How to Properly Reassemble the Waste Ink Pump Assembly for the Epson L1800

Question:

I recently unclogged the waste ink pump station for my Epson L1800 printhead but am now experiencing a grinding noise from the gears. I suspect I may not have reassembled everything correctly. Does the video linked here (Capping Station Assembly Guide (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400)) cover the complete disassembly and reassembly of the waste ink pump assembly?

Answer:

Does the Video Cover the Full Waste Ink Pump Assembly?

The 27-minute video guide you referenced provides an in-depth breakdown of how to disassemble and reassemble the capping station for Epson L1800, 1390, Artisan 1430, and 1400 models.

This tutorial covers:
✅ Full disassembly of the capping station
✅ Correct gear positioning before taking it apart
✅ Reinstallation of key components, including the peristaltic pump
✅ Reassembly sequence to prevent mechanical errors

However, please note:
🔹 The video does not cover cleaning the inside of the waste ink tubes—we have a separate tutorial for that. Before making any purchases or repairs, I recommend watching both videos to fully understand the cleaning and reassembly process.

🔹 If you’re hearing a grinding noise from the gears, it’s likely due to one of the following mistakes during reassembly.

Troubleshooting the Grinding Noise: Possible Causes & Fixes

1. Gears Misaligned During Reassembly

• If the gears are not seated correctly, they can slip, grind, or even get stuck.
• Fix: Refer to the gear alignment section in the video at 03:35 to ensure everything is positioned properly before final assembly.

2. The Peristaltic Pump Was Reinstalled Incorrectly

• The waste ink pump (peristaltic pump) is responsible for suctioning waste ink from the printhead. If it is misaligned, it can put strain on the gears.
• Fix: Check the installation process at 10:57 and 14:33 in the video to confirm the pump was mounted correctly.

3. One or More Gears Are Loose

• Sometimes, even when gears are placed correctly, they may not be fully locked into position, causing them to shift during operation.
• Fix: Manually rotate the gears to check for smooth movement before fully tightening everything.

4. Foreign Objects or Debris Inside the Gear Mechanism

• Small ink residues or dust particles inside the gear assembly can cause friction, leading to grinding noises.
• Fix: Try disassembling the gear section again and cleaning each gear before reassembling.

5. Over-Tightening Screws Near the Gears

• If you overtighten the screws holding the middle or left panel in place, the gears may have too much resistance when turning.
• Fix: Loosen the screws slightly and test whether the grinding noise improves.

Video Timeline for Reference

To help guide you through reassembling your capping station properly, here’s a timeline of key sections in the tutorial:

00:00 – About Capping Station Repair
00:33 – The Anatomy of the Capping Station
03:35 – Put Gears in Correct Position Before Disassembly
04:08 – Remove the Capping Platform
05:22 – Remove Left Panel
08:05 – Remove the Middle Section
10:57 – Remove the Peristaltic Pump
14:33 – Reassemble: Install the Peristaltic Pump
16:37 – Assemble: Install Middle Section Gears
20:51 – Assemble: Install the Left Panel
23:08 – Install the Capping Platform
24:43 – Testing the Capping Station

Make sure to go over the gear reinstallation sections at 14:33 and 16:37 to correct any issues.

Final Note on Repairs

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 (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) via our local diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so there may be a wait time before your printer can be serviced.

If you'd prefer to troubleshoot on your own, we highly recommend searching for solutions on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" in the YouTube menu bar to find relevant videos. Since we’ve created hundreds of tutorials over the years, this is the fastest way to locate the information you need. Additionally, YouTube may suggest related videos from other repair specialists, which could provide further guidance.