Will the C3 Nipple-Style Damper System Fit an Existing Highly Flavored CISS on an Epson ET-8550?

Customer Question

I'm using an Epson ET-8550 with the Highly Flavored CISS system installed. I'd like to upgrade to your nipple-style damper system (the C3 upgrade), but I'm unsure whether the tubing size is compatible with the existing fittings on my current CISS reservoirs. Can you provide guidance or recommendations?

Answer

Regarding your upgrade from the Highly Flavored CISS system to the nipple-style C3 damper system on the Epson ET-8550:

Compatibility Between the C3 Tubing and CISS Fittings

Yes-your existing CISS reservoirs will work with the C3 nipple-style system. The tubing included with the C3 upgrade uses the standard 3mm inner diameter (ID) × 5mm outer diameter (OD) silicone line that most aftermarket CISS systems (including the Highly Flavored style) already use.

Here's what you should know in detail:

1. Tubing Size Compatibility

• The Highly Flavored CISS typically uses 3×5mm tubing, which is the industry standard and matches the nipple-style fittings included in the C3 damper system.

• The C3 nipples are designed to provide a snug, airtight fit with standard CISS tubing.

• If your current setup uses specialty tubing (rare but possible on older systems), replacing the soft silicone line with the C3-provided tubing ensures a perfect fit.

2. Reducing Flow Restrictions

The C3 nipple-style dampers eliminate the narrow, sealed-cap connection typically found on older CISS systems. This improvement:

• Provides smoother ink flow

• Reduces the likelihood of back-pressure issues

• Helps stabilize ink delivery during long print runs

• Minimizes occurrences of partial nozzle dropouts

3. Tips for a Clean Upgrade

Here are a few best practices when performing the upgrade:

• Warm tubes slightly (hair dryer on low) before seating them onto nipples for an easier and more secure fit.

• Ensure equal tube length from the reservoir to the dampers to maintain consistent ink pressure.

• Prime the dampers properly to remove trapped air before printing.

• Verify the damper locking tabs on the ET-8550 are fully seated to avoid air leaks.

4. What to Watch Out For

• If your current CISS uses hard plastic tubing or oversized hoses, you may need adapters-but again, this is extremely uncommon with Highly Flavored systems.

• Make sure the reservoir height does not change after the upgrade; altering the height can affect ink pressure.

General Support Note

Because printer repair and CISS upgrades involve hands-on work and multiple interacting components, remote troubleshooting is often not feasible. We offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local printer repair facility (Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]). Due to high demand, turnaround times may take several weeks, and we operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Our services can address full-unit repairs or specific component issues, and we provide guidance on how to check in your printer. However, our pricing may not always be the most budget-friendly. For this reason, we strongly encourage DIY research-including browsing YouTube or exploring our channel's homepage (BCH Technologies on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search icon on the right side of the menu bar to locate videos by topic. After uploading content for nearly a decade, it's tough to recall every video we've made, and YouTube's search suggestions may also lead you to other helpful channels.

Thanks again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us continue to produce better guides, tools, and resources for the printing community. Let us know anytime you have more questions!