Cyan Print Issues on Epson L4156 EcoTank Printer

Question: 
I am facing problems with cyan color in my Epson L4156 EcoTank printer. The cyan prints are blank; all other colors are acceptable. I have done everything from cyan purge pages, head cleans, and power cleans to soaking the printhead in a cleaning solution overnight. I’ve also used a syringe to try and push a cleaning solution through the damper, but it’s only possible to make clear water from underneath, and I can't get ink to flow through the damper in the regular direction. I would appreciate any tips on what to try next or any advice on being able to repair/clean the cyan damper.
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting BCH Technologies! We do genuinely apologize for the time it took before we replied. We realize the frustration and urgency printer problems can cause when they impact specific colors. We thank you for your patience as we strive to provide the most thorough and specific guidance possible. We are also thankful for your never-ending support, particularly regarding our YouTube channel, BCH Technologies. Your input is critical in allowing us to improve the technical side of things and cater to customers like you more effectively.
 
Possible Causes and Solutions for Cyan Ink Issues on the Epson L4156
 
Cyan Damper Problem: Based on your description, the cyan damper is clogged or obstructed. The fact that you can push water through the damper but not ink indicates some internal blockage or restriction stopping the ink from flowing properly. By dampers, we mean the devices that prevent air from getting into the ink lines: they prevent the pressure from budding, air getting in, or even thermal vapors from bursting inside, so the ink flows to the printhead, but a broken damper can mean colors (like your cyan) missing in print.
Unfortunately, a simple attempt to force the solution using a syringe doesn’t always work, mainly if the clog is deep in the damper’s internal mechanism. You might think you’ve already tried cleaning the damper to no avail, but it could have an internal blockage that no cleaning method you have attempted could remove.
 
Printhead Damage from Excessive Cleaning: Well-intentioned and excessive cleaning (especially multiple power cleans) when no clogs can do more harm than good. These aggressive cleaning cycles can permanently damage the printhead, which may explain the lack of cyan ink flow even after multiple cleaning cycles. The printhead itself could be damaged beyond being resurrected by cleaning procedures. If the printhead is irreparably damaged, nothing that can be done with cleaning or damper will alleviate this issue.
 
Damper Functionality and Reversibility: Because the damper functions in reverse, allowing you to pull ink out but not push it through, there seems to be some form of vacuum issue or mechanical failure within the damper itself. If the ink is not flowing the right way (the flow should be from the damper to the printhead), it is usually a sign of either a clogged internal valve of the damper or some problem with the suction mechanism.
 
Next steps: You already can't get the cyan ink to flow correctly through the damper, so the next best thing to do is:

• Soak the Damper Again: You may need to soak the damper in a cleaning solution for several hours instead. In some cases, letting it absorb for 12-24 hours may unlock resistant clogs. However, please make sure the solution does not ruin the damper, and avoid harsh chemicals, as they are likely to do more harm than good.
• Check the Damper: If you can remove it, examine it closely for visible cracks or wear. Changing the damper is the most conclusive way to cope if any physical damage can be found.
• Replace the Damper: If soaking does not help, your best option is to change out the cyan damper. Sadly, as you noted, you got to South Africa, where getting replacement parts seems an even bigger headache. If replacement dampers are unavailable locally, you may look for online suppliers who offer international shipping or see if compatible parts are stocked internationally.
• Evaluate Printhead Replacement: If the damper issue did not solve the problem and you suspect printhead damage, you may need to replace the printhead completely. Replacing the printhead is a more complicated process and may need expert help.

Important Consideration:
As you probably have figured, you should not exaggerate cleaning cycles or power cleansing in circumstances like this. Too much will damage sensitive parts of the printer, including the printhead, which tends to be expensive to replace. Always leave enough time between cleaning cycles (the recommended 12 hours) to avoid unnecessary wear on your printer.
Important Note: Troubleshooting printer problems can lead to complex issues, given the hands-on nature of the problem. Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill requests for remote troubleshooting, recommendations, or assistance with printer repairs. Local Diagnostic Facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service) In-House Evaluation and Repair Due to the high volume of usage, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, so it could take a few weeks to get to your printer for repair. With proper directions, our services are not limited to one whole printer; we can also operate individually on a part of the printer. But we also realize that our rates are not the cheapest around. We suggest you seek help by searching the web for the problem. We have a great YouTube channel (BCH Technologies) with a lot of videos that may have the answer to what you are trying to achieve. You can search for specific videos on YouTube according to the problem and find other channels that will be helpful.
Once again, thank you for contacting us. We hope that this piece of advice will help you out. Good luck getting your Epson L4156 printer up and running again!