Canon inkjet issue

[Chuck Warren]

Canon S530D inkjet printer, uses the BCI-3 series of ink cartridges.

I had a clog that "clean" and "deep cleaning" functions did not clear. I
decided to try cleaning the print head. I removed it (easy to unlock) and
took out the ink cartridges. I used methyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to
clean ink feeds in the print head assembly and the print heads. I let the
print heads stand in the methyl for a few hours.

The print head looked very clean. After carefully drying, I reinserted the
ink cartridges ( 3 color and 1 black) into the respective slots, and
reinstalled the print head assembly into the printer.

A print head test (from driver software control) showed that each of the 3
color heads and the black head printed close to a perfect pattern formation.
However, the color control is off. That is, I get orange but no red or
close to red color, either in the test pattern or in printing from a known
source with definite reds present. Also, when printing in grey scale only
(driver grey scale only box checked), I get blacks, some tones of grey but
other mid-tones of grey come out as a light green.

My guess is that something in the print head or conductor lines associated
with the print head, got broken and/or crossed causing the ink flow control
to no longer correctly respond to driver inputs.

Any repair thoughts, other than buy a new print head assembly?

 

[measekite]

Canon S530D inkjet printer, uses the BCI-3 series of ink cartridges.

I had a clog that "clean" and "deep cleaning" functions did not clear. I
decided to try cleaning the print head. I removed it (easy to unlock) and
took out the ink cartridges. I used methyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to
clean ink feeds in the print head assembly and the print heads. I let the
print heads stand in the methyl for a few hours.

The print head looked very clean. After carefully drying, I reinserted the
ink cartridges ( 3 color and 1 black) into the respective slots, and
reinstalled the print head assembly into the printer.

A print head test (from driver software control) showed that each of the 3
color heads and the black head printed close to a perfect pattern formation.
However, the color control is off. That is, I get orange but no red or
close to red color, either in the test pattern or in printing from a known
source with definite reds present. Also, when printing in grey scale only
(driver grey scale only box checked), I get blacks, some tones of grey but
other mid-tones of grey come out as a light green.

My guess is that something in the print head or conductor lines associated
with the print head, got broken and/or crossed causing the ink flow control
to no longer correctly respond to driver inputs.

Any repair thoughts, other than buy a new print head assembly?

YEAH IT IS TIME TO STOP WASTING TIME. GO BUY A CANON IP5200 AND USE OEM
INK. YOU WILL ENJOY PRINTING AGAIN.

 

[Dan G]

1st: Methyl alcohol is not "rubbing alcohol", it's a caustic substance that
should never be used around a printer. Here's hoping you used isopropyl
alcohol. Warm water and a little ammonia would be as good.

Soaking the head, you probably have inks mixed in the heads. Get some test
pages of the 3 colors and print several at normal settings. This should
clear the heads pretty well. Also, "drying" heads is not usually a good
idea, they want to go right back into the printer with tanks inserted as
soon as possible.

 

[John N. Ayres]

I know it will cost you about $50 for a complete set of new genuine
Canon cartridges, but that's probably your problem. Unless, of
course, you are already using them. I have been using aftermarket
cartridges in two Canon printers for over two years and never had a
problem. Recently by swapping print head assemblies and ink
cartridges between the two printers I found the ink to be the problem.
I bought a set of real Canon cartridges and the problem vanished
immediately. I haven't given up on the aftermarket cartridges but
will replace the Canon's one by one as they run dry and see what
happens.

(e-mail address removed)

 

[measekite]

I know it will cost you about $50 for a complete set of new genuine
Canon cartridges, but that's probably your problem. Unless, of
course, you are already using them. I have been using aftermarket
cartridges in two Canon printers for over two years and never had a
problem.

THOUSANDS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS

Recently by swapping print head assemblies and ink
cartridges between the two printers I found the ink to be the problem.
I bought a set of real Canon cartridges and the problem vanished
immediately. I haven't given up on the aftermarket cartridges but
will replace the Canon's one by one as they run dry and see what
happens.

SOUND LIKE YOU NEED TO REPLACE DA BRANE