clogged red nozzel?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve

If my printer acts like it is out of red ink, could it really be a
clogged nozzle or whatever?
I'm using an old Lexmark Z32 printer. It was fine but first ran out of
black ink. I finally got some black ink but then it didn't print at all
(it went through the motions but spit out a blank page). I have been
sending my printing over to the printer on my son's computer, so there
was no urgency in getting the one at my desk working.
Tonight I got the urge to make it work. I uninstalled the printer and
reinstalled it. I went through the align print heads routine but noticed
it only printed in black now. I cleaned the print nozzles (via the
computer, not physically) and the blue and yellow came back but not the
red.
If I had a new color cartridge, I would try that to confirm I am not
simply out of red. As it is, buying a new cartridge costs more than the
printer is worth, especially if the red doesn't start working.
I don't think I'm really out of red. I think something is clogged from
lack of use for several months.
Is there a way to clean something to clear a clog? Where do I start?

Steve
 
Steve said:
If my printer acts like it is out of red ink, could it really be a
clogged nozzle or whatever?
I'm using an old Lexmark Z32 printer. It was fine but first ran out of
black ink. I finally got some black ink but then it didn't print at all
(it went through the motions but spit out a blank page). I have been
sending my printing over to the printer on my son's computer, so there
was no urgency in getting the one at my desk working.
Tonight I got the urge to make it work. I uninstalled the printer and
reinstalled it. I went through the align print heads routine but noticed
it only printed in black now. I cleaned the print nozzles (via the
computer, not physically) and the blue and yellow came back but not the
red.
If I had a new color cartridge, I would try that to confirm I am not
simply out of red. As it is, buying a new cartridge costs more than the
printer is worth, especially if the red doesn't start working.
I don't think I'm really out of red. I think something is clogged from
lack of use for several months.
Is there a way to clean something to clear a clog? Where do I start?

Steve
Click to expand...

Steve
You can try soaking the nozzle portion of the head in very hot water (near
boiling) for about five minutes. Dry it with a dabbing motion using paper
towels, don't wipe the nozzles with the paper.
If that fails you will have to decide between a new cartridge and a new printer.
Tony
 
Tony said:
Steve
You can try soaking the nozzle portion of the head in very hot water (near
boiling) for about five minutes. Dry it with a dabbing motion using paper
towels, don't wipe the nozzles with the paper.
If that fails you will have to decide between a new cartridge and a new printer.
Tony
Click to expand...

Tony,
I'll certainly give that a try. Thanks for the reply.

Steve
 
Steve said:
If my printer acts like it is out of red ink, could it really be a clogged
nozzle or whatever?
I'm using an old Lexmark Z32 printer. It was fine but first ran out of
black ink. I finally got some black ink but then it didn't print at all
(it went through the motions but spit out a blank page). I have been
sending my printing over to the printer on my son's computer, so there was
no urgency in getting the one at my desk working.
Tonight I got the urge to make it work. I uninstalled the printer and
reinstalled it. I went through the align print heads routine but noticed
it only printed in black now. I cleaned the print nozzles (via the
computer, not physically) and the blue and yellow came back but not the
red.
If I had a new color cartridge, I would try that to confirm I am not
simply out of red. As it is, buying a new cartridge costs more than the
printer is worth, especially if the red doesn't start working.
I don't think I'm really out of red. I think something is clogged from
lack of use for several months.
Is there a way to clean something to clear a clog? Where do I start?

Steve
Click to expand...

Steve.. I soak the heads of cartridge in house ammonia some times over
night. This works for me. W W
 
Warren said:
Steve.. I soak the heads of cartridge in house ammonia some times over
night. This works for me. W W
...........
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll try that if plain hot water doesn't do the trick. I haven't
had time to try anything yet but I will in the next day or two.

Steve
 
Tony said:
Steve
You can try soaking the nozzle portion of the head in very hot water (near
boiling) for about five minutes. Dry it with a dabbing motion using paper
towels, don't wipe the nozzles with the paper.
If that fails you will have to decide between a new cartridge and a new printer.
Tony
Click to expand...

Hey, I just placed the cartridge in a mug with a little hot water and
let it sit about 5 minutes as you said. I knew I was in business when I
blotted the water away and saw all 3 colors on the paper towel.
I just printed a small test picture and it works just like new. :-)
Thanks again!

Steve
 
Steve said:
Hey, I just placed the cartridge in a mug with a little hot water and
let it sit about 5 minutes as you said. I knew I was in business when I
blotted the water away and saw all 3 colors on the paper towel.
I just printed a small test picture and it works just like new. :-)
Thanks again!

Steve
Click to expand...

Whew!
Glad it worked at the price of Lexmark cartridges!
Tony
 
Back
Top