Re: Epson 740

[Warren Ernst <wernst@gmail.com>]

On Feb 27, 1:27 pm, russo...@grace.speakeasy.net (Matthew T. Russotto)
wrote:
> In article <CIGdnSqtYOq0ZVnanZ2dnUVZ_r6rn...@comcast.com>,
> Michael J. Mahon <mjma...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> >Since Epson uses print heads separate from the cartridges--one set
> >of heads for the life of the printer--I've long wondered how these
> >printers survive years of disuse.
>
> >That's long enough to fill every tube, manifold, and nozzle with
> >solidified ink, and I'll bet getting it dissolved out isn't easy.
>
> Judging from my own experience with a printer (Stylus Photo 750) not
> used for a few years, it's not a problem.  It takes a new cartridge
> and several cleaning cycles, but it does clear out.
> --
>   There's no such thing as a free lunch, but certain accounting practices can
>   result in a fully-depreciated one.

Another Epson cleaning tip:

most of the inkjets have a little "wiper" that physically squeegees
the heads, and this little plastic blade can get covered with gunk
(technically, "crud") that prevents an effective cleaning.

The solution is to pull the power plug as the printhead is moving
across the platen, which is when the wiper us unlocked, and then clean
it off with qtips soaked in warm water. On most older Epson inkets,
the ink is water soluble.

Even the most stubborn heads should clear themselves after a few
cleaning cycles, but if you have a paper thickness lever, make sure it
is positioned for the thinnest paper type: that forces the heads down
against the cleaning bar more.

If waste ink has solidified on the surface of the absorbing ink pad,
scrape it off or use a little water to dissolve it, or just cut the
pad away with a knife.

-Warr