Restarting Epson WF-3640 After Long-Term Storage: Will It Work?

Question:
I've stored my Epson WF-3640 printer for about 3.5 years without any cartridges installed. Before storage, I thoroughly flushed and cleaned the printer, including disassembling the printhead, until there were no traces of ink. After completely drying, I reassembled it and stored it without cartridges. What are the chances this printer will work properly when restarted after this extended storage period?

Answer:

You've done an exemplary job preparing your Epson WF-3640 printer for long-term storage. Your thorough cleaning and flushing of the printer head significantly improve its chances of a successful restart. Typically, the main concern with long-term printer storage—especially without cartridges—is ink residue drying within the printhead, leading to permanent clogs. However, since you've diligently cleaned the printhead and confirmed that it was completely dry before storing, you've mitigated one of the primary risks associated with restarting after storage.

When restarting your printer after such a prolonged storage period, here are a few practical steps you can take to maximize your chances of success:

1. Inspect for Dust and Debris: Before powering on the printer, inspect the internal parts thoroughly to ensure no dust or foreign objects accumulated during storage.

2. Use Fresh Ink Cartridges: Insert new, high-quality cartridges. Old or previously opened cartridges might cause issues due to dried ink or degraded quality.

3. Perform Initial Checks and Cleaning Cycles: Upon restarting, run at least one or two printhead cleaning cycles from the printer's maintenance menu. This action helps prime the printhead and ensures smooth ink flow.

4. Evaluate the Print Quality: Print a nozzle check pattern after the initial setup and cleaning cycles. If minor clogs appear, additional cleaning cycles might clear them. If issues persist, further detailed cleaning or diagnostics might be necessary.

Regarding specific error codes you might encounter:

• 0xEA: Indicates carriage movement issues. Check for debris or misaligned cartridges.

• 0x97: Points to internal hardware failure, possibly due to prolonged inactivity. Unfortunately, this usually requires professional servicing.

Given the comprehensive preparation you've performed, your printer has a significantly better chance of functioning normally than one stored without such meticulous care. That said, the nature of inkjet printers means there's always an inherent risk associated with restarting after long-term storage.

Addressing printer issues can indeed be a complicated task, mainly due to their intricate, hands-on nature. As such, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for specific printer repairs. However, we offer comprehensive in-person diagnostic and repair services at our local facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and there might be a few weeks' wait before you can drop your printer off. Our offerings include both whole printer repairs and targeted repairs for specific components.

We acknowledge that our services might not always be the most economical option. For cost-effective solutions, we strongly recommend conducting your own troubleshooting with the help of online resources. A great starting point is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you can search for specific issues by using the search icon next to "About" on the menu bar. Considering the vast library of content we've produced over the past nine years, the search function will help you quickly locate relevant videos or even helpful content from other channels.

Thanks again for your trust and engagement. We’re here to help further if you need additional assistance.