Can You Replace the Internal Sponge or Components of an HP 63 Cartridge?

Question:

I watched one of your videos where you replaced the inside of an ink cartridge. I have an HP 63 cartridge. Can I perform the same repair on the regular HP 63, or does it only work on the HP 63XL version?

Answer:

Understanding the Differences Between HP 63 and HP 63XL Cartridges

Although the HP 63 and HP 63XL look similar from the outside and are compatible with the same printers, the inside structure is not the same.

Regular HP 63 Cartridge

• Much smaller internal ink chamber

• Uses a compact sponge

• Very limited rebuild or refurbishment options

• Designed by HP to hold only a minimal ink supply

• Cannot accept the larger internal components shown in many repair videos

HP 63XL Cartridge

• Much larger interior cavity

• Full-sized sponge that can be removed and replaced

• More robust internal frame

• Can be fully disassembled, rebuilt, cleaned, re-sponged, and refilled

• This is the model used in most sponge replacement tutorials, including ours

Because of this, the internal replacement process you may have seen-where we remove the internal sponge, clean the housing, and rebuild the cartridge-applies only to the XL version.

Can You Replace the Inside of a Standard HP 63 Cartridge?

The short answer is:
❌ No - the regular HP 63 does not have enough internal space to perform the same rebuild or internal sponge replacement.

Technically, you can drill, flush, and refill it, but you cannot replace the internal sponge or rebuild the inside the same way as the XL model. HP deliberately designs the standard version with smaller chambers to limit ink capacity, and the internal parts cannot be swapped or expanded.

If you want a refillable or rebuildable option, the HP 63XL is the correct model to work with.

What We Recommend

If your goal is to:

• Refill the cartridge

• Replace the sponge

• Extend its life

• Maximize ink capacity

• Follow the repair steps shown in our videos

Then you should switch to HP 63XL cartridges.
They cost a bit more upfront but are dramatically easier to refurbish and hold far more ink.

General BCH Technologies Service Note

Printer repair and cartridge rebuilding are very hands-on tasks, and because of that, we're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or step-by-step repair support. If you ever need help with a printer issue itself, we offer in-person evaluations at our local diagnostic facility:
BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service)

We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a few weeks' wait. We can repair full printers or individual components, and we provide clear instructions on how to proceed.
That said, our repair rates may not always be the most budget-friendly choice. For many situations, researching online tutorials can save time and cost. You can start by exploring YouTube-including the BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)-and use the search icon near the "About" tab to find very specific topics. I receive a large number of video requests each day, and after nearly nine years of creating content, even I can't remember every video off the top of my head. The YouTube search feature is truly the fastest way to find what you need, and it may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your question and for your support. Your curiosity and willingness to learn make all the difference. If you have any more questions or need guidance in the future, feel free to reach out!