Epson SP1280 Black Only Prints So Far

  • Thread starter Thread starter William E. Krantz, Jr.
  • Start date Start date
W

William E. Krantz, Jr.

On a fairly new Epson SP1280, the black begins to print normally but then
quickly fades to nothing a little bit into the print. On the next print
the same thing happens.

I've tried several different black cartridges with no change, so I don't
think the problem is the cartridge- they can't all be bad!

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Is it something I can fix
myself? Or do I have to dump this thing and try a different model?

Thanks in advance.

Bill K.

PS: Due to a very iffy Usenet service, I'd appreciate a copy of replies to
my email.
 
This sounds like either ink starvation or air mixed in the cartridge or
thickened ink.

You don't mention if you are using OEM EPson ink cartridges, refilled,
3rd party inks, or even a CIS (Continuous Inking System).

The problem you are seeing usually is caused by ink starvation. That is
caused by either incorrect venting of air that doesn't allow the air to
replace the used ink, and a vacuum develops in the cartridge.

Or, if the cartridge has air bubbles in it, caused by trapped air during
refilling, thickened ink foam, or a refilled cartridge which has a dried
out top sponge surface. Also, if there is air leak between the ink
outlet of the cartridge (there is a small "o" gasket there to seal it
normally) and the ink nipple (the spike that punctures the cartridge
outlet) air can get sucked into the cartridge.

If the ink has become quite thickened, that can also lead to ink
starvation, you can try slightly diluting it with the proper solvent or
water, add only a few drops at a time and mix well by shaking the
cartridge (watch out for ink dripping out).

Lastly, you may have an underhead clogging situation, where it needs
cleaning. If you want to know more about that email me.

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

Art
 
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