How to Fix Ink Flow Issues in Epson ET-2750 Dampers After a Long Idle Period (DTF Printing Tips)

Question:

I recently bought a used Epson ET-2750 to experiment with DTF printing, knowing it’s not a common choice for that purpose. It was only used a few times by the previous owner but sat idle for over a year. I’ve cleaned the tanks, tubes, dampers, and printhead by following BCH Technologies’ videos. However, black and magenta dampers won’t pull ink. I suspect the exit valves on those dampers may be damaged because soaking and pushing/pulling ink hasn’t worked. Should I go ahead and replace them, or is there something else I should try?

Answer:

Understanding the Issue: Ink Not Entering Dampers (Black & Magenta)

You’ve done a commendable job already by cleaning the tanks, tubes, dampers, and the printhead. And using the ET-2750 for DTF—while unconventional—is actually a smart low-risk move for testing, especially given your budget-friendly $50 investment.

When you find that ink is not being pulled into the black and magenta dampers, and cleaning hasn’t resolved it, the problem is most likely the dampers themselves. After sitting idle for over a year, even with minimal use, the internal rubber valve inside the damper can harden, crack, or become blocked. DTF ink, being more viscous than standard ink, only makes the situation more difficult.

If you’ve tried:

• Soaking the dampers

• Manually pushing/pulling ink with a syringe

• Flushing the lines thoroughly

…and the issue persists only with specific dampers, then yes—replacing the black and magenta dampers is the best next step. Replacement dampers are relatively affordable and easy to install.

What to Do Next

Here’s a breakdown of suggested steps:

1. Replace the Faulty Dampers:

   • Purchase compatible dampers for the ET-2750.

   • Install them carefully, ensuring a snug connection to the ink lines and printhead.

2. Test Ink Flow:

   • Use a syringe to gently draw ink from the new damper's input port.

   • If there's little or no resistance, you're in good shape.

   • If resistance remains, check the ink lines for hidden blockages or potential kinks.

3. Check the Capping Station:

   • A faulty capping station may not allow proper suction during head cleaning cycles.

   • This could contribute to your ink starvation symptoms, especially for unused colors.

4. Account for DTF Ink Thickness:

   • DTF ink is thicker than dye or pigment ink.

   • Always flush lines completely before switching ink types, and avoid letting it sit idle for long periods.

If you’re unsure where to find compatible dampers or run into trouble during installation, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to guide you to the correct parts.

About Further Repairs and In-Person Help

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. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting our work. Best of luck with your DTF journey—and don’t hesitate to check in again if you hit a roadblock!