HP 950 Cartridge Refilling: Exit-Port Adapter vs. Silicone Plug Method-Which One Should You Use?

Question

I'm researching how to repair an HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 ink system error and came across your website. Years ago, I tried refilling ink cartridges myself but eventually gave up. If I manage to fix this printer, I'm thinking about trying cartridge refilling again.

I noticed that your website lists two different refill tools for HP 950 cartridges:

• Adapter for refilling through the exit port

• Silicone plugs for refilling through the refill port where the plastic ball sits

It looks like the adapter refills through the ink exit port, while the silicone plugs are used for the top refill port after removing the ball. Is one method better or more reliable than the other? Any information would be appreciated.

Answer

About HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 Ink System Errors

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 is known for occasional Ink System Failure errors. These errors can appear with messages such as:

• 0xc19a0003

• 0xc19a0013

• 0xc19a0020

• 0xc19a0035

• 0xc19a0041

These error codes generally indicate problems related to the printhead, ink delivery system, or cartridge detection. Common causes include:

• Air entering the ink lines

• Ink contamination

• Electrical faults in the printhead

• Cartridge chip communication errors

• Clogged printhead channels

Sometimes the printer may enter a protection state if it detects abnormal ink pressure or cartridge behavior. When troubleshooting these issues, users often consider refilling cartridges as a way to reduce operating costs after the printer is restored to working condition.

About the Two Refill Methods You Mentioned

You correctly identified the two methods associated with the products you found:

1. Exit-Port Adapter Method
Adapter product page:
Adapter for Refill HP 950/951/932/933 XL Cartridges (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/accessories-refill-tools/products/adapter-for-refill-hp-950-951-932-933-xl-cartridges-as-reftip-sht)

This method injects ink through the cartridge outlet port-the same port that normally feeds ink to the printhead. The adapter seals the port so ink can be pushed back into the cartridge.

Advantages historically included:

• No drilling required

• No need to remove the internal ball plug

However, this method can introduce air pressure imbalance inside the cartridge. HP cartridges rely on very specific pressure and sponge conditions, so refilling through the exit port can sometimes cause:

• Ink starvation

• Air bubbles

• Cartridge pressure instability

These issues may lead to printhead priming problems or additional ink system errors.

2. Top Refill Port with Silicone Plug
Silicone plug product page:
4 mm Silicone Plugs for Ink Refill (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/accessories-plug/products/4-mm-silicone-plugs-for-ink-refill-hp-88-564-920-940-950-932-xl-6-pcs)

This method involves removing the small plastic ball seal on the top refill port, adding ink directly into the cartridge reservoir, and then sealing the hole with a silicone plug.

Historically, this method had some advantages:

• More natural refill path

• Less risk of forcing ink through the sponge structure

• Easier pressure equalization

But it also required careful handling because:

• Removing the ball improperly could damage the cartridge

• Incorrect refill volume could flood the sponge

• Cartridge chips still limit reuse cycles

Important Update About Our Current Policy

The refill tools you mentioned are legacy products from an earlier phase of our business.

Over time, our company shifted focus, and BCH Technologies no longer supports refilling HP integrated-chip cartridges such as:

• HP 950 / 951

• HP 932 / 933

• HP 960 / 962

• HP 970 / 971

These cartridges contain complex chip authentication and pressure-regulated internal structures, which makes consistent refilling difficult and often unreliable for many users.

Because of this, we no longer sell or provide support for refilling these cartridges, and we instead focus on:

• Ink products

• Printer repair services

• Technical troubleshooting and education

If You Still Want to Try Refilling

If you're interested in experimenting with cartridge refilling again, the best option today is usually to search for refillable HP 950 cartridges from third-party sellers.

You can often find these on marketplaces such as eBay by searching:

"HP 950 refillable cartridges"

These refillable versions are designed with:

• Dedicated refill ports

• Resettable or replaceable chips

• Larger internal reservoirs

Because designs vary by manufacturer, the seller of the refillable cartridge will usually provide the correct refill instructions for their specific model.

A Quick Note About Printer Repair Support

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Unfortunately, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, repair guidance, or step-by-step technical support for printer repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services through our diagnostic facility at Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).

Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks before we can accept a printer drop-off. Our services allow customers to repair either an entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions provided for the process. That said, we understand that our repair rates may not always be the most economical option. For that reason, we strongly encourage exploring self-help resources online.

A great starting point is YouTube, including our channel:
BCH Technologies YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)

You can search for specific topics by clicking the search icon next to the "About" tab on the right side of the channel's menu bar. I receive dozens of questions daily asking whether we have videos on particular repair topics. Since we've created hundreds of videos over the past nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one. Using YouTube's search feature is usually the fastest way to locate relevant content. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that could assist with your repair.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your interest in our work. We truly appreciate your support and wish you the best of luck with repairing your HP OfficeJet Pro 8610.