Where to Stick the 3M Tape on the ET-8550 Drag Chain (Fixing 000025 / Transportation Lock Errors & Tubing the Right Way)

Question:
I just received your ET-8550 drag chain product-thank you. I noticed there's 3M tape on the end of it. In the video, I couldn't clearly tell where it's supposed to stick inside the Epson ET-8550. Where exactly is it designed to adhere?

Answer:

Exactly where the 3M tape is meant to stick

That 3M tape is there to anchor the drag chain/tubing assembly so it doesn't wander, sag, or get pulled into the carriage path while the printer is moving.

Here's the correct placement I use most often:

1. Power the printer OFF (important for safety and to avoid carriage movement).

2. Open the top cover and move the printhead carriage all the way to the LEFT by hand (gently).

3. Look at the RIGHT side of the printer's carriage area. You'll see a metal tube rail (a shiny metal guide rod/rail the carriage rides along).

4. Peel the backing off the 3M tape on the end of the drag chain.

5. Stick the taped end onto the printer's metal tube rail on the RIGHT side, with the drag chain positioned so it guides the tubes in a smooth arc and does not interfere with the carriage travel.

That metal rail location is ideal because it's rigid, consistent, and keeps the chain's "home" position stable. The goal is for the tubing to follow a controlled path-no rubbing, no pinching, no snagging, and no extra drag on the carriage.

Why tape placement matters (especially for error 000025 / Transportation Lock)

On the ET-8550, errors like 000025 and "Transportation Lock" warnings can happen when the printer detects abnormal resistance or movement issues in the carriage path. While Epson's exact internal triggers can vary, in real-world installs these problems often come from:

• Tubes snagging on the frame, cover edge, or carriage

• Tubes being too tight (pulling on the carriage during travel)

• Tubes being too loose (drooping into the carriage path)

• Drag chain shifting because it isn't anchored, causing the tubing loop to migrate

• Adhesive mount placed too far forward/back, creating a bad tube angle that increases drag

The 3M tape is basically your "anchor point" that prevents the drag chain from drifting. If it drifts even slightly, the tubing path can change-then the printer may start to bind during movement, which can contribute to 000025 or a transportation-lock-style condition.

Practical tips for a clean, "pro" install

These quick checks help prevent problems after you stick the tape down:

• Clean the rail first: Wipe the metal rail area with isopropyl alcohol (let it dry). Tape failure is usually dirt/oil, not the tape itself.

• Do a slow manual travel test: With the printer OFF, slide the carriage left-to-right gently and watch the tubing/chain.

  • It should never tug hard, scrape, or catch.

• Avoid sharp bends: Tubes should curve smoothly-no kinks. Kinks can restrict ink flow and also increase carriage drag.

• Keep clearance from the encoder strip: There's a thin transparent strip (encoder strip) behind the carriage path-tubes must not rub or tap it.

• Don't overtighten the tubing length: Too short = pulls on carriage. Too long = droops into trouble.

• Let the tape "set": Press firmly for 20-30 seconds. If possible, leave it for a bit before heavy motion cycles.

If you still see 000025 or Transportation Lock after installing

If the tape is placed correctly but errors persist, the most common "next step" checks are:

• Confirm nothing is touching the carriage belt or getting under it.

• Confirm the tubing loop isn't contacting the frame edge when the carriage is far left/right.

• Confirm the drag chain is not forcing the tubes upward into the cover when closing.

• Re-check that the chain's anchor point isn't causing the tubes to twist as the carriage travels.

Sometimes the fix is as simple as moving the anchor point a few millimeters so the tubing arc becomes neutral and "floats" through the full travel range.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because these problems are hands-on and mechanical by nature. 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 (Link: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can schedule your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. A great starting point is YouTube-especially our channel (Link: BCH Technologies on YouTube https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos quickly, go to our channel homepage and use the search icon near the "About" section on the right side of the menu. I receive dozens of messages daily asking for specific video links, and after nine years of making videos, it's tough to remember every topic offhand-so YouTube search is the fastest method. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your issue.

Thanks again for your support and for choosing our product. If you rewatch the install with this anchor point in mind, the tape placement usually becomes much clearer-and it makes a big difference in keeping the tubing stable and preventing carriage drag that can trigger errors like 000025 or a Transportation Lock condition.