How to Properly Clean and Dry an Epson Stylus 1390 Printhead Without Damaging the Motherboard
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 04, 2024
- Comment 0
Question
I watched your video on disassembling and cleaning the printhead for the Epson Stylus 1390. After washing and drying the printhead, I reinstalled it in the printer. During a printhead cleaning cycle, I noticed smoke from the carriage board area, which eventually fried the motherboard. This is the second time I’ve experienced a motherboard failure after cleaning a printhead.I suspect moisture in the printhead may have caused the issue, but I’m unsure. How long should the printhead sit after cleaning to ensure it’s dry? Is there a more reliable method for drying the printhead? Could improper cleaning or assembly be contributing to the problem?
Answer
Thank you for contacting us, and I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced. Printer problems can be incredibly frustrating, and I appreciate your patience. At BCH Technologies, we aim to provide detailed, thoughtful responses to ensure you have all the information you need. We also understand your engagement with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), as your feedback helps us continue improving our technical expertise.Let’s address your questions to prevent this issue from happening again.
Key Considerations for Printhead Cleaning
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Drying the Printhead After Cleaning:
From my experience, if the cleaning process is done correctly, there’s no need for the printhead to sit for an extended period. I typically reinstall the printhead immediately after cleaning. The key is ensuring the FFC cable connector side remains dry throughout the process:
- Could you point the connector side upward or away from any cleaning solution during cleaning?
- Avoid letting cleaning fluid or water seep into the electrical contacts.
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Proper Drying Techniques:
If you suspect moisture might remain in the printhead, consider these methods:
- Compressed Air: Gently blow compressed air over the connector area and internal components to remove residual moisture.
- Absorbent Cloth: Use a lint-free, absorbent cloth to pat dry the printhead, focusing on the connectors and nozzle area.
- Heat Source: Place the printhead near a low-heat source, like a desk lamp, for about 30 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or damage the printhead.
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Potential Cause of the Motherboard Failure:
Based on your description, I suspect the rubber pad inside the printhead assembly was not installed correctly. This can cause ink to leak internally during operation, creating a short circuit. Here’s why this matters:
- When the rubber pad is misaligned, the printhead may initially seem functional. However, during higher-pressure operations (like printhead cleaning), ink can escape into areas it shouldn’t reach, such as the motherboard.
- Even if the printhead appears dry externally, internal leakage can cause damage.
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Preventing Future Issues:
To avoid repeating this problem:
- Could you double-check the placement of the rubber pad when reassembling the printhead?
- Test the printhead’s fluid flow outside the printer before reinstalling it.
- Please check the FFC cables and connectors for signs of previous shorts or corrosion, as these can exacerbate problems.
Additional Considerations
Addressing printer issues like these can be challenging because they are hands-on. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repairs. However, our local diagnostic facility offers in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Repairs are managed on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks to evaluate your printer.Our services include repairing entire printers or specific components, with clear instructions for drop-off or mail-in options. We understand that our rates may not suit everyone’s budget. For self-help, we recommend exploring our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar near the "About" tab to locate relevant tutorials, or let YouTube recommend related content from other creators.
Thank you again for contacting us! We greatly appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and are here to help you maintain and troubleshoot your printer effectively. Stay tuned for future videos and guides!