Troubleshooting Epson ET-8550 Ink Pad and Capping Station Issues
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 15, 2024
- Comment 0
Question: I’m using an Epson ET-8550, but the ink pad isn’t lowering, and there’s no ink in the tubes. I’ve tried running power clean, but nothing seems to work. Could this be because the printer sat idle for a few days?
Answer: Thank you for reaching out, and I apologize for not being able to respond sooner. I understand how frustrating it can be when your printer is not functioning correctly, especially when dealing with ink and capping station issues. At BCH Technologies, we truly appreciate your engagement and support, particularly on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions help us refine our expertise and better assist the printing community.
Let’s go step by step to resolve your issue:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop off or mail in your printer might take a few weeks. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on proceeding if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services.
We acknowledge that our rates may not suit everyone’s budget. Therefore, we highly recommend exploring self-help options, such as online research or our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can search for specific topics using our channel’s homepage icon. YouTube may also suggest relevant videos from other creators that could be useful.
Thank you again for contacting and supporting BCH Technologies. We’re here to assist you with all your Epson ET-8550 maintenance and repair needs.
Answer: Thank you for reaching out, and I apologize for not being able to respond sooner. I understand how frustrating it can be when your printer is not functioning correctly, especially when dealing with ink and capping station issues. At BCH Technologies, we truly appreciate your engagement and support, particularly on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions help us refine our expertise and better assist the printing community.
Let’s go step by step to resolve your issue:
1. Resolving the Ink Pad, Not Lowering
In the Epson ET-8550, the capping station (or ink pad) is controlled by a gear mechanism, which only engages if the printhead is positioned to the right. If the printhead is in the middle of the printer, follow these steps:- Locate the white switch on the back wall of the printer’s right side. Slide this switch to the right.
- This action signals the printer that the printhead is parked correctly and engages the gearbox to drive the capping station.
- Now, find the paper feed wheel. Nearby should be a yellow or black drive belt. Gently pull this belt toward you, which will move the capping station down.
2. Filling Ink Tubes
If your printer has been idle for an extended period, or the printhead wasn’t parked on the capping station, the ink tubes might have emptied, leading to clogs or air gaps. Here’s how to refill the ink tubes:- Avoid removing the dampers unless necessary. Instead, draw ink directly from the tube’s end using a syringe. This method ensures the ink fills the tube without introducing additional air pockets.
- Once the ink tubes are filled, reconnect them to the dampers. If air’s still in the dampers, the following method will help address it.
3. Priming the Printhead
Properly priming the printhead ensures consistent ink flow:- Turn the printer on and allow the printhead to park naturally on the capping station. Please do not attempt to force it manually.
- Connect a syringe and a tube to the printer’s waste line.
- Begin by gently drawing 1.5 ml of air. You should feel a slight resistance, indicating a proper seal.
- If you only draw air, the printhead might not be seated correctly, or the capping station’s seal may be leaking.
- If you feel complete resistance, the capping station might be clogged and require cleaning.
- Gradually draw up to 2 ml and hold for 10 seconds. If you hear the damper membrane crinkle slightly, the nozzles are opening.
- Continue drawing ink slowly, about 1 ml per minute, up to 10 ml. If the dampers aren’t empty, you can stop sooner.
4. Avoid Overuse of Cleaning Cycles
Once the dampers are partially filled, perform the printer’s regular cleaning routine to clear the remaining air. However:- Avoid running power clean cycles within 12 hours, as they can overwork and potentially damage the printhead.
- Allow the printer to rest between cleaning cycles to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop off or mail in your printer might take a few weeks. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on proceeding if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services.
We acknowledge that our rates may not suit everyone’s budget. Therefore, we highly recommend exploring self-help options, such as online research or our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can search for specific topics using our channel’s homepage icon. YouTube may also suggest relevant videos from other creators that could be useful.
Thank you again for contacting and supporting BCH Technologies. We’re here to assist you with all your Epson ET-8550 maintenance and repair needs.