Epson CX4600 ink cartridge problem

[Kroskey]

I just replace all the ink cartridges in my CX4600, and now all I get
is blank pages. It started with the black, so I replaced it, and as
soon as I did, the black text disappeared. Now with the color ones
replaced, it's all blank. These are brand new Epson cartridges, with a
exp date of 12/06. This printer has worked fine till now. Any ideas!
The printer is hooked to a imac, running Tiger.

 

[Davy]

Try giving Art (Arthur Entlich) an email requesting his cleanin
method which he'll download to you free, you'll see his post'
throughout these pages

e-printerhelp(@)mvps(.)org
(remove the brackets and type without spaces

Dav

 

[me]

I just replace all the ink cartridges in my CX4600, and now all I get
is blank pages. It started with the black, so I replaced it, and as
soon as I did, the black text disappeared. Now with the color ones
replaced, it's all blank. These are brand new Epson cartridges, with a
exp date of 12/06. This printer has worked fine till now. Any ideas!
The printer is hooked to a imac, running Tiger.

Stupid question, but did you remove any tape covering the openings on
the new cartridges?

 

[Ken]

Stupid question, but did you remove any tape covering the openings on
the new cartridges?

No tape on these Epson cartridges. This is the second set of a two
pack. first pack was fine.

Ken

 

[Arthur Entlich]

It's possible the tube that connect the cleaning station to the purge
pump has come loose. Whenever a new cartridge is installed it needs to
have the heads purged of any air and old ink to get it flowing again.
If the purge tube is not connected, there will be no vacuum and the ink
in the new cartridge will not flow.

Also, if the rubberized dam that seals the cleaning station to the head
surface is damaged or compromised by something (dirt, old ink, etc) the
vacuum will not hold and the same problem could exist.

Email me for more details.

Art

 

[ngreplies]

I had a neighbour who asked me to order some ink refills the same time as I
was ordering.
They ordered two sets of refills.
The first one they used was fine, but when they replaced with the second
(same batch) the ink got an air lock.

One thing they did mention is that the refills they stored in the cupboard
had been stored upside down, and it is my suspicion that an air bubble found
itself into the nozzle chamber.

I may be wrong in my assumption, but I always advise and ensure that the
cartridges are stored the correct way up to prevent an airlock.

Thoughts anyone.

 

[Tony]

I had a neighbour who asked me to order some ink refills the same time as I
was ordering.
They ordered two sets of refills.
The first one they used was fine, but when they replaced with the second
(same batch) the ink got an air lock.

One thing they did mention is that the refills they stored in the cupboard
had been stored upside down, and it is my suspicion that an air bubble found
itself into the nozzle chamber.

I may be wrong in my assumption, but I always advise and ensure that the
cartridges are stored the correct way up to prevent an airlock.

Thoughts anyone.

You are correct, the recommendation of most cartridge manufacturers (OEM and
otherwise) is that cartridges should be stored the correct way up. This helps
to avoid airlocks (in types that are prone to them) and in the case of
cartridges with built in heads it helps to prevent the nozzles from drying out
(together with the sealing tape). I have never seen this advice posted on a
manufacturers web site although I have not specifically looked for it, but I
have heard it from suppliers.
Tony

<snip>

 

[measekite]

I had a neighbour who asked me to order some ink refills the same time as I
was ordering.
They ordered two sets of refills.
The first one they used was fine, but when they replaced with the second
(same batch) the ink got an air lock.

One thing they did mention is that the refills they stored in the cupboard
had been stored upside down,

:-D :-D :-D

 

[Arthur Entlich]

It really depends upon the model of printer, and therefore the design of
the cartridge, if it was OEM or 3rd party, etc. The current spongeless
cartridges from Epson seem to be at little risk for an air bubble,
especially when they are new, however, the 3rd party company may or may
not make the cartridges similar, may have batting or a sponge, which
could hold a bubble in it for some time.


Art