Solving Persistent Color Ink Clogs in WF-3640: Guidance from BCH Technologies

Q: After repeated "Clean Nozzle" processes over 4-6 months, the black ink port(s) of my printer are clear, but the color ports seem to worsen. Is this situation salvageable, or should I consider it a lost cause? Would one of your unclog combo kits help, and if so, which one?

A: Thank you for reaching out with your printer concerns. At BCH Technologies, we're always ready to assist and appreciate your support, especially your interaction with our YouTube channel. Feedback and inquiries like yours are essential in enhancing our services and helping our community tackle common printer issues.

When dealing with persistent clogs in color ink ports, while the black ink seems unaffected, it's important not to view the situation as a lost cause. The issue you're experiencing is not uncommon and can often be resolved with the right approach and tools.

Given the specific challenges you're facing with the color ink ports, we recommend trying one of our unclog combo kits. These kits are specially designed to address stubborn clogs and restore ink flow to optimal levels. The choice of kit depends on your printer model and the severity of the clog, but for comprehensive issues like the ones you've described, our Universal Printer Cleaning Kit is often a reliable choice. It's formulated to tackle tough clogs across a variety of printer models.

Before proceeding with an unclog combo kit, it's also worthwhile to follow a structured cleaning schedule using your printer's built-in cleaning function. Here's a recommended approach:

Epson's Built-In Method:

Day One:

• Conduct the cleaning function three times or until the nozzle check is perfect.
• Turn off the printer for at least 10 minutes.
• Again, perform the cleaning function three times or until the nozzle check is perfect.
• If the nozzle check remains imperfect, pause for 12 hours before continuing.

Day Two:

• Repeat the cleaning function three times or until achieving a perfect nozzle check.
• Turn off the printer for another 10-minute interval.
• Conduct the cleaning function three times more or until the nozzle check is perfect.

If, after this rigorous schedule, the nozzle check is still not perfect, we're here to help. While it's acceptable to have one or two missing pixels in the nozzle check, striving for perfection ensures the best print quality. Regular printing, at least one page per day, can help prevent future clogs. Should clogs persist, this cleaning process can be repeated.

Waterfall Unclogging Method:

This method involves gently forcing ink through the printhead to dislodge any clogs. To perform the waterfall unclogging method:

1. Remove the ink cartridge associated with the clogged port.
2. Using a syringe filled with printhead cleaner, gently inject the cleaner into the ink port, allowing the fluid to flow through the printhead and out of the nozzle.
3. Catch the cleaner with a towel or paper towel beneath the printhead.
4. Repeat until the cleaner appears clear, indicating that the clog has been removed.

Flushing Unclogging Method:

The flushing method is more comprehensive, designed for stubborn clogs. This approach requires flushing the entire ink system with a cleaning solution:

1. Fill the ink system (cartridges or CISS) with a cleaning solution designed for printhead clogs.
2. Run the printer's built-in cleaning cycle several times to allow the cleaning solution to work through the printhead.
3. Perform nozzle checks to monitor progress. Once the clog appears to be cleared, replace the cleaning solution with regular ink and perform additional cleaning cycles to purge the cleaning solution from the system.

After attempting these methods, if you're still experiencing issues, our unclog combo kits, such as the Universal Printer Cleaning Kit, might be the next step. These kits are formulated to tackle a wide range of clogging issues and are compatible with various printer models.

Addressing printer issues, especially when it involves unclogging ink ports, can be intricate. Our in-person evaluation and repair service at BCH Technologies' local diagnostic facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service) is available for those seeking professional assistance. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so patience may be required.

For those preferring self-help options, we encourage exploring online resources or our extensive library of tutorials and guides on our YouTube channel. Your efforts to maintain and repair your printer contribute to a longer lifespan and improved performance of your device.

Thank you again for your inquiry. We're committed to assisting you through this process and are confident that with the right approach, your printer's color ink flow can be fully restored.