How to Fix Streaky Light Cyan Printing Issues in Modified Epson Cartridges

Question:
I modified my ink cartridges to be spongeless using a kit from BCH Technologies back in 2021, and they've worked great since then. Recently, however, my color cartridge started printing streaks. I ran several deep cleanings through the printer's menu and even soaked the cartridge in hot water. Now magenta and yellow are printing almost perfectly, but the nozzle check still shows streaky light cyan. The dark cyan looks better, with only very light streaks. I don't understand why the light cyan is affected while the darker cyan seems fine. Wouldn't an air bubble or clog impact both colors? Can you suggest any tips or products that could help resolve this?

Answer:

1. Printhead Test Bars Explained

When you run a nozzle check, Epson printers typically display two bars for each color channel:

• Top bar (full voltage spray): Shows how the printhead performs when firing ink at full strength.

• Lower bar (reduced voltage spray): Tests how the cartridge responds at lower spray strength, which is important for smooth gradient printing.

In your case, the full cyan bar is complete, which means the printhead is not clogged and can fire cyan ink normally. However, the lower voltage cyan bar (light cyan) is incomplete, indicating that the ink is not atomizing properly at reduced strength.

2. Possible Causes for Streaky Light Cyan

• Aging cartridge: Since your spongeless cartridge was modified in 2021, the internal seals, pressure balance, or flow efficiency may have started to decline. Over time, this leads to weaker or inconsistent ink release under lower-voltage firing.

• Ink residue underneath the nozzle plate: If there is dried ink or residue, the lower voltage spray may not have enough force to break through, causing streaky or missing sections.

• Ink formulation or evaporation: If the ink has thickened slightly due to age, it may resist firing at low voltage. This would explain why full spray works but reduced spray does not.

3. Steps You Can Try

• Cartridge replacement: Given the age of the cartridge (over three years), it is very likely beginning to show its age. Replacing it with a fresh spongeless cartridge may be the simplest long-term fix.

• Gentle cleaning: While you've already soaked it in hot water, another approach is to use a cleaning solution specifically designed for printheads and cartridges. Avoid prolonged soaking, as this can weaken seals.

• Run a printhead purge: Instead of repeated deep cleanings (which use a lot of ink), you might try a purge pattern print to force continuous ink flow through the nozzles. This sometimes helps dislodge minor residue affecting low-voltage spray.

4. Why Both Cyan Channels Aren't Equally Affected

Your assumption is reasonable-that an air bubble or blockage should affect both light cyan and dark cyan. However, the reason only the light cyan (lower voltage spray test) is suffering is because it requires more delicate atomization. The darker cyan at full spray still works because the higher pressure compensates for cartridge wear or ink thickness. Essentially, the issue isn't a simple clog but rather a weakened ink delivery system due to cartridge aging.

Addressing printer issues can be a complex matter because of the hands-on nature of diagnosing and repairing hardware. For this reason, we can't provide remote troubleshooting or direct technical repair instructions. We do, however, offer in-person evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Since we work on a first-come, first-served basis, it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer. We provide options for complete printer repairs or targeted part-specific fixes. That said, we understand our service rates may not be the most economical, which is why we encourage self-help approaches as well. A great place to begin is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the channel to quickly find videos related to your issue. With nearly a decade of content, the search function is the fastest way to locate the right tutorial, and it may also lead you to helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your question and for trusting BCH Technologies. We appreciate your loyalty and hope this guidance helps you get closer to resolving the streaky light cyan issue.