. DON'T DO IT. There are three ways much easier than that.
a.- Near the rear of the top on the reservoir side, drill a small hole in the top, just big enough for a fine thread screw which will be used as a seal. If you can find small nylon thumbscrews at a hardware store, they would be easier to use than either a set screw or machine screw.
or
b.- Heat a paper clip hot enough to melt a hole in the top. Use hot melt glue to reseal.
or my now favorite method -
c.- On the side of the reservoir about 3/16" below the top make two small holes with a push pin (or hot paper clip). One hole is for filling, but it will probably be too small for air to escape. That's what the second hole is for. If an air escape isn't provided either with a second hole or one large enough like the ones using a screw or hot melt glue, ink will be forced out the vent on the area above the sponge (I found out the hard way). To reseal these two small holes, use a small piece of duct tape. I've used all three methods, but this is the easiest one.

The other suggestions I would make is to order a couple of sets of aftermarket tanks and use the right paper. Once one is are empty, use it for your #2 refilled set and keep the third as an emergency backup. Tyler Martin Company in Kansas http://www.tylermartin.com/specials.htm has the very good prices. I've used the inexpensive Rainbow cartridges he sells and I couldn't tell any difference in output quality from either Canon or my refill ink. Office Depot Premium Glossy and Red River Ultra Pro are my favorite papers.
======================
Hope this helps.

 

[Bill]

Be careful buying cheap cartridges on eBay. I bought 2 sets of
4 cartridges (BCI-3e) for about $12. Bargain, right? No, total crap.
The black was runny - text looked extremely feathered, like dot matrix!
Genuine Canon ink gives crisp text, like a laser. I refused to even
try the color inks. I bought quality bulk ink instead which gave me
perfect compatibility, no real visible difference with Canon inks,
at a fraction of the price.

Taliesyn, how many times have you refilled your ink tanks so far?

 

[Debbie]

Thanks for your input. I now have the large holes in the top which I
guess I can just keep sealed with tape and try the 2 hole method like
you suggest. As I mentioned, I tried the orange caps with tight
rubber bands doubled with a band on each side of the round part that
covers the exit hole (if that makes since) and it just leaks right
past it. I will get some heavey duck tape. I didn't know there were
different types of duck tape out there.

Thanks,
Debbie

 

[G]

Once so far. I'm approaching the "low" point on this set and will
refill for the second time (all of them) as soon as one reads "low".
I will then install my second complete set of new Genuine Canon
cartridges that I bought as backup. When that set reads "low" I will
remove them and replace them with the now refilled first set. This
way I simply rotate all of them as a unit, and not worry about one
color going empty while I'm printing that large 8 1/2 x 11. The
blacks will be rotated at their own rate - I have three black
cartridges.

P.S. I bought the second Canon set (2 blacks, 3 colors) at Costco
because they were $15 off their usual $80 ($CDN) price.

-Taliesyn

Just curious. I'm not a heavy user , but having just switched to Canon from
Epson and contemplating my first refill, I'm curious as to how long you can
expect to store the refilled carts ? I assume you keep them in ZipLock bags?

 

[Taliesyn]

Just curious. I'm not a heavy user , but having just switched to Canon from
Epson and contemplating my first refill, I'm curious as to how long you can
expect to store the refilled carts ? I assume you keep them in ZipLock bags?

Can be stored in Ziplock bags but not entirely necessary. I have a
super tiny size 2-56 x 1/8 stainless steel set screw sealing the fill
hole and the original orange plastic break-off clip attached with strong
rubber bands. So it should be air tight. But I guess storing them in
airtight bags won't hurt.

I think refilled carts can be stored for at least a year or more.
I seem to use a set in about 2 or 3 months, so it's not a problem I
even consider.

-Taliesyn

 

[J. M. S.]

www.inkjetsusa carries Jet Tec cartridges..
They also have cartridges that can be filled in the pronter.

JM

 

[Tony1thatmatters]

The JetTec site was in the signature as www.inkylink.co.uk and also
www.aah-haa.com
Tony

 

[Ron Cohen]

Be sure to use duct tape for the hole on top, but for the most permanent
repair, hot melt glue would be best. There really are different grades of
duct tape (even a brand name of Duck Tape). The reason I emphasize thick
cloth duct tape is that it has a heavy adhesive layer and the cloth makes it
very flexible so it will conform to surfaces and provide an excellent seal.
Since you already have an opening on the top, you may want to use that for
the filler and then seal it with duct tape as you planned. This would
eliminate the need to make the two holes on the side. If you are making the
holes on the side there may be some raised edges from melting with the hot
paper clip or being deformed by the push pin. The edges can be sliced off
with a razor blade. Be sure to let me know how it works for you.

Ron Cohen
(e-mail address removed)

Thanks for your input. I now have the large holes in the top which I
guess I can just keep sealed with tape and try the 2 hole method like
you suggest. As I mentioned, I tried the orange caps with tight
rubber bands doubled with a band on each side of the round part that
covers the exit hole (if that makes since) and it just leaks right
past it. I will get some heavey duck tape. I didn't know there were
different types of duck tape out there.

Thanks,
Debbie

seal. The two best methods of sealing the outlet while refilling are to use
the orange clips with a strong rubber band - it works or to use thick cloth
duct tape. Duct tape works very well at sealing the outlet while refilling.
Also, removing the rubber plug is another way to have problems. I know the
instructions on most of the refill vendor web sites say to do so, but I
totally disagree. The instructions I've written below should make the
refilling task much easier and without the problems you've experienced. I
do a lot of refilling and never have a problem.put them back on and hold them tightly in place with a strong rubber band.
If you don't have the caps, a spot of thick cloth duct tape will work just
fine to seal over the outlet. Make sure it is thick cloth duct tape. Other
tapes just don't have the sealing capacity of the duct tape. This is a
critical part of the refilling process. If a seal isn't made, ink will run
out when an opening is made for the ink syringe. Think of it like a soda
straw with water. It doesn't leak while you have your finger on top to make
a seal. This seal should stay in place until the tanks are ready to be put
back in the printer. The only other reason to remove the seal would be to
insure that the tank doesn't drip any ink after the refill is complete.syringe. I use disposable syringes available at any pharmacy. Tell them you
want the biggest, meanest needle they have since it is for ink refilling and
you shouldn't have a problem purchasing them. Get one for each color and
label it. The last ones I bought were 23¢ each. The web site instructions
will tell you to peel back the label on top and punch out the sealing plug
on top. DON'T DO IT. There are three ways much easier than that.hole in the top, just big enough for a fine thread screw which will be used
as a seal. If you can find small nylon thumbscrews at a hardware store, they
would be easier to use than either a set screw or machine screw.two small holes with a push pin (or hot paper clip). One hole is for
filling, but it will probably be too small for air to escape. That's what
the second hole is for. If an air escape isn't provided either with a second
hole or one large enough like the ones using a screw or hot melt glue, ink
will be forced out the vent on the area above the sponge (I found out the
hard way). To reseal these two small holes, use a small piece of duct tape.
I've used all three methods, but this is the easiest one.aftermarket tanks and use the right paper. Once one is are empty, use it for
your #2 refilled set and keep the third as an emergency backup. Tyler Martin
Company in Kansas http://www.tylermartin.com/specials.htm has the very good
prices. I've used the inexpensive Rainbow cartridges he sells and I couldn't
tell any difference in output quality from either Canon or my refill ink.
Office Depot Premium Glossy and Red River Ultra Pro are my favorite papers.

 

[Debbie]

Thanks, again

Debbie

Be sure to use duct tape for the hole on top, but for the most permanent
repair, hot melt glue would be best. There really are different grades of
duct tape (even a brand name of Duck Tape). The reason I emphasize thick
cloth duct tape is that it has a heavy adhesive layer and the cloth makes it
very flexible so it will conform to surfaces and provide an excellent seal.
Since you already have an opening on the top, you may want to use that for
the filler and then seal it with duct tape as you planned. This would
eliminate the need to make the two holes on the side. If you are making the
holes on the side there may be some raised edges from melting with the hot
paper clip or being deformed by the push pin. The edges can be sliced off
with a razor blade. Be sure to let me know how it works for you.

Ron Cohen
(e-mail address removed)


seal. The two best methods of sealing the outlet while refilling are to use
the orange clips with a strong rubber band - it works or to use thick cloth
duct tape. Duct tape works very well at sealing the outlet while refilling.
Also, removing the rubber plug is another way to have problems. I know the
instructions on most of the refill vendor web sites say to do so, but I
totally disagree. The instructions I've written below should make the
refilling task much easier and without the problems you've experienced. I
do a lot of refilling and never have a problem.
put them back on and hold them tightly in place with a strong rubber band.
If you don't have the caps, a spot of thick cloth duct tape will work just
fine to seal over the outlet. Make sure it is thick cloth duct tape. Other
tapes just don't have the sealing capacity of the duct tape. This is a
critical part of the refilling process. If a seal isn't made, ink will run
out when an opening is made for the ink syringe. Think of it like a soda
straw with water. It doesn't leak while you have your finger on top to make
a seal. This seal should stay in place until the tanks are ready to be put
back in the printer. The only other reason to remove the seal would be to
insure that the tank doesn't drip any ink after the refill is complete.
syringe. I use disposable syringes available at any pharmacy. Tell them you
want the biggest, meanest needle they have since it is for ink refilling and
you shouldn't have a problem purchasing them. Get one for each color and
label it. The last ones I bought were 23¢ each. The web site instructions
will tell you to peel back the label on top and punch out the sealing plug
on top. DON'T DO IT. There are three ways much easier than that.
hole in the top, just big enough for a fine thread screw which will be used
as a seal. If you can find small nylon thumbscrews at a hardware store, they
would be easier to use than either a set screw or machine screw.
two small holes with a push pin (or hot paper clip). One hole is for
filling, but it will probably be too small for air to escape. That's what
the second hole is for. If an air escape isn't provided either with a second
hole or one large enough like the ones using a screw or hot melt glue, ink
will be forced out the vent on the area above the sponge (I found out the
hard way). To reseal these two small holes, use a small piece of duct tape.
I've used all three methods, but this is the easiest one.
aftermarket tanks and use the right paper. Once one is are empty, use it for
your #2 refilled set and keep the third as an emergency backup. Tyler Martin
Company in Kansas http://www.tylermartin.com/specials.htm has the very good
prices. I've used the inexpensive Rainbow cartridges he sells and I couldn't
tell any difference in output quality from either Canon or my refill ink.
Office Depot Premium Glossy and Red River Ultra Pro are my favorite papers.