How to Fix Missing Blue Ink on a Sublimation EcoTank Printer After Long Inactivity

Question:
My sublimation EcoTank printer has been sitting unused for a long time, and now the blue (cyan) color is no longer printing. I tried cleaning, but it still doesn't work. What should I buy, and what should I watch to fix it?

Answer:

Regarding your sublimation EcoTank printer, especially models like the Epson F170 or similar, I want to be upfront that we don't yet have a dedicated video specifically for that exact model. We've only recently started covering the F170, and more targeted videos will be coming in the future. That said, many of the underlying principles still apply across EcoTank-style printers.

Why Your Blue (Cyan) Channel Is Not Printing

When a printer sits unused for a long time, ink-especially sublimation ink-can dry and cause blockages. A missing blue channel is usually not caused by just one issue. Instead, it can be one or a combination of the following:

1. Clogged Printhead Nozzles
   The most common cause. Dried ink blocks the cyan nozzles, preventing ink from firing.

2. Air in the Ink Lines
   If air entered the cyan line, it can interrupt ink flow entirely.

3. Clogged Dampers or Ink Path
   The damper (if applicable to your model) or internal ink channels may be blocked.

4. Weak or Failing Capping Station
   The capping station is responsible for sealing and helping draw ink during cleaning cycles. If it's not sealing properly, cleaning cycles won't work effectively.

5. Pump or Maintenance System Issues
   If the pump isn't pulling ink correctly, even repeated cleanings won't restore flow.

6. Waste Ink System Saturation
   Excessive cleaning cycles can fill the waste system, reducing effectiveness and potentially triggering internal errors.

Important Note About "Deep Cleaning"

The built-in "deep clean" or "power clean" function often sounds like the solution-but it can actually make things worse if overused. These cycles:

• Generate heat, which can damage the printhead over time

• Consume a lot of ink

• Fill the waste ink system quickly

If multiple cleanings haven't restored the blue channel, it's time to stop and move to manual methods.

What You Should Consider Buying

Instead of jumping straight to replacing parts, I recommend starting with basic recovery tools. Most users in your situation benefit from:

• Printhead Cleaning Solution
  Specially formulated to dissolve dried ink safely.

• Syringes and Tubing/Adapters
  Used to manually flush or gently prime the printhead.

• Priming Tools
  To help draw ink through the system if air is present.

Depending on what you discover during troubleshooting, you may also eventually need:

• Replacement dampers or ink pathway components

• A new capping station

• Maintenance/pump assembly parts

However, I strongly recommend diagnosing first before purchasing higher-cost components.

What You Should Watch

While we don't yet have a specific F170 video, you can still learn a lot from our general EcoTank unclogging and cleaning content.

Visit our YouTube channel here:
BCH Technologies YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)

Once there:

• Use the search icon next to "About"

• Search for terms like:

  • "EcoTank unclog printhead"

  • "manual printhead cleaning Epson"

  • "flush printhead syringe method"

These videos will walk you through:

• Safe manual flushing techniques

• How to avoid damaging the printhead

• How to identify whether the issue is clogging vs. ink delivery

Recommended Troubleshooting Approach

Here's the order I suggest:

1. Run a nozzle check to confirm cyan is missing

2. Perform 1-2 normal cleanings only (avoid excessive deep cleans)

3. Move to manual printhead cleaning with solution

4. Check for air gaps in the ink line (if visible)

5. Evaluate whether the printer is actually pulling ink during cleaning

If cyan still does not return after manual cleaning, then the issue may be deeper (capping station or pump system).

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of this, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (BCH Printer Repair Service: https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are designed to handle either full printer repairs or specific component issues, with clear instructions provided. That said, we understand our rates may not be the most budget-friendly, so we strongly encourage self-guided troubleshooting. A great place to start is YouTube, including our channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search feature near the "About" tab to quickly locate relevant videos. Since we've created content over the past nine years, this is the fastest way to find exactly what you need. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your continued support. We truly appreciate you being part of the BCH Technologies community, and we'll continue working to provide more content-especially for newer models like the F170.