Troubleshooting Epson ET-8550 Printer Issues: Ink Damper and Print Head Solutions

Question: I've been unable to use my Epson 8550 printer for weeks. Initially, the whites weren't printing, so I replaced the print head and installed new dampers. However, now every time I try to fill the dampers with ink, it leaks out from the bottom, leaving the dampers empty. I'm not sure what's causing this issue. Could you help me identify the problem?Thank you for reaching out to us! At BCH Technologies, we deeply appreciate your involvement and the support you provide, especially through our YouTube channel. Your engagement is vital in enhancing our technical know-how and responding to community queries.

Answer: In the scenario you described with your Epson ET-8550, it sounds like you’re experiencing issues with the ink not staying in the dampers after filling them. Fortunately, the situation you're encountering is a common one and can be resolved with a bit of know-how.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the design of this model includes dampers with an chamber designed to dump ink when removed. This is a standard mechanism but can be surprising if you’re not familiar with it. Here's a useful trick: disconnect the tubes and use the waste tube to suck out the ink. This tube is connected to the capping station. By parking the printhead at the capping station, the system can suck ink from the printhead, emptying the dampers in the process. As a result, the dampers are emptied before you remove them. However, if you have a clog in the nozzle, the damper will not be emptied this way. This might result in some ink remaining in the damper and potentially spilling on the printhead. To prevent this, it's crucial to protect the printhead FFC cables from getting wet. An effective solution would be using a printhead protective cover, which you can find here: Printhead Protector Cover Guard.

Additionally, if you suspect that the damper might be leaking due to insufficient sealing around its edges, consider acquiring a set of silicone washer gasket to enhance the seal: Silicone Washer Gasket Seal Pad.

Addressing printer issues can indeed be tricky due to their hands-on nature. For example, solving a "paper jam" can involve numerous potential causes, and each case might require a unique approach. Thus, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, advice, or support for printer repairs directly. However, we offer in-person evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility, available here. Please note that due to high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take some time to get your printer assessed.

Moreover, I strongly recommend joining two Facebook groups that could further assist you in your DTF conversion journey:

1. Transparent DTF (DTF Printing) XP-15000 Expert Support Group: This group hosts discussions not just about the XP-15000, but also ET-8550 and ET-15000 printers, with a 'Featured' section full of helpful content on DTF conversion and cartridge modification.
2. DTF And Crafting with IronDesigns813: Run by Veronica Hernandez, this group offers support for a variety of printers and features a YouTube channel with additional guidance.

Thank you again for your inquiry and continued support. We’re here to assist and look forward to helping you resolve any further issues with your printer.