Ricoh Ri1000 Printer: Black and Blue Ink Nozzle Issues

Initial Issue: White Ink Not Printing

The user mentioned that their white ink wasn't printing. This issue was addressed by wet capping the machine for a week, flushing the lines with cleaner fluid, and then running ink through them. After replacing the print head, white ink resumed functioning, but black and blue ink ceased to appear on the nozzle check.

Error Codes: 990 and 998

After replacing the print head, the user encountered error codes 990 and 998 for all heads 1-4, indicating a critical problem with the fluid cleaning process. The fluid cleaner stopped at 27%, causing the black and blue ink issues.

Identifying the Cause

To understand why the fluid cleaner stops prematurely, consider these factors:

• Clogged Lines: Clogs can prevent fluid flow, causing the cleaner to stop early. This might be why the cleaner stopped at 27%.
• Ink-Cleaner Mixture: When syringing the black and blue lines, a mixture of ink and cleaner indicated that residual cleaner might be blocking the lines.

Recommended Solutions

To resolve these issues, try the following steps:

1. Repeat Fluid Cleaning Process:
   • Run the fluid cleaner again, but ensure the lines are completely clear before initiating the process.
   • If the cleaner still stops early, you might need to address potential clogs in the lines.
2. Inspect and Clean the Lines:
   • Use a syringe to flush the lines, ensuring there are no blockages.
   • If necessary, replace any components that appear damaged or excessively clogged.
3. Check for Air Bubbles:
   • Air bubbles in the lines can disrupt fluid flow. To remove them, use a syringe to gently push out the bubbles.
4. Replace Affected Components:
   • If the lines remain blocked after multiple attempts to clean them, consider replacing them.
   • Consult with Ricoh's support team or your local technician for guidance on replacing parts.
5. Update Firmware:
   • Ensure your printer's firmware is up-to-date. Sometimes, outdated firmware can cause unexpected errors.

Further Assistance

If these steps do not resolve the problem, contact Ricoh's technical support for more detailed assistance. They can guide you through advanced troubleshooting and recommend specific parts replacements if needed.

For more technical tips and support, follow our YouTube channel, read our tech blog, or visit us in Greensboro, North Carolina. We offer comprehensive solutions for printer maintenance and troubleshooting to keep your Ricoh Ri1000 running smoothly.