Phantom Paper Jams on an Epson ET-8550 After an Ink Spill
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 31, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I recently converted an Epson ET-8550 to DTF, which was done months ago. CISS was put on a printer a week ago on Sunday, and then there was a leakage of white ink within the printer and even on cables. I cleaned the printhead and cables, but now I’m getting a phantom paper jam. The printer jams even without paper, while it is fed fine when roller cleaning. Nearby Epson repair shops don’t exist, so I’ve been hoping to find advice and parts to repair it myself.
Answer:
Thank you for writing, and I'm sorry to hear you’re having problems with your printer. I’m also sad this response took so long — I know how pressing printer problems can be. BCH Technologies knows you, and we love your interest, support, and love through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Question by: Shaquille Taylor We are up to date with printer problems like this, and as such, your feedback is encouraged as we try to provide comprehensive solutions.
Based on your description, the white ink onscreen would have drizzled into any critical sensors, signaling a phantom paper jam error. In particular, the page feed sensor and the paper ejection sensor are frequently the guilty parties. These sensors are responsible for noticing paper coursing through the bowels of the printer. When coated with ink, they could misread or be unable to recognize the movement of the paper. Here’s a closer look at what the concern is and how to address it:
Reasons Behind the Ghost Paper Jam
Page Feed Sensor Contamination:
This sensor detects when paper enters the printer. Any ink on this sensor can intercept the detection beam, and the printer will mistake it for the paper not feeding correctly or for erratic movement.
Interference of paper ejecting sensor:
A paper ejection sensor helps ensure paper comes out correctly. If this sensor becomes covered in ink, it can mistake paper passing from the printer, triggering a jam. Misalignment or damage to this sensor may also be a factor.
Connectors and Components:
Ink on the sensor cables or surrounding components disrupts sensor signals. Even if the printhead is clean, dried ink on the cables can still cause printing problems.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
Thoroughly Clean the Sensors:
Use a lint-free cloth with some isopropyl alcohol (90% or above) to wipe the page feed sensor and the paper ejection sensor. These sensors are situated close to the paper's entry and exit points. Also, could you wipe down the cables attached to these sensors to eliminate any dried ink residue from the area?
Check the Paper Path and Rollers:
Look for dried ink or debris in the rollers and paper path. Run the roller clean a few times to ensure the paper moves smoothly. Since paper comes through fine during roller cleaning, it isn't the rollers themselves that are the problem.
Command After You Clean the Printer:
Once clean, run the paper through the standard print path to check the printer. Continue running the roller clean to help the sensors align.
If Needed, Replace Faulty Sensors or Cables:
If cleaning doesn’t work, the sensors may also need a new one. Replacement parts are often available online, and part numbers can be found in the printer’s service manual or community forums.
How to Avoid Ink Spills from DTF Printers in the Future
Due to the nature of DTF, ink spills occur daily; thus, maintenance is essential. To reduce the chance of leaks, keep the CISS system filled but not overfilled, and place protective barriers surrounding sensitive components to keep them away from the ink.
A Note on Printer Repairs
Printer problems are hands-on, further making repairs difficult. We cannot provide remote assistance, so we offer local diagnostics and repair from our regional Diagnostic Facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to demand, we currently operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which can take several weeks for evaluation.
That means our repair services can be for the whole printer or just a specific part, and we will clearly outline how we will proceed. But we realize our rates may not be the cheapest. Alternatively, you are more of a self-help type. In that case, you can find plenty of tutorial videos on YouTube via the homepage of our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) or search for other creators' teaching videos.
We appreciate your question and for choosing BCH Technologies. I hope this helps you fix the phantom paper jam error and get your Epson ET-8550 back to business. If you need any more help, please let us know. Good luck with your printer repair!
I recently converted an Epson ET-8550 to DTF, which was done months ago. CISS was put on a printer a week ago on Sunday, and then there was a leakage of white ink within the printer and even on cables. I cleaned the printhead and cables, but now I’m getting a phantom paper jam. The printer jams even without paper, while it is fed fine when roller cleaning. Nearby Epson repair shops don’t exist, so I’ve been hoping to find advice and parts to repair it myself.
Answer:
Thank you for writing, and I'm sorry to hear you’re having problems with your printer. I’m also sad this response took so long — I know how pressing printer problems can be. BCH Technologies knows you, and we love your interest, support, and love through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Question by: Shaquille Taylor We are up to date with printer problems like this, and as such, your feedback is encouraged as we try to provide comprehensive solutions.
Based on your description, the white ink onscreen would have drizzled into any critical sensors, signaling a phantom paper jam error. In particular, the page feed sensor and the paper ejection sensor are frequently the guilty parties. These sensors are responsible for noticing paper coursing through the bowels of the printer. When coated with ink, they could misread or be unable to recognize the movement of the paper. Here’s a closer look at what the concern is and how to address it:
Reasons Behind the Ghost Paper Jam
Page Feed Sensor Contamination:
This sensor detects when paper enters the printer. Any ink on this sensor can intercept the detection beam, and the printer will mistake it for the paper not feeding correctly or for erratic movement.
Interference of paper ejecting sensor:
A paper ejection sensor helps ensure paper comes out correctly. If this sensor becomes covered in ink, it can mistake paper passing from the printer, triggering a jam. Misalignment or damage to this sensor may also be a factor.
Connectors and Components:
Ink on the sensor cables or surrounding components disrupts sensor signals. Even if the printhead is clean, dried ink on the cables can still cause printing problems.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
Thoroughly Clean the Sensors:
Use a lint-free cloth with some isopropyl alcohol (90% or above) to wipe the page feed sensor and the paper ejection sensor. These sensors are situated close to the paper's entry and exit points. Also, could you wipe down the cables attached to these sensors to eliminate any dried ink residue from the area?
Check the Paper Path and Rollers:
Look for dried ink or debris in the rollers and paper path. Run the roller clean a few times to ensure the paper moves smoothly. Since paper comes through fine during roller cleaning, it isn't the rollers themselves that are the problem.
Command After You Clean the Printer:
Once clean, run the paper through the standard print path to check the printer. Continue running the roller clean to help the sensors align.
If Needed, Replace Faulty Sensors or Cables:
If cleaning doesn’t work, the sensors may also need a new one. Replacement parts are often available online, and part numbers can be found in the printer’s service manual or community forums.
How to Avoid Ink Spills from DTF Printers in the Future
Due to the nature of DTF, ink spills occur daily; thus, maintenance is essential. To reduce the chance of leaks, keep the CISS system filled but not overfilled, and place protective barriers surrounding sensitive components to keep them away from the ink.
A Note on Printer Repairs
Printer problems are hands-on, further making repairs difficult. We cannot provide remote assistance, so we offer local diagnostics and repair from our regional Diagnostic Facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to demand, we currently operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which can take several weeks for evaluation.
That means our repair services can be for the whole printer or just a specific part, and we will clearly outline how we will proceed. But we realize our rates may not be the cheapest. Alternatively, you are more of a self-help type. In that case, you can find plenty of tutorial videos on YouTube via the homepage of our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) or search for other creators' teaching videos.
We appreciate your question and for choosing BCH Technologies. I hope this helps you fix the phantom paper jam error and get your Epson ET-8550 back to business. If you need any more help, please let us know. Good luck with your printer repair!