Effective Unclogging Strategies for Epson 9880 Wide-Format Printers: Q&A

Q&A:

Q: I've recently acquired an Epson 9880 wide-format printer from an auction, which has been in storage for a long time. Despite my efforts to clear clogs using a water/alcohol mix, performing the "shoe shine" method, and initiating an initial fill, the photo-black and magenta colors remain problematic, with noticeable air in the magenta line. Could you advise on whether the issue lies within the lines or the printhead, and how to effectively use your unclogging kit for a printer with ink tubes like mine? Which BCH unclogging kit would be best suited for my situation?

A: Thanks for contacting us. At BCH Technologies, we value your support and feedback, particularly concerning our YouTube channel, as it aids in enhancing our technical expertise.

Your proactive approach, including the "shoe shine" method, is commendable. This technique involves gently wiping underneath the printhead with a non-woven fabric soaked in a cleaning solution, similar to shining shoes. It's particularly effective for removing ink clogs that have formed underneath the printhead, a common issue for printers that have been inactive for extended periods. Given this method has partially resolved your clogging issues, it suggests that remaining clogs might reside within the nozzles themselves.

Here's how to further address your printer's clogs:

1. Identifying the Clog Source: Alongside the "shoe shine" method you've applied, determining whether the clog is in the lines or the printhead involves disconnecting the lines from the printhead and using a syringe to check for blockages in the lines. If the syringe draws fluid through easily, the lines are clear, and the printhead likely has internal clogs.
2. Choosing the Right Solution: For your Epson 9880, given it's on OEM ink and has been dry for a while, our Professional Red Cleaning Solution for Water-Based Inks is recommended. While we don't have a specific kit for wide-format printers with ink tubes, this solution effectively clears out clogs.
3. Applying the Cleaning Solution: Without a direct kit for wide-format printers, creating a method to deliver the cleaning solution to the printhead is essential. A Printhead Flushing Tool, comprising an adapter with a tube and a 10 ml syringe, can be especially useful for this purpose. This tool is designed to fit Epson's ink intake ports snugly, allowing efficient cleaning solution delivery directly to the printhead.
4. Procedure:
   • Position the printhead in the center, turn on the printer, and disconnect the power as it begins to move to allow manual movement.
   • Place paper towels under the printhead to catch any excess solution.
   • Initially, use distilled water to practice creating a seal with the adapter on the printhead's intake port, drawing liquid up with the syringe to remove clogs.
   • Switch to the Red Cleaning Solution, fill the syringe with 2 ml, attach the adapter securely, and gently introduce the solution into the printhead.
   • Apply gentle pressure; excessive force can indicate a severe clog and risk damaging the printhead.
5. Final Steps: After the cleaning solution application, allow the printhead to sit for 5-12 hours. Following this, run the printer's internal cleaning cycles until the nozzle check prints correctly, indicating the clogs have been cleared.

Addressing printer issues, especially with models like the Epson 9880, can be intricate. We offer in-person evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service), but encourage exploring DIY solutions first. For additional guidance, our YouTube channel covers a range of printer maintenance and unclogging techniques.

Thank you for reaching out. We're here to support your printing needs and ensure your equipment's optimal performance.