Why Your New Epson Printhead Isn’t Printing and How to Fix It: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Customer Question:

I recently installed a new printhead from BCH Technologies in my Epson printer. After replacing the main board and the printhead cables, the new printhead doesn't print at all. Strangely, when I reinstall the old (damaged) printhead, it at least produces some print—even though the quality is poor. Could this be due to how your printheads are made? Are they different from typical plug-and-play options?

Response:

Why Your New Printhead Isn't Printing: Root Cause and Fix

What you’re experiencing is a fairly common scenario that arises due to Epson’s factory-installed shipping fluid inside brand-new printheads. This fluid is thicker than ink and highly viscous, which prevents immediate ink flow upon installation. While this protects the printhead during shipping, it must be flushed out properly before the new printhead can function correctly.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to resolve the issue:

1. Ensure the Printer’s Capping Station is Healthy

From what you’ve described, your capping station seems to be in working order—this is crucial. The capping station helps form a vacuum to draw ink through the nozzles and is key to flushing the shipping fluid.

2. Verify the Printhead is Installed Properly

Double-check the printhead alignment, cables, and connections. If the old one still prints (even poorly), it confirms the printer and main board are likely okay.

3. Prime the New Printhead (Park and Prime Method)

Here’s a step-by-step to flush out the shipping fluid:

• Park the printhead:

  • Turn the printer on and let the printhead automatically settle onto the capping station.

  • Do not manually force it, as the automatic motion ensures a proper seal.

• Attach a syringe to the waste line:

  • Use a syringe with tubing to connect to the printer’s waste ink line.

  • Gently draw 1.5 ml of air first:

    • You should feel mild resistance—this is normal.

    • If you draw only air, the printhead may not be parked correctly or the capping station isn’t sealing.

    • If you feel complete blockage, the capping station could be clogged and needs cleaning.

• Draw up to 2 ml total:

  • As you reach 2 ml, you may hear a faint crinkling sound—that’s the damper’s membrane flexing, which suggests that the ink is beginning to flow through the nozzles.

  • Hold the black rubber stopper at the 2 mL mark for 10 seconds to help stabilize the system's pressure.

4. Run a Gentle Cleaning Cycle

• Use the printer’s regular cleaning routine.

• Do NOT run vigorous cleanings for the first 12 hours.

• Avoid back-to-back cleanings—let the printer rest between cycles to prevent clogging or over-pressurizing.

Important Notes:

• DTF ink (Direct-to-Film) is often used in these setups and is thicker than standard dye or pigment ink.

• Thicker ink needs more suction and priming effort to pass through new nozzles filled with shipping fluid.

General Guidance on Printer Repairs

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable 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. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it may take a few weeks before we can arrange for your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed.

However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be the most efficient approach. Additionally, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that can assist you.

Thank you once again for reaching out to BCH Technologies. We’re glad to support such a proactive and thoughtful printing community. Please let us know if you need further guidance, and we wish you the best of luck with your printer.