A Step-by-Step Guide to Reviving an EcoTank 2720 Printer

Section 1: Introduction: Embracing the 'For Parts Only' Printer

Many of us might shy away from a printer listed as "for parts only" on online marketplaces like eBay. The tag seems daunting and signals a potential hassle, but not for the daring. If you belong to the latter, you could end up with a perfectly working printer at a fraction of the retail cost. Today, we'll walk you through the process of reviving an EcoTank 2720 printer purchased "for parts only" for just $37.

Section 2: Using Gixen to Place Winning Bids on eBay

Begin by embracing the right tools to navigate online auctions effectively. Gixen, a straightforward eBay auction sniping website, allows you to place your maximum bid seconds before an auction ends. This tool minimizes competition, giving you the best chance of securing your desired "for parts" printer at the most affordable price.

Section 3: Evaluating and Inspecting the Printer Condition

Once the printer arrives, it's crucial to examine its condition. A printer that powers up is already a positive sign, even if it's for parts only. But before rushing into cleaning the nozzles, focus on the printer's damper first.

To inspect the damper in the EcoTank 2720 series, remove two screws, one on each side of the printer. This action allows you to lift the case cover and pull out the damper. A quick look can reveal if there's ink present—a crucial component in reviving the printer.

Section 4: Refilling the Damper and Importance of Checking the Ink Level

Refilling the damper entails drawing ink into a syringe and slowly releasing it into the ink outlet. Then, by opening the ink intake covers, we can easily fill up the yellow damper. But why focus on the damper and not jump straight to the nozzle cleaning?

Simply put, if there's no ink, there's no point in conducting a nozzle check. The built-in head cleaning can only draw about one or two ml of ink out of the printhead. Therefore, making sure all dampers are full first ensures the subsequent head cleaning and print nozzle check is productive.

Section 5: The Cleaning Process and Dispelling Misconceptions

Once you're certain the dampers are full, begin the cleaning process. After each cleaning, perform a nozzle check. It's normal to find a lot of ink on the platen—especially if the damper was full, as ink may leak during shipping.

At this stage, it's essential to debunk a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, extensive cleaning will not damage the printer or printhead. However, to prevent the printer from falsely believing that the printhead is damaged, limit cleaning to three consecutive rounds. Then return to the main menu and let the printer rest for a few hours.

Section 6: The Final Steps: Paper Guide Cleaning and Printing

With the cleaning process complete, it's time for paper guide cleaning. This step involves running paper through the platen, absorbing any remaining ink. After about three pages, the platen should be clean, and the printer ready for use.

After all these steps, you should find your "for parts only" printer working like new and capable of printing between 20,000 to 30,000 pages. All this for just $37 and a bit of time and patience.

Don't Forget: We're Here to Help!

For additional assistance or any queries, reach out to BCH Technologies. Our team is always ready to help. And if you prefer a more visual demonstration, check out our detailed video tutorial below. Here's to making the most out of "for parts only" printers. Cheers!