How to Fix Blank Prints on a DSV L1800 After Replacing the Printhead: Troubleshooting & Service Guide

Question: 

I have had an unused DSV L1800 printer for about a year. The printhead was badly clogged, so I replaced it with a new one from VipiH. The printer moves as if it's printing, but no ink comes out—not even during the cleaning function. I suspect the waste ink system may also be clogged. What could be wrong, and could you provide a professional opinion or repair estimate? I'm located in Washington, D.C.

Answer:

Thank you so much for contacting us, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding. We understand how urgent printer issues can be—especially when you're already taking the proper steps and not seeing results. We take every question thoughtfully and want to provide you with the most thorough and specific information possible. At BCH Technologies, we’re grateful for your continued support—particularly for subscribing to and engaging with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback plays a huge role in helping us expand our technical knowledge and better support the printing community.

Let’s go through several key areas that could be causing your DSV L1800 to print blank pages, even after replacing the printhead.

1. Check the F1 Fuse on the Mainboard

A blown F1 fuse is a common issue with Epson-based printers like the L1800. When this fuse fails:

• The printer’s mechanical functions (movement, lights, etc.) still work.

• However, no ink is delivered to the page—the printhead receives no power or signal.

Fix: Inspect the F1 fuse on the mainboard using a multimeter. If it's blown, replacing it may restore ink flow.

2. FFC Cable Issues (Flat Flexible Cable)

If the FFC cable that connects the printhead to the mainboard is:

• Improperly seated

• Installed backwards

• Damaged or creased

...then the printhead won’t receive proper signals to fire ink.

Fix: RCarefully reseat the cable making sure the orientation is correct. Inspect both ends for signs of corrosion or physical damage.

3. Clogged or Improperly Installed Capping Station

Since your printer shas beenunused for a year, the capping station sponge may have hardened or become clogged., preventingsuction during cleaning cycles.

If the capping station can’t seal properly:

• Ink won’t be drawn through the head.

• You won’t get suction during cleanings.

• You’ll likely end up with dry or semi-dry ink at the nozzles.

Fix:

• Inspect and thoroughly clean the capping station.

• Ensure the rubber seal isn't cracked or loose.

• Replace it if the sponge is no longer absorbent.

4. New Printhead Needs Initial Priming

A brand-new printhead often needs some help getting started—especially with DTF ink, which is more viscous than standard dye or pigment ink.

Here’s a safe method to prime the printhead:

• Power on the printer so the head parks naturally on the capping station.

• Attach a syringe and tube to the waste ink line coming from the capping station.

• Slowly draw 1.5–2 ml of air through the line.

  • If you feel no resistance, the head may not be sealed on the cap properly.

  • If the pull is completely blocked, the capping station may be clogged.

• As you draw, listen for a faint “crinkle” from the damper—this sound means the ink channels are opening.

• After drawing 2 ml of air, hold the vacuum for about 10 seconds, then release.

• Let the printer rest before running a standard cleaning cycle.

Caution: Avoid doing back-to-back Power Cleaning or Ink Charge cycles. These can cause pressure stress on the printhead and damage the internal membrane.

5. Damaged or Faulty Printhead Membrane

It’s also possible that:

• The replacement printhead from VipiH is defective.

• The membrane was damaged during shipping or installation.

• Excessive cleanings or incorrect priming caused a split.

Fix: If none of the above steps yield results, the head may need to be returned or replaced again.

6. Suspected Waste Ink System Blockage

If the waste ink pad, tubing, or pump is blocked, cleaning cycles wwill notwork properly. Ink will have nowhere to go, and backpressure could prevent iitfrom flowing forward to the nozzles.

Fix:

• Remove the waste ink tubing from the back of the printer.

• Try flushing the line with warm cleaning fluid using a syringe.

• RYou can replacethe waste pad or route the tubing to an external waste tank ("waste ink mod").

Our Professional Services and Estimate

We offer bainboard repair and full printer restoration services. YOur Printer Repair Services page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) providesdetailed options, pricing, and FAQs 

YYou canship your printer to our facility or, if you're ever in North Carolina, drop it off in person. We’ve also helped customers from across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., through mail-in service. The estimate depends on whether it’s just the mainboard, a bad capping station, or a full refurbishment. Typical component repairs start at around $60, with full restorations varying by condition.

Resolving complex printer issues often involves trial and error and direct physical access to the machine. That’s why we don’t offer remote technical support or live troubleshooting. However, we do provide in-house diagnostic services through our local printer repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and drop-off or shipping queues may require advance planning. While our services may not be the cheapest option available, they come with clear instructions and proven results. For DIY repair enthusiasts, we highly recommend using the search feature on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Click the magnifying glass icon next to the “About” tab to search for specific models or error codes. We’ve published hundreds of detailed repair videos over the past decade, and YouTube may also recommend videos from other helpful creators.

Thanks again for reaching out to us. We appreciate your patience and your dedication to getting your printer up and running again. Let us know how else we can help!