Epson ET-8850 Printer Clogging Issues – Cleaning Tips and Printhead Replacement Guide

Question:
I run multiple Epson ET-8850 printers, and recently, one has started experiencing frequent clogging issues despite using genuine Epson ink. I use these printers heavily for A3 and A4 poster printing. Before buying parts from your site, I'm considering getting your cleaning kit and possibly soaking the printhead overnight. If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, can I swap the printhead from another Epson model like the XP-970? Are there other cleaning or maintenance upgrades you recommend for better performance?

Answer:
Thank you very much for reaching out! I'm truly sorry for the delay in getting back to you—I completely understand how urgent and challenging these printer problems can become, especially for business-critical printing. At BCH Technologies, we genuinely appreciate your continued engagement and support, especially through our YouTube channel. Your feedback greatly helps us enhance our technical guidance and resources.

Understanding and Resolving Clogging Issues in Epson ET-8850

Since you're already using genuine Epson inks, unclogging typically becomes straightforward. However, frequent clogging in high-volume usage scenarios often indicates wear and tear rather than actual nozzle blockage. Over time, even well-maintained printheads can degrade internally, causing inconsistent print quality despite thorough cleaning.

Recommended Steps for Cleaning Your Printhead

• Basic Cleaning: Start with our specialized cleaning kit designed specifically for Epson printers. This kit safely dissolves stubborn ink residue without damaging the printhead.

• Overnight Soak: If basic cleaning doesn't fully resolve the issue, soaking the printhead overnight in a gentle cleaning solution can significantly help dissolve more persistent ink deposits.

• Avoid Aggressive Internal Printer Cleaning Cycles: Steer clear of frequent use of Epson's built-in "Strong Cleaning" function. Excessive use of this feature can prematurely degrade your printhead.

Replacing the Printhead

If cleaning doesn’t restore your printer's performance, replacing the printhead is a viable solution:

• Printhead Compatibility: You can safely swap printheads from similar Epson models like the XP-970, as they share compatible printhead designs with the ET-8850. This replacement should be straightforward if the printheads are identical models.

• Purchasing a Replacement: Consider purchasing refurbished printheads through reputable sources, such as Epson’s certified refurbishment programs on eBay. These refurbished units are reliable and typically less costly than new replacements.

• Potential Limitations: Be aware Epson occasionally seals refurbished printheads to prevent modifications. However, since your intended use involves no custom modifications, this shouldn't pose a problem.

Additional Maintenance Recommendations

• Regular Maintenance Routine: Establish a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to prevent ink from drying and accumulating inside the printhead.

• Humidity Control: Maintain consistent humidity levels in your printing area, as very dry conditions can exacerbate clogging issues.

• Ink Usage: Continue using genuine Epson ink, as it significantly reduces clogging compared to third-party alternatives.

Addressing printer issues can indeed be complex due to their mechanical nature. Thus, we are unable to provide detailed remote troubleshooting or repair guidance. However, BCH Technologies offers comprehensive, professional, in-person evaluations and repairs through our local diagnostic facility. Please note that due to high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a waiting period of several weeks for appointments. Our repair services cater to entire printers or specific components, clearly outlining each step involved. Nonetheless, recognizing that our pricing might not be suitable for all customers, we highly encourage exploring self-help troubleshooting resources available online. Our extensive library of instructional videos on our YouTube channel is an excellent resource. To efficiently find relevant guides, use the search feature located next to "About" on the right side of the YouTube menu bar. Given the extensive content available, this search method is the quickest way to locate helpful videos, which might also lead you to beneficial content from other creators.

Thanks again for contacting BCH Technologies and for your detailed inquiry. Your ongoing support helps us continually improve and expand our troubleshooting resources!