Troubleshooting Ink Flow Issues on the Epson ET-8550 with V2 Dampers

Question:

I'm using an Epson ET-8550 with V2 dampers for DTF printing. Currently, only yellow and black ink are flowing properly—none of the other colors seem to be coming through. What should I check to get ink flowing through the other channels?

Answer:

Diagnosing Why Ink Isn’t Flowing in Some Channels

If your ET-8550 is only allowing yellow and black ink to flow through the V2 dampers, it's likely due to either a flow restriction, airlock, or a clogged damper on the non-working channels. Here are several steps you can take to isolate and potentially fix the issue:

1. Check for Air Bubbles or Incomplete Priming
Inspect all the ink lines to ensure they are fully primed (filled with ink). Air bubbles or dry spots can disrupt ink delivery and prevent flow. If you see gaps in the line, this is your first clue.

2. Examine Damper Placement and Venting
Make sure:

• All dampers are seated snugly and appropriately aligned.

• The white plugs or shipping seals are removed from the top vent holes of each tank. A plugged vent will prevent ink from flowing due to vacuum pressure.

3. Manually Prime the Affected Lines with a Syringe
Use a syringe attached to the inlet of the damper (or from the tube if disconnected) and gently pull ink through:

• If ink flows with moderate resistance, the channel is functional.

• If you get no ink or only air, you could be dealing with a clogged damper or air leak.

• If you feel zero resistance, the damper might not be properly seated or the ink tank is not vented.

4. Inspect the Capping Station and Printhead Parking
To properly prepare the printhead, you’ll need to ensure it’s seated on the capping station. Here's how:

• Turn on the printer, let the printhead park naturally on the station.

• With the printhead parked, connect a syringe and silicone tubing to the waste ink port.

• Gently draw 2 ml of air:

  • At around 1.5 ml, you should begin to feel slight resistance. If not, the head may not be seated properly or the capping station seal is leaking.

  • If you draw only air, that suggests the printhead is not sealed or parked correctly.

  • If you feel full resistance and nothing comes out, the capping station could be clogged.

• When done right, you may hear a membrane crinkling sound from the damper—this indicates the nozzles are open.

• Hold at the 2 ml mark for about 10 seconds to allow ink to stabilize in the channels.

5. Perform a Gentle Cleaning Cycle
After the priming process, run a regular cleaning cycle via the printer’s menu. However:

• Avoid strong or power cleans for at least 12 hours.

• Do not perform back-to-back cleanings without allowing the printer to rest, as this can flood the printhead or increase internal pressure unnecessarily.

This type of issue is common in converted DTF printers, especially when DTF inks (which are thicker and more prone to drying) are used. If you find that you're repeatedly running into this problem, consider inspecting the damper membrane for permanent clogging and keeping your setup in a well-humidified environment to prevent ink drying in the lines or nozzles.

Please note: Printer problems like this often require physical handling and testing to resolve. Therefore, we are unable to offer remote diagnostic support or real-time troubleshooting. However, we do offer an in-person repair and evaluation service through our printer diagnostic facility (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 begin work on your unit. Our services include full printer repair or targeted part replacement, and our process is clearly outlined on our service page. We also acknowledge that our pricing may not be the lowest option available. That's why we recommend leveraging self-help tools such as online tutorials. You can begin your search on our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the “About” section to find relevant videos. We’ve made hundreds of videos over the years, and YouTube’s search tool will help you navigate them faster—and it might even suggest content from other helpful creators.

Thanks again for reaching out and trusting us with your technical question. We're here to help however we can.