Epson ET-2750: Common Paper Feed and Print Issues Explained - Causes, Fixes, and When to Replace Parts

Question:
I've been using my Epson ET-2750 for several years, and it's been showing more and more problems lately. Sometimes it won't feed paper, or it reports a paper jam when there isn't one. Occasionally it prints only blank pages, or it cuts off the top of the page. It also sometimes says it's out of paper when the tray is full. I've done power flushes multiple times, so perhaps the waste ink pad or catchment box is full. When it does print, however, the quality is still great. Could you recommend replacement parts and their costs?

Answer:

1. Paper Feeding Issues

When your printer sometimes fails to feed paper, the most common cause is dirty or worn-out feed rollers. These rubber rollers grip and pull paper into the printer. Over time, they accumulate dust, ink mist, and paper fibers that make them slick.
Fix: Clean all rubber rollers thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Rotate them as you clean to cover the full surface. If the rollers feel hardened or glossy even after cleaning, replacement may be needed.

2. False Paper Jam Errors

When you get a "paper jam" message without an actual jam, the paper sensor or encoder strip could be contaminated with ink mist or paper debris. Sometimes, a bit of torn paper lodged deep in the rollers or behind the carriage can also cause this.
Fix: Check for any scraps of paper, then clean the optical sensors gently. Also, wipe the encoder strip (the thin, transparent plastic ribbon that moves with the printhead) using a damp lint-free cloth.

3. Printing Blank Pages

If your printer occasionally prints blank pages, the likely culprits are air bubbles or dried ink in the printhead. Since you've done multiple power flushes, your waste ink pads may also be near saturation, which can trigger internal cleaning limitations or cause printing interruptions.
Fix: Run a nozzle check and ensure all colors print properly. If not, perform a head cleaning cycle-but avoid excessive power cleanings, as they flood the pads. If the waste pads are full, you may need to replace or reset the maintenance box (also known as the ink catchment pad).

4. Top of Page Cut Off

When the top margin is missing, the issue can stem from paper alignment, firmware errors, or software margin settings. However, in older printers, it's often caused by slipping feed rollers or an incorrect paper size sensor reading.
Fix: After cleaning the rollers, recalibrate your paper size settings in the driver. Also, check the printer firmware and ensure it's up to date via Epson's official software.

5. "Out of Paper" Message When Tray Is Full

This error occurs when the paper sensor cannot detect the sheet due to roller slippage or sensor blockage. Again, cleaning is key.
Fix: After cleaning the rollers, make sure the rear tray paper guide is properly adjusted. If the problem persists, inspect the paper feed sensor for dust or light interference.

Recommended Parts

Before replacing parts, start with a full cleaning routine-especially the feed rollers and sensors. If issues persist, consider these parts for replacement:

• Paper feed roller assembly

• Encoder strip (if visibly ink-stained)

• Waste ink pad or maintenance box
  These can usually be sourced through Epson's official parts distributors or trusted aftermarket suppliers.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. That's why we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or part installation support. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks for your printer to be evaluated. Our services include both complete printer repair and part-specific work, with clear instructions on how to proceed. While our rates may not be the lowest, we encourage self-repair enthusiasts to start by watching relevant tutorials on YouTube. You can visit our BCH Technologies channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon near the "About" tab to find videos that match your printer model and issue.

Thank you again for reaching out and for being part of our community. Your engagement and questions help us continue providing better resources for all printer users.