Why does my Epson ET-8550 Print Incorrect After Converting to DTF?

Question:
I have an Epson ET-8550 that, until test pages, was unused, and all ink is fresh. I plan to DTF it and put on a nipple conversion kit and an external CISS. The printhead is there, but I couldn’t get any ink out of it. I could prime the dampers, but cyan and black would only print and only partially. I opted out of DTF and reverted to factory ink. I removed the CISS, cleaned the ink tubes, replaced the printhead nipple adapter (to ensure it wasn’t clogged), and bought new dampers. 
 
I even filled the cartridges with original Epson ink because all five chambers were low; still, only cyan and black were printed on my machine, and the output was choppy. I have done several deep cleanings, the printhead cleaning, and primed the waste tube. If the printer is brand new and has never printed correctly, do I need to install a factory printhead? Any help would be appreciated.
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us. We sincerely apologize for the delayed response. We understand how frustrating printer issues can be, especially when the new machine refuses to print correctly. At BCH Technologies, we strive to provide the most comprehensive troubleshooting guidance possible. Your engagement, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), is invaluable in helping us refine our expertise.
 
Now, let’s get down to some of the causes and solutions you might have to your problem.
Check for Air Leaks in the Ink System
As the printer troubleshoots without issue, the focus should be on the ink delivery system. At first, the "park and prime" might have worked using DTF ink. However, air leaks in the system prevent ink from reaching the printhead as it should.

• Please make sure the printhead is seated correctly on the capping station.
• Using a syringe, gently pull around 2 ml of ink from the waste line. If you only suck air, then you might have a leak or a sealing problem in the capping station.
• If too much resistance is felt when drawing ink, the capping station could be blocked, obstructing ink from reaching the printhead.

 
Residual DTF Ink & clogging Printhead
Additionally, DTF ink is thicker compared to standard ink, therefore if you fill the printhead of an ink tank printer with DTF ink, it could have caused blockages within the printhead. Because DTF ink tends to settle quickly, any residual DTF ink left in the line when switching back could lead to clogs.

• Because your printhead has nozzles, could you try flushing the printhead with a cleaning solution using a syringe?
• If the nozzles remain clogged and you experience good resistance, the printhead might not return and need replacing.
• Do not run too many cleanings; you will ruin a working printhead.

 
Damaged Dampers or Faulty Capping Station

• You say you even replaced the dampers, so that's a solid start. But could you make sure they are correctly fitted and adequately primed?
• Please ensure it's sealing correctly; a lousy seal will allow ink starvation.
• Inadequately primed waste tubeDeep cleaning cycles need adequate suction to suck ink through the whole system, if the waste tube is not correctly primed enough ink will not flow through the entire system.

 
 Over-Cleaning Ruining Printheads
Going for deep cleaning multiple times in succession can burn the printhead’s membrane.

• Do not run two cleaning cycles in less than 12-hour intervals.
• If cleaning does not remedy the print quality, power cleaning has ruined the printhead.

Do You Need to Replace the Printhead?
Once you have verified that the ink system is entirely airtight, you may have to purchase a new one if the printhead still does not supply the correct ink. If not correctly flushed out before switching back to standard ink, DTF ink can permanently clog printheads. In your case, the most practical solution should be replacing it with a factory printhead.
 
Printer issues can be challenging to tackle, as these problems are hands-on. Unfortunately, we cannot help with printer repair remotely, be it troubleshooting or providing guidance during the process. We can also perform drop-off repairs, but they are done at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), typically with a long waitlist, as our number of drop-off repairs per week is limited. We offer guidance for complete printer repairs, as well as certain parts. However, our rates may not be the go-to solution, so we highly advise self-help and believe searching online is best.
If you are interested in DIY troubleshooting, visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar next to “About” on the right side of the menu bar to locate videos on your issue. With nearly a decade of recording time out there, searching directly on YouTube can produce results more quickly, and it may even recommend good videos from other sources.
We thank you once again for your engagement and support. This guide will help you solve your printer issue!