How to Fix a Stalling Carriage on Epson L1800 or Similar DTF/DTG Printers

Question:
My printer carriage moves normally at first but then starts stalling or slowing down during printing. I already maintain the printer regularly and plan to change out my circulation system and clean the ink lines using Abby's video. Could this help fix the carriage stalling issue?

Answer:

Now, regarding your question about the carriage stalling or slowing down mid-print, it's very likely caused by mechanical resistance or an aging CR (Carriage Return) motor, though other factors such as friction, tension, or lubrication issues can contribute as well. Let's go through the most common causes and solutions.

1. Aging or Weak CR Motor

Over time, the CR motor that drives the printhead assembly can lose torque due to wear or overheating. This is especially common on modified DTF or DTG printers like the Epson L1800, 1390, or 1430. When the motor weakens, it may still move normally at first but slow down as it heats up during continuous operation.

If your printer has been in use for a while, replacing the CR motor assembly can significantly improve performance. Consider upgrading to a unit like our Premium CR Motor Heat Sink Assembly with Fan (https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/premium-cr-motor-heat-sink-assembly-with-fan-for-l1800-1390-dtf-dtg-printers-1). This version includes a built-in cooling fan to keep the motor temperature stable during long print jobs, reducing the chance of stalling.

2. Lubricate the Main Carriage Rod

Even if your maintenance routine is consistent, over time, the main carriage rod (the smooth metal bar the printhead slides on) can accumulate dried grease, dust, or ink mist. This creates drag, which forces the CR motor to work harder and may cause temporary stalling.

To fix this:

• Clean the rod using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher).

• Apply a small amount of light machine grease or white lithium grease evenly along the rod.

• Move the carriage manually to spread the lubricant.
  Avoid using silicone spray or WD-40-they can degrade the bushings or cause ink mist to stick.

3. Check the Top Rail Bar

Make sure the top rail bar (the guide rod above the carriage) is securely installed and properly aligned. A loose or misaligned rail can cause uneven pressure on the carriage assembly, leading to hesitation or vibration during movement. Tighten the mounting screws carefully but don't overtighten, as excessive force can warp the alignment.

Applying a light film of grease to the inside of the top rail bushings also helps reduce friction.

4. Inspect Belt Tension and Pulley

A loose carriage belt or worn pulley teeth can also cause stuttering or slow motion during prints.

• Check the belt for slack or cracks.

• Tighten the belt tensioner slightly until the belt is snug but not overly tight.

• If you hear squeaking or grinding noises, inspect the pulley bearings-they may need replacement.

5. Electronics and Power Supply Check

If none of the mechanical causes seem to fix it, consider the possibility of voltage fluctuation or board fatigue. A weak CR driver circuit on the mainboard may intermittently fail to provide full power to the motor. This is less common but worth noting in older or heavily modified printers.

6. Will Changing the Circulation System Help?

Replacing your ink circulation system and cleaning the lines is a great step for general printer health-it keeps ink flow consistent and prevents pressure buildup that can indirectly affect print motion. However, for the specific issue of carriage stalling, circulation maintenance won't fix it directly unless dried ink or tubing has physically restricted the carriage's travel path.

So, while your planned maintenance is excellent, the real fix for the stalling issue likely lies in addressing the motor, lubrication, and mechanical movement of the carriage.

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 via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a complete printer or individual parts, with clear steps on how to proceed. However, as our rates might not be the lowest, we highly recommend self-help options first-starting with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to find videos on CR motor replacement, carriage alignment, and friction reduction techniques for DTF and DTG printers.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your commitment to learning and maintaining your printer helps our entire community grow stronger and more knowledgeable.