Can You Repair an Epson Printhead Carriage If One Column Is Broken?

Question:
One of the three columns on my Epson printer's carriage return screw holes is broken, while the other two are still intact. Can I still repair just the one broken column using the DTF Printhead Carriage Return Screw Hole Repair Complete Kit (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/dtf-printhead-carriage-return-screw-hole-repair-complete-kit-l1800-l800-l805-1390-1430-based-printers)?

Answer:

How the Repair Kit Works

The DTF Printhead Carriage Return Screw Hole Repair Kit is designed to fix cracked or broken screw posts (also called "columns") on Epson-based printers such as the L1800, L800, L805, 1390, and 1430. These columns are where the printhead carriage screws anchor, ensuring that the printhead stays firmly in position during operation.

The kit includes a metal sleeve and epoxy system that together rebuild the strength of the damaged screw hole. The sleeve acts like a dam or mold, containing the epoxy so that it doesn't flow out and lose shape while curing. Once hardened, the repaired column can hold screws as securely as the original factory structure.

When the Repair Works and When It Doesn't

If only one of the columns is broken, repair is usually possible-but it depends on the extent and location of the damage.

• If the broken column can still be enclosed or sealed by the sleeve included in the kit, the repair should be successful. The sleeve prevents the epoxy from leaking and provides a stable shape for the screw hole to reform.

• However, if the column is completely missing or too open for the sleeve to contain the epoxy, then repair may not be possible. In that case, there would be no way to form a stable mold around the broken area.

In practice, many users find that they don't need all three columns for the carriage to function properly. Typically, the two diagonal screws provide enough stability to secure the printhead in place. If one column is completely non-repairable but the other two are strong, the printer can often still operate normally without alignment or vibration issues.

Additional Tips Before Repairing

1. Clean the area thoroughly before applying epoxy. Remove all old plastic fragments and residue so the adhesive can bond directly to the remaining material.

2. Align the printhead carriage correctly when reinstalling. Even slight misalignment can cause nozzle scraping or carriage movement errors.

3. Avoid over-tightening screws after the repair. The cured epoxy is strong, but applying too much torque can crack it again.

4. Let the epoxy fully cure (usually 24 hours) before operating the printer. Early use can shift or weaken the bond.

If you see error codes like 0xEA (Carriage Jam) or E-11, these can occur if the printhead isn't seated securely after repair. Double-check alignment and ensure all screws are tightened evenly.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer. Our services include both full printer repairs and part-specific restorations, with clear guidance on how to proceed.

However, we understand that our rates may not be the most economical. For do-it-yourself repair enthusiasts, we recommend visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the channel to find specific repair topics. Having produced videos for nearly a decade, it's hard to recall every tutorial, so using YouTube's search function will help you find what you need quickly. YouTube may also suggest related repair videos from other creators that could be helpful.

Thank you again for reaching out to BCH Technologies. We're glad you took the time to double-check before attempting the repair-it shows great care and precision. We wish you the best with your printhead carriage fix, and we appreciate your continued support.