How Ink Travels to the Damper in Epson ET-2850 EcoTank Printers

Question:
I'm working on fixing a "no blue" problem with my Epson ET-2850 EcoTank printer and I'm a bit confused. My cyan (blue) damper is empty, and I don't understand how the ink actually moves from the supply tank into the damper cartridge. Can you explain how this process works and how the damper gets filled in the first place?

Answer:

How Ink Flows to the Damper

In the EcoTank system, ink moves from the reservoir tanks into the dampers through ink tubes. The process relies on barometric pressure, not pumps. This means that once the system is correctly balanced, gravity and air pressure differences control the ink flow.

When you first set up the printer-or whenever a damper is empty-the ink doesn't just appear in the damper automatically. Instead, the initial filling happens by priming the system. Typically, the printer's capping station pulls ink into the printhead and dampers during setup or a cleaning cycle. Once that first fill is complete, the system maintains flow as long as the air balance in the tanks is correct.

Why Your Cyan Damper is Empty

If your cyan damper is completely dry, it usually means the pressure balance has been disrupted. This can happen if:

• The small air plugs on the tanks were not opened correctly.

• The tank levels were uneven or placed too high/low compared to the printer.

• Air entered the system, breaking the barometric pressure chain.

• The damper lost its prime during a cleaning or ink change.

How to Re-Prime the Damper

There are a couple of ways to get ink back into your cyan damper:

1. Using the Capping Station:

   • Power on the printer and let the printhead park naturally on the capping station.

   • Attach a syringe and tube to the waste line, then gently draw about 1.5-2 ml of air.

   • If the system is sealed correctly, you should feel resistance, and ink should be pulled through the damper.

   • This primes the printhead and allows cyan ink to refill.

2. Direct Damper Priming (Advanced):

   • Remove the damper assembly carefully.

   • Use a syringe on the damper outlet to gently pull ink in until it is filled.

   • Reinstall and let the system stabilize before printing.

Important Notes

• Do not run back-to-back strong cleanings. This can overwork the printhead and waste ink. Always allow at least 12 hours between strong cleanings if needed.

• Check the air filters. For some tank models, you need to install air filters after balancing the pressure. If missing or blocked, ink flow will fail.

• Watch tank height. If you place tanks too high, ink can flood the printhead. If too low, ink may siphon back and leave the damper empty.

Once the cyan damper is primed and the tank pressure is properly balanced, the ink should flow consistently under barometric pressure without further intervention.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our local diagnostic facility. Because of the high demand, our services are first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before your printer can be checked in. We repair both entire printers and individual components, with step-by-step guidance provided. That said, our repair costs may not be the lowest option, so we strongly recommend exploring self-help resources first. You can start with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the channel menu to quickly find relevant videos. With nine years of content uploaded, this is the fastest way to locate tutorials, and YouTube may also suggest other helpful videos from fellow creators.

Thank you again for your question. We greatly appreciate your patience and support, and we're glad to provide detailed insights that may help you get your ET-2850 printing properly again.