Epson C84 - ink overflow pads

[Fenrir Enterprises]

The only waterfalls of ink I have seen in many, many hundreds of printers are
HP inkjets that have not been serviced in time, these have sometimes been
beyond economic repair.
I am very interested in any forum that reports Epson printers with this problem
without having had a waste counter reset and I would appreciate any links that
you have.
Most often Epson waste pads are less than half full when the first warning
appears.
Tony

This is the forum where I found the modification for the R200/300
series (which is MUCH easier, but as I'll probably be buying a C88
soon, I'll modify it before I even put the carts in)

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=51595&forum_id=40&page=2

Second to last post from the bottom, by zakezuke. Not sure if it's the
same one that posts here (if it is and you're reading this: any
details on just what happened and how big a mess it made)?

I've seen this mentioned on at least one other forum that links to
this modification, but I didn't bookmark any others. I'm not saying
that your advice is bad. I'm just saying that sooner or later the
printer is going to overflow if you use SSC or similar to reset the
counter, and that this modification should be done if you intend to
override the warning. If it's half full now, the next time he resets
it might be just on the edge of overflowing. I've never seen or heard
of an HP overflowing (or any modification for any of them to prevent
it), Epsons seem to use a heck of a lot more ink purging than any
other printers.

---

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.

 

[Martin]

While one person has said that you can have one reset without worry,
I've seen people post on other message boards that their Epson
printers became a waterfall of ink when moved slightly, even before
the /first/ time the waste ink counter hits critical. I would
reccomend either doing that waste tank re-route or put the printer in
a plastic tray so that if it does leak, it doesn't take half the desk
with it. Another solution is to cut a large enough hole against the
side that you're supposed to take out so that you can reach the tube
with a paperclip or such, and re-route it/add an extension that way.
The R200/220/300(M)/320/340 series have a 1.5" x 2" door on the back
that opens directly to the tube. You could cut a hole about this size
so that the right hand side of it (looking from the back of the
printer) is the seam between the removable panel and the printer body.
Then once you've done the re-route, put a piece of duct tape over it
to keep dust out, leaving just enough space for the tube. This might
make it harder to glue an extension tube on it in case the tube isn't
long enough, though. Also, be careful not to pull the waste ink tube
loose from the pump. But you really should do this modification,
rather than accidentally creating a new art piece out of your desk.

---

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.

With the greatest of respect if you choose not to carry out the external
ink reservoir modification or replacing the ink pads you're asking for
trouble.

Not only will the waste pads overflow but you will likely find that the
components in your printer will come into contact with the rising ink
and foul it..

Removing the side panel from the C84 require a flashlight and a small
mirror (small purse make up mirrors are best). You simply have to locate
and gently release the catches to release the side.

In all honesty, even if you DO break the tabs for the INSIDE the end
part of the case it won't stop the case from slotting back on afterwards
and staying firmly in position... I know this because I did just that
the first time round and the printer is just fine... It's a lot like
leaving the belt and taking off the braces.

Up to you at the end of the day but when you get a dead printer and/or a
stained carpet/desk I'll be the first to say "I told you so".

 

[Tony]

This is the forum where I found the modification for the R200/300
series (which is MUCH easier, but as I'll probably be buying a C88
soon, I'll modify it before I even put the carts in)

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=51595&forum_id=40&page=2

Second to last post from the bottom, by zakezuke. Not sure if it's the
same one that posts here (if it is and you're reading this: any
details on just what happened and how big a mess it made)?

I've seen this mentioned on at least one other forum that links to
this modification, but I didn't bookmark any others. I'm not saying
that your advice is bad. I'm just saying that sooner or later the
printer is going to overflow if you use SSC or similar to reset the
counter, and that this modification should be done if you intend to
override the warning. If it's half full now, the next time he resets
it might be just on the edge of overflowing. I've never seen or heard
of an HP overflowing (or any modification for any of them to prevent
it), Epsons seem to use a heck of a lot more ink purging than any
other printers.

---

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.

Thanks for the link, not sure that I completely followed it but I need to
research it some.
You are right that if no action is taken then an overflow will eventually
occur, the CIS solution will work perfectly as will pad replacement (albeit it
will need to be repeated). I am unaware of any problem like this with Epsom
printers unless the counter has been reset more than once, but I shall do more
research.
The HP problem is common with older printers, those manufactured in the last
year or so have a lesser or no issue, HP provides links on their website to
explain the procedures for cleaning out the service station on some of their
printers (all power to them for doing so even if the user manuals do not
mention it). The service stations get a build up of ink in the affected
printers usually in the form of a column of semi-solid ink; when this is tall
enough the carriage assembly bulldozes the ink and this manifests itself as a
very fine spray which starts to discolour the case and other parts of the
printer, in most cases this discolouration is obvious to the experienced eye
but it is so gradual that the user may not notice it. In extreme cases the ink
builds up in the bottom of the case and starts to flow, usually first noticed
when the printer is moved and tilted slightly with obvious results.
It is easy to avoid the problem if the user is aware of it but as I indicated
above they are usually not aware until they have a bit of a mess. BTW for the
benefit of any lurking trolls this is not caused by leaking cartridges, OEM or
otherwise, but is a side effect of having printed a great deal.
Once more thanks for the information.
Tony

 

[Arthur Entlich]

You have to completely dismantle the printer to get at the cleaning
pads. They are under the printer mechanism. Some pads care easily
cleanable, but the newer ones are difficult to do as they tend to fall
apart of compress. Under any circumstances its a bit of a mess to deal
with.

What I suggest to some people is they just place an extension on the
waste ink tube and bring it outside the printer and have the waste ink
go into a bottle, and responsibly discard the ink when it gets near full.

Some people cut their own new waste ink pads from disposable diapers or
similar products. I think the bottle approach makes more sense.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

1) Get over the top posting. Lots of people do it, and it has a good
logic to it for certain applications like fast moving groups like this one.

2) Not everyone knows how to find service manuals (and many are simply
unavailable) and certainly a lot of people find them difficult to follow
or understand, or do not have the proper tools. Even under the best
case scenario, getting to the waste ink pads does require a fair amount
of disassembly, and not everyone is so inclined, especially to have to
do it numerous times over the life of the printer

3) No matter what else, removing or cleaning the waste ink pads and
drying them is time consuming and a very dirty job, and the results with
the newer pads is not always successful, because they are using a
materials which isn't really designed for rinsing and reusing as the
older printers had.

4) Adding an extension tube and bringing the waste ink outside into a
bottle, allows you to not have to clean the waste ink pads, makes the
whole process much easier in the future, and requires less dismantling
of the printer to do.

The first poster was correct that many people end up damaging their
printer trying to disassemble it. I have seen it many times.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

OK, guys, can we now call a truce? Both of you offer useful information
to this group, and we already have enough problems with a couple of
people who add nothing useful, but waste a lot of bandwidth shouting at
each other.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Very well stated Martin, and IMHO, right on all accounts. The newer
printers are designed to not easily be dismantled, and there is indeed a
potential problem with the frame of the printer mechanism, become skewed
and misaligned. Within many of the same mentioned service manuals, Epson
has a warning to that effect.

Your approach is much more logical and less apt to cause difficulty.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Yes, it is linked to head clean and other cleaning. Certain types of
cycles rasie tehnumber more quickly than otehrs, as not all cleaning
cycles are equal.

Art

 

[Shooter]

Arthur,

It's all very well saying that, but let me ask how you would like replying
to a post and finding that someone who dislikes your opinion re-directs any
replies to another news group, I doubt you would, buts examine the it
further, not only are they interferring with a persons reply, they are
removing the right of the group to read what that reply is and removing the
right of the group to reply. OK perhaps calling the person a ****wit is a
little strong and suggesting they get get a reward for being such a person
is also strong, in my book deserved, it does not give that person the right
to re-direct replies to the group. I shall for the time being, attack this
persons posts in this group. You may consider this a waste of bandwith and
being so I apologise to you for the offence it gives you, he has made this
public so I will reply in public, and the sanction stands. In your reply you
suggest he gives useful info, really.

 

[Denis Scadeng]

With the greatest of respect if you choose not to carry out the
external ink reservoir modification or replacing the ink pads you're
asking for trouble.

Fair point. It is, however, a calculated risk and I know the
consequences. I have put the printer in a drip tray so the worst that
can happen is that the printer gets messy. No messy carpet no matter
what happens.

I appreciate all the advice - including that it would be unwise to
dismantle the entire thing to try to get at the pads - a very sneaky
piece of design by Epson!

Inspired by all the posts I might have a go at fitting an overflow tube
to an external tank either by taking off the side (and the hell with
broken lugs - a hot glue gun will sort that out) or cutting a hole in
the back - perhaps the easiest solution.

A thought though. If you can get at the tube and release it from the
tank, I assume that this means that you could stick another piece of
tubing into the tank and suck the sludge out with a syringe - or could
you? If it works it might only need doing about once a year.

Alternatively, just let the bloody thing overflow into the printer base
and drip tray. I doubt if some congealing ink in the base of the printer
will affect it - most of the gubbins seems to higher and out of reach.

Or, just buy a new printer - the technology seems to improve year by
year so you can get a shiny new all singing and dancing printer out of
it. And if Epson makes a loss on each printer (as has been suggested
because they make most profit in ink) then that is a bonus.

Up to you at the end of the day but when you get a dead printer and/or
a stained carpet/desk I'll be the first to say "I told you so".

Watch this space and I will send a "mea culpa" to all.

Thanks for all the advice - I had no idea it was going to generate this
much heat"

Denis

 

[Fenrir Enterprises]

Inspired by all the posts I might have a go at fitting an overflow tube
to an external tank either by taking off the side (and the hell with
broken lugs - a hot glue gun will sort that out) or cutting a hole in
the back - perhaps the easiest solution.

A thought though. If you can get at the tube and release it from the
tank, I assume that this means that you could stick another piece of
tubing into the tank and suck the sludge out with a syringe - or could
you? If it works it might only need doing about once a year.

I've suggested this (either that, or paper towels, and just tip the
printer a little to make it all flow to one side), but haven't heard
anyone say they've tried it. I modified mine a week after I bought it
and looked up these reports, so only one pad is a little inked. Since
you've hit the counter once already, I would definitely try to do this
first.

Alternatively, just let the bloody thing overflow into the printer base
and drip tray. I doubt if some congealing ink in the base of the printer
will affect it - most of the gubbins seems to higher and out of reach.

Or, just buy a new printer - the technology seems to improve year by
year so you can get a shiny new all singing and dancing printer out of
it. And if Epson makes a loss on each printer (as has been suggested
because they make most profit in ink) then that is a bonus.

I could be wrong, but if the ink buildup gets that high it might get
the printhead dirty. As for buying a new printer... wasn't the whole
point of asking how to reset thet warning in order to not have to buy
a new one? Though the C84 and C86 have both been badly reviewed due to
clogging. I have yet to see any extensive reviews of the C88, since it
has a new type of DuraBrite ink it may clog less (or more).

---

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.

 

[measekite]

I AM GLAD THIS IS HAPPENING TO YOU PEOPLE. NOW YOU HAVA A DOSE OF YOUR
OWN MEDICINE.

 

[Martin]

Fair point. It is, however, a calculated risk and I know the
consequences. I have put the printer in a drip tray so the worst that
can happen is that the printer gets messy. No messy carpet no matter
what happens.

Unfortunately as has been pointed out by a few people, it can result in
the print head becoming fouled by the rising ink.

I appreciate all the advice - including that it would be unwise to
dismantle the entire thing to try to get at the pads - a very sneaky
piece of design by Epson!

Inspired by all the posts I might have a go at fitting an overflow tube
to an external tank either by taking off the side (and the hell with
broken lugs - a hot glue gun will sort that out) or cutting a hole in
the back - perhaps the easiest solution.

A thought though. If you can get at the tube and release it from the
tank, I assume that this means that you could stick another piece of
tubing into the tank and suck the sludge out with a syringe - or could
you? If it works it might only need doing about once a year.

Someone tried to use a vacuum pump on their iP4000 to do just this and
they managed to get around 30ml of ink out. Unfortunately the printer
decided to treat the owner to a bath of ink about a week later so it
wasn't particularly successful.

Alternatively, just let the bloody thing overflow into the printer base
and drip tray. I doubt if some congealing ink in the base of the printer
will affect it - most of the gubbins seems to higher and out of reach.

Or, just buy a new printer - the technology seems to improve year by
year so you can get a shiny new all singing and dancing printer out of
it. And if Epson makes a loss on each printer (as has been suggested
because they make most profit in ink) then that is a bonus.

Well, in truth, I actually only worked out how to complete my
modification after I'd reached the end of my tether with a C84 that was
essential to some work I was doing. As it turned out it was a heck of
lot easier to complete than I'd first thought..

So, in a nutshell, if you're seriously thinking of buying a new printer
anyway, why not give it a shot and if you blow it, it's no loss.. If you
succeed, well, bonus

Watch this space and I will send a "mea culpa" to all.

Thanks for all the advice - I had no idea it was going to generate this
much heat"

Not so much heat as "Ack... don't do itttttt!"

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Your thought of removing the sludge with a syringe is a good one, but
from my experience, it isn't very effective. The ink gets too thick,
and the pads absorb it too well and don't want to let it go (believe me,
I tried!) Also, depending upon the printer, these pads are spread out
along the bottom in different configurations and thicknesses, so there
is no easy way to really clean thing up.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The C and CX printers for the most part use Durabrite pigment colorant
inks. These inks are relatively fast drying but have a fair amount of
solids in them, so the ink gets quite think and sludgy quickly in the
pads below, and since there is quite a bit of residue, the pads get
filled up more rapidly than a dye ink where most of the ink is water or
other volatiles.

Also, some of these printers have ink draining from more than one
location, since some have a second "spittoon" on the left side which
drains to the waste pads as well. This adds a little wrinkle into the
extending the tube outside of the printer, since that ink isn't directed
to the waste ink tube, and goes passively down into the pads.

In looking at a number of these printers, the ink often doesn't spread
evenly into the waste pads, but gets congealed and then doesn't allow
the ink to travel through the whole pads, so the problem is further
compounded.

Art