
How to Improve Epson ET-8550 Printhead and Replace Ink Tubing
- By Kevin Day
- On Jan 20, 2025
- Comment 0
Question:
My Epson ET-8550 had a serious clog, and after watching your video, I began disassembling the printhead. I am thinking of upgrading the damper holder to the nipple version you found in your video, but I wonder if I should also upgrade the dampers or if I can still use the original. Also, I’ve wanted to switch out my ink lines for clear tubing, but I couldn’t find any on your website. Can you help me understand where to obtain this tubing?
Answer:
Thanks for tuning in! Sorry to be so late in responding. I know printer issues can be urgent, but I want to ensure I get you the most specific and detailed information to help address your issues. We at BCH Technologies appreciate all your support and engagement, specifically for our YouTube channel, BCH Technologies. Your insight is the most essential part of helping us process the refinement and growth of our technological savant.
The answers to your questions are:
Upgrading the Damper Holder and Dampers: If you are upgrading to the nipple-style damper holder shown in our video, you will need to replace the dampers themselves. This won't work, as all dampers for the Epson ET-8550 use a different style of damper holder and, therefore, aren't cross-compatible. Standard dampers do not include the fittings required to tether securely to the nipples.
- Solution: The connectors on V1 dampers have different specifications than those on upgraded V2 dampers (made for the nipple-style holders). These dampers come with suitable fittings that ensure a leak-free connection. To ensure optimal reliability of your ink delivery system and prevent future clogs, upgrading the damper holder and dampers is recommended.
Using Tubing Instead of Ink Lines: If you wish to know how to pour your ink lines and replace them with clear tubing, make sure you are using tubing that will not react with the ink you are gonna use, as well as make sure tubing is friendly with your ink as well as the printer's internals. The clear tubing lets the user see the ink flow as air bubbles or blockages can be seen easily, which mainly comes in handy when doing maintenance, such as priming or unclogging.
- How to Get the Tubing: We have the clear tubing, but if it is not on our website, we currently do not have it listed. Please don't hesitate to contact us for sources to purchase the tubing or for a special order. First, clear tubing often comes in those standard diameters, so be sure you're ordering the right tube that matches the original tube on your printer.
- If you wish, you can also buy clear ink tubing from third-party suppliers that specialize in printer parts. But check compatibility with your printer to avoid ink flow or leaking problems.
Troubleshooting printer issues is hands-on work and can be a sticky business. Unfortunately, that means we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. Our local diagnostic facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service) provides in-house evaluation and repairs.
Due to the high demand, we work on a first-come, first-serve basis. It may be weeks before we can get your printer in for service, but it will be well taken care of when we do. We provide printer repair parts by giving you pieces of the printer you need to replace. However, we do recognize that our rates are not the cheapest available. So, we encourage you to help others through an internet search. You can begin with YouTube or the homepage of our YouTube channel.
Search for individual videos using the search icon next to the words “About” on the right side of the menu bar. Every day I get dozens of question asking about videos on specific topics. With nine years of videos behind, it's hard to recall all of them. As such, it would be most efficient to use the search function available on YouTube. In addition, YouTube may recommend related videos from other channels that may help you.
Thank you for your inquiry once again! Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.