Epson 1290 (1280) Black Ink Problem

[Roy]

I have been having a recurring problem with the Black Cartridges in my 1290.

When the cartridge gets down to about 2 thirds empty, according to the Print
Monitor dialogue, a number of the nozzles stop working, and quite often it
looks as if no Black is being applied to the paper at all.

Even after repeated Head Cleaning, the Test Pattern shows some missing
nozzles. After each Cleaning some of the missing nozzles seem to be working
again, but some of the others have stopped working. I have of course tried
Emailing Epson Technical Services, but the replies were less than helpfull.

Last night I took the Cartridge out, to see if there was any problem with
the Ink Flow, but that was Ok. Instead of replacing it, as I had intended, I
put it back in and ran another nozzle check. All nozzles were delivering
Ink.

They are still all working this morning.

I wonder if perhaps it was an air lock, and if taking the Cartridge out and
giving it a shake might be the answer. Or could it be that a little bit of
the Plastic Seal over the Ink Outlet was obstructing the Ink Flow.

I have never had any similar problems with the Colour Cartridges.

Would any of the more technically skilled Gurus be able to advise?

Roy

 

[Arthur Entlich]

There are a few possibilities.

Indeed many similar problems have been reported. Strangely all from
England, Oops! The U.K, I mean... actually I'm just ribbing you.

It is probably a mixture of three factors. The way these cartridges
work is they deliver ink by a mixture of siphon/replacement of fluid and
capillary action through the batting. As the ink level drops, all of
these factors become less effective.

Further the labyrinth of the air duct may get slightly clogged with
dried ink, or otherwise may not work as effectively when the ink level
is not putting as much of a tug on the air replacement.

Further still, the ink will dry a bit from air contact, and it thickens
making it flow less well.

If you have a very highly color corrected system, you will probably find
this blasphemy, but otherwise, I often suggest to people they consider
placing a ml or two of ammoniated window cleaning into the cartridge and
gently tilt in back and forth to mix it with the ink. It slightly
dilutes the ink, and also helps keep the nozzles clear.

Further still, if you have not done so yet, you may wish to request my
Epson cleaning manual (only available by a request through private email
to me). I suggest all Epson users make up cleaning cartridges or buy
ready made ones, if that's too difficult, and run a full purging process
every 10-12 months. It clears the ink nipples, screens, heads and
cleaning station.

Art

 

[Roy]

I have been having a recurring problem with the Black Cartridges in my
1290.

Thanks, and a Merry Christmas, Art.

I am glad to say that the Cartridge is still supplying ink to all the
Nozzles.

Your explanation is very helpfull, and it looks as if my idea of giving it a
bit of a shake, was not so bad after all..

I will Email you for your Cleaning Manual, as soon as the Festivities and
Enforced Party Going is finished, and I can get back to doing my digital
photography.

Roy