DTF Printer Not Pulling Ink: Troubleshooting Epson 1390 Suction and Ink Flow Issues

Question:
A customer explained that they are using an Epson 1390 DTF printer and have already replaced the capping station, printhead, and damper holder due to clogging. However, when trying to pull ink from the waste tank, nothing comes out. They also noted that no ink is reaching the capping station. They asked whether this issue could be caused by a blown fuse on the mainboard or a damaged chip.

Answer:

Why Your Epson 1390 DTF Printer Isn't Pulling Ink

When a 1390 (or any Epson-based DTF conversion) fails to pull ink during suction and the capping station remains dry, the problem typically points to a disruption somewhere in the ink path-from dampers to head to capping station to the waste pump system. Since you have already replaced several key parts, here are the most likely remaining causes:

1. Capping Station Height or Seal Incorrect

Even new capping stations sometimes have:

• A seal that doesn't close tightly against the printhead

• A height that is too low, preventing contact

• A misaligned rubber gasket

If the capping station cannot form a proper airtight seal, the pump will pull air instead of ink. This results in:

• No ink at the capping pad

• No suction from the waste line

• Dampers staying full but static

What to check:

• Ensure the capping pad sits flush and fully seals against the printhead.

• Gently press the carriage into the cap and verify contact.

• Make sure no dried ink or debris is preventing a tight seal.

2. Weak or Failed Pump

Even with a new capping station, the pump itself may not be generating suction.

Common pump failures include:

• Hardened internal rollers

• Stretched or slipping pump belt

• Motor failure

• Ink residue blocking the pump wheel

To test, try manually pulling from the waste line with a syringe:

• If suction works when pulled manually → the pump is failing.

• If suction still doesn't work → the issue is closer to the printhead or capping seal.

3. Air Leak in Waste Tubing

Any small leak in the waste line will break suction. Check:

• Cracks in tubing

• Loose clamp fittings

• Damaged connectors

• Hard or brittle tubes that don't seal properly

Air leaks are very common on older 1390 units.

4. Damper or Ink Line Airlock

If you replaced the damper holder, it's possible one or more channels have air pockets or an obstruction before reaching the printhead.

Check for:

• Dampers that aren't fully seated

• Dampers that do not fill when primed

• Ink lines that remain completely empty despite suction attempts

If ink never reaches the head, it will never reach the capping station either.

5. Fuse on Mainboard (Yes, It Can Be the Cause)

You mentioned the fuse on the mainboard, and yes-you are correct:
If the head drive fuse is blown, the printhead will not fire and will not allow ink to flow through the nozzles.

This is because:

• The head requires regulated voltage to open the ink channels.

• When the fuse blows, the printer believes the head is electrically inactive.

• Even suction attempts will fail because the head is not releasing ink.

Signs of a blown head fuse:

• No ink movement at all

• Brand new head still shows no ink output

• Suction pulls only air

• The printer may still "print," but nothing comes out

6. Damaged Printhead Chip

If the printhead's internal chip is damaged (often due to a short or incorrect wiring), the head won't allow ink to pass.

Typical symptoms mirror those of a blown fuse:

• Suction produces no ink

• Nozzle checks are blank

• Ink doesn't reach or leave the head

What You Should Do Next

1. Check capping station sealing and height

2. Test suction manually from the waste line

3. Inspect tubing for leaks

4. Confirm damper seating & ink flow up to the head

5. Test the head fuse on the mainboard (multimeter will confirm if blown)

6. If the fuse tests good, have the head chip inspected

If you need the multimeter test instructions for printheads, you can find our guide through the product page linked in our videos on the BCH Technologies website.

Addressing printer issues can be especially tricky because these systems require hands-on inspection and mechanical testing. For that reason, we're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or repair guidance beyond general explanations. We do, however, provide in-person diagnostics through our BCH Technologies repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]). Due to high demand, repairs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may vary. We can repair whole printers or individual parts, though our rates may not be the most cost-effective option. For self-help, we always recommend exploring online resources or searching our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search icon near the "About" tab to find videos quickly across the hundreds we've produced.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your patience. Your support truly helps us continue producing helpful content for the printing community.