Epson ET-2720 Printing All Colors but Poor Quality - Cleaning Cycles Not Working

Question:
I have an Epson ET-2720 that prints in all colors, but the print quality is very bad, with many missing lines showing up in the nozzle check. I cleaned the printhead and made sure the dampers are filled, then ran several cleaning cycles. However, the cleaning cycles don't seem to be working. I even did two power clean cycles, but the ink levels stayed the same. What part could be broken if the printer still prints in color but the cleaning cycles aren't functioning? Could it be a broken pump? For context, I also repaired the F1 fuse earlier since that fuse had blown.

Answer:

1. Why Printing Works but Cleaning Cycles Don't

• If your printer can still print all colors, that means the printhead nozzles are not completely clogged and the ink delivery system is at least partially functional.

• However, if cleaning cycles don't affect nozzle checks, the issue usually points to the cleaning/pump assembly not generating suction. This system is responsible for pulling ink and air through the printhead during cleanings.

2. Suspected Part Failure - Pump Assembly

• The pump cap assembly (sometimes referred to as the capping station and pump) may be failing.

• When the pump is broken, clogged, or disconnected:

  • Cleaning cycles appear to run normally, but no ink is actually being pulled.

  • Ink levels on the display don't drop, since the printer measures usage based on pump cycles, not actual ink flow.

  • Missing lines remain unchanged even after multiple cleans.

3. Role of the F1 Fuse

• Since you mentioned previously repairing the F1 fuse, it's worth noting that this fuse protects the mainboard and pump system from electrical surges.

• A blown F1 fuse can sometimes occur alongside a pump motor issue, meaning that even after repair, the motor may not be drawing power correctly.

4. Other Possibilities to Check

• Air leaks in the capping station seals: If the printhead is not seated tightly during cleaning, suction will fail.

• Clogged waste ink tubes: If the line from the pump to the waste ink pad/tank is blocked, suction won't be effective.

• Printhead partial clogs: While less likely since you can still print, a partially clogged head may respond better to manual cleaning solutions.

5. Recommended Next Steps

• Inspect the pump and capping station assembly for hardened ink or broken seals. Replace if necessary.

• Check that the waste ink tube is not kinked or blocked.

• Run a manual flush with cleaning solution if the pump is confirmed to be faulty and can't be repaired immediately.

• If the issue persists after pump replacement, the mainboard may not be signaling the pump motor correctly due to earlier fuse-related damage.

Addressing print quality issues like these can be complicated, since they involve both mechanical and electrical systems. That's why we aren't able to provide remote troubleshooting or direct repair for this type of failure. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, it may take a few weeks before your printer can be worked on. We handle both full printer and component-level repairs, though our rates may not always be the most economical. For many customers, self-help is the best starting point. You can find tutorials on diagnosing pump failures, cleaning assemblies, and checking fuses on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to locate specific videos.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. Your persistence in solving this issue is greatly appreciated, and your support helps us continue to create resources that make complex printer repairs more approachable.