How to Flush an HP 8028 Printhead System Using the BCH Max Strength Red Printhead Cleaning Kit (HP 910/802 Cartridges)

Question

I purchased the BCH Max Strength Red Printhead Cleaning Kit for my Hewlett-Packard (HP) 8028. My printer uses cartridges like the HP 910 (and some regions refer to 802-series cartridges), but I don't see a connector in the kit that matches this cartridge style. I want to make sure I can flush the ink system and printhead path correctly. Is there a connector included (or available) that will let me connect to this type of printhead system?

Answer

Yes-there is a way to connect and flush this system, but the key detail is that the HP 8028 is not a "hose-to-printhead" style printer like many Epson conversions where you can directly connect to ink lines or dampers. Instead, the HP 8028 typically uses an integrated cartridge-to-printhead delivery design, and depending on the exact regional model, it may use HP 910 cartridges (common in OfficeJet Pro units) or an 802-labeled variant in some markets. These cartridges feed ink into the printer through a cartridge outlet port and a printer-side inlet needle/seal inside the carriage-not through visible external tubing.

Why the "910 connector" might not look obvious

Many cleaning kits include adapters meant for:

• Epson-style intake nipples,

• Canon printhead ports, or

• Ink-line flushing setups (CISS/DTF systems).

But on your HP 8028/910-style setup, what you're really trying to interface with is typically:

• The cartridge outlet port (bottom of the cartridge), or

• The printer's receiving port / inlet seal inside the carriage (where the cartridge plugs in).

That's why you may feel like "the connector isn't shown"-because HP's design doesn't present a simple, exposed "printhead flush port" the way other systems do.

What "flushing the system" means on an HP 8028

On many HP models in this family, there are usually two practical flushing approaches:

1) Flushing through the cartridge outlet (most common DIY method)

This approach targets the ink path from the cartridge outlet into the printhead system.

General concept:

• You remove the cartridge and use an adapter that seals to the cartridge's ink outlet.

• You gently push cleaning solution through the cartridge outlet so it can move through the printer's ink inlet pathway (or, in some cases, you flush the cartridge itself if it's clogged/dried).

Important cautions:

• HP systems can be damaged by excess pressure. Go slow-think steady and gentle, not forceful.

• If the cartridge is an integrated head cartridge (some HP families are), flushing the cartridge outlet is effectively flushing the head. If it's separate head in printer, you're flushing the feed path into the printer.

• Avoid flooding the carriage area-liquid can contaminate contacts and sensors.

2) Cleaning the printer-side inlet seal (when the "system won't prime")

Sometimes the problem isn't deep clogging-it's the seal or inlet screen area where the cartridge docks. Dried ink around the inlet seal can prevent proper flow.

General concept:

• Clean the cartridge docking area carefully (lint-free wipe + appropriate cleaner).

• Make sure the inlet seal isn't torn, distorted, or blocked with dried ink.

About error codes

In your message, you didn't mention any specific error codes (for example, "Ink System Failure," "Printhead Problem," "Cartridge Problem," or alphanumeric codes). If your HP 8028 is showing an error code while you're attempting to clean/flush, that matters because certain HP errors indicate an electrical/contact issue rather than a clog.

If you see any of these types of messages, they often point to different root causes:

• "Cartridge not detected / incompatible / problem with cartridge": commonly contact contamination, damaged chip area, or a seating/seal issue.

• "Ink system failure": can be air in the system, severe clogging, service station/capping issues, or internal pump/pressure system problems-varies by model.

• "Printhead problem" (on models with a separate printhead): could be clogging, but also could be an electrical failure that flushing will not fix.

If you reply later with the exact error code text, we can at least explain what that code usually means in plain language (even though we can't do hands-on diagnosis remotely).

So-do we supply a connector for HP 910/8028 style?

Yes, there is a compatible way to connect, but it typically depends on using the correct adapter that seals to the cartridge outlet geometry for that cartridge family. If the kit you received doesn't include the specific adapter that matches your cartridge outlet shape, it may not be obvious in the package because HP outlets can vary slightly across cartridge lines (even when they look similar at first glance).

Practical next step (non-invasive):

• Compare the cartridge outlet (bottom port) to any included adapters and see if one forms a clean, airtight seal without forcing it.

• If none match, then you likely need the correct HP-style outlet adapter rather than an Epson/Canon-style port adapter.

A few critical safety notes before you flush

• Do not force solution: Excess pressure can delaminate internal membranes or blow out seals.

• Protect the contacts: Keep solution away from the copper/gold contacts and chip area.

• Let chemistry work: If it's dried ink, sometimes a soak/softening phase is needed before gentle flushing helps.

• Run printer cleaning cycles sparingly: Too many built-in cleanings can overheat components and waste ink.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because so much of it is hands-on and depends on what we see in person. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before there's an opening to drop off your printer. Our services are structured to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand our rates aren't the cheapest option-so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube, including our channel homepage here: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" section on the right side of the menu bar to find videos by topic. I receive dozens of questions daily asking if we have a video for a specific issue, and after creating videos for over nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the fastest method. Plus, YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate it, and we hope this points you in the right direction for safely flushing your HP 8028 system.