Fixing Inconsistent Magenta Output After Installing a Spongeless Modification Kit

Question:
I installed a Spongeless Modification Kit (AS-RFC-CB2CC2) on my printer, and it worked well for a while. However, after some time, the magenta channel started printing inconsistently. Sometimes the color comes out fine, but most of the time it skips lines. In the print sample, the first section looks good, but the rest shows banding and weak output. I’ve already confirmed the nozzles aren’t clogged and have done all the recommended cleaning and unclogging procedures from your website. This issue has persisted for weeks. Could you help me diagnose the problem?

1. Why the First Section Prints Fine but the Rest Fails

The fact that the first part of your test pattern prints usually, followed by weak or missing lines, points away from a traditional nozzle clog. Instead, it suggests an ink delivery or pressure regulation issue, or in some cases, a printhead wear problem.

2. Ink Delivery and Pressure Regulator Check

Since you’ve already ruled out clogging through cleaning and flushing, the next step is to check the pressure regulator system. In Canon printers with refillable cartridges or spongeless modifications, the regulator (the small white column next to the refill hole) ensures a steady flow of ink to the nozzles.

Here’s what you can try:

1. Remove the refill plug temporarily so that ink flows more freely.

2. Run a test print again.

   • If the magenta channel prints correctly, the problem likely lies in the pressure regulator being clogged with dried ink.

3. To address this, blow a small amount of air into the air hole above the white regulator column. This can force the regulator open again and restore proper ink flow.

3. Considering Printhead Wear

If adjusting the regulator doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem may be that your printhead is worn out. Canon printers use bubble jet technology, where tiny resistors heat the ink like a kettle to create vapor bubbles that eject droplets. Over time, after millions of cycles (“boiling pots”), the resistors lose efficiency. This means the printhead can no longer sustain proper droplet formation, even if the nozzles appear unclogged.

Symptoms of a worn printhead include:

• Intermittent loss of one color (in your case, magenta).

• Clean nozzle checks that fail during longer test prints.

• Issues persisting despite thorough cleaning and flushing.

If the printhead is reaching the end of its lifespan, replacement is usually the only long-term solution.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because of the hands-on nature of the problems. For that reason, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or one-on-one repair support. However, BCH Technologies offers in-person evaluations and repairs through our printer repair service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Demand is high, so we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can receive your printer. Our services cover both complete printer repairs and part-specific work, with clear next steps. That said, our rates may not be the most economical, which is why we also recommend exploring self-help resources. A great starting point is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search tool on the channel’s homepage (next to “About”) to find videos on similar issues, or let YouTube recommend related videos from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out to us with this detailed description and sample print. Your engagement helps us improve our knowledge base and continue serving the printing community with practical advice.