bob fleer Loc: Annapolis, MD

I received a free Epson stylus photo 2200 for free. It was not used cor about a year came with roll paper set up. I installed new ink cartridges 2 colors don't print I put it through self cleaning as described in manual. Did this 4 times I feel that two of the print heads are clogged. Looked on internet all minds of ideas from using Windex to alcahol and pinsare, tubes dish detergent. Any help here would be appreciated.

Clip

There may be a solution, but, I don't know of one. Unless I'm confused and wrong (it happens) that printer is at least 12 years old. They are/were great printers if used. Using them often would keep the print heads clear. Printers that have the print head in the ink cartridge are better for users that don't print in color often. If the print head clogs and won't clear, just change the cartridge.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Two thoughts:
1) check with Epson's website for printer specific support
2) try posting your questions on the UHH "Printers And Color Printing" section - many members have found help there.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Windex and isopropol alcohol are two solutions that dissolve Epson inks very effectively. If memory serves, the 2200 has a horizontal paper path under the print head, and that makes it easy... Use a glossy paper and when it is a out half way past the print head you want to pause the printing and literally pour a pool of solvent onto the paper. Restart printing and let it "print" right through the puddle at least a couple dozen times. Then you might want to manually place a soaked paper towel under the print head and by hand move the print head over it a few times. Also clean the head parking station at the right extreme of the platen; probably by just pouring or spraying solvent into the area with the head moved to the left. Soak it all up with paper towels.

This creates a huge mess that includes ink that will permanently stain almost anything. Be prepared...

Also note that there are drain channels at each side of the platen. They may also get clogged in time. The result will be ink smears or blots on prints. If that is what you get, that is where to look.

The Watcher

Last year, I spent three weeks unclogging a friend's Epson R1800. It had been idle for about a year. Since then, the heads have clogged again, due to the lack of use.

Printers have to be used.

During slow times, I've made it a habit to crank up my printers at least three times a week and make some very small test prints.

This practice uses a lot less ink than a head cleaning and keeps the print heads tuned up.

I also do a nozzle check before starting a project.

The videos below will show how to clean the head on your printer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFz1hi5XMrM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i78Tu3RVO3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1hxljJhi9M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHUQAZFdTOM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzCsVM0nr4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1hxljJhi9M&t=52s

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Look up Staples.com and order some inkjet printer cleaning paper. Run it through the printer a few times.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I think I have the perfect solution for you. I ran into this problem when I tried using off-brand ink on my Canon i9900 printer. I searched one of my favorite stores eBay. I found a website seller with the unique name magicinkjetflush.com. I was suspicious, but I was impressed when I saw they had kits for different brands of printer, hence printer heads. And here's the magic secret, for they not only supply a solution that did the job perfectly, but the kit includes a small plastic "plunger/dropper". That plunger perfectly fits the print head socket that the ink cartridge rest in. Hence the cleaning solution is nicely forced right through the nozzle. This is the perfect solution, provided you can remove the print head from the printer. But I believe all must be removable, so they could also be replaced (at a strong price, perhaps).

Now I wouldn't torture you with a solution that no longer existed, so I've just Googled magicinkjetflush.com, and they are there. I thought the price was fair, for after you use it, save the plunger and solution for future use. I highly recommend this solution.

prg Loc: Palm Coast Fll

I also have an Epson 4900 love it but you need to use it at least every 2 weeks. I do test prints just to keep cartridges working. I had to take mine to epson repairman to get it working. You might bite the bullet and have them clean it then do test prints on a regular schedule to keep it working.

bob fleer Loc: Annapolis, MD

thank all for you help, I will be purchasing the magic bullet kit it does seem to be the most promising. I just goes to prove that nothing is free. But if all works I have a secpnd printer for the price of ink and cleaning supplies.
Thanks again.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

I have had two Epson ink jet photo printers. Both eventually went into the garbage. One did so because it wasn't worth fixing and the other went the same way because Epson refuled to help me.

I presumed that I had blocked jets. I tried isopropyl alcohol and a variety of other things, nothing worked. The manual that comes with it had only one suggestion - send it in for repairs. I wrote Epson and asked if they happened to have a repair manual for the printer. I explained I was a pensioner and that I'm handy with machines so I could fix it if I could get hold of a parts explosion or a repair manual. Epson's reply was to quote the user manual "if the suggestions don't fix the problem send it to Epson for repair".

Well that doesn't help at all. So it too went into the garbage after I gave up trying to make it work.

My solution to this issue is to never again buy Epson.

On a more practical note, it seems the ink jets have to print something at least monthly so that the jets do not clog up. I didn't know that but I know it now. So the next ink jet I buy will not be an Epson but I will at least make sure is keeps working as a result of that tip.

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

You might also want to check out ccs-digital.com They sell a headcleaning kit for Epsons. Reasonable pricing. At least read their headcleaning directions.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I pulled my Epson apart, there are little nipple looking things where the ink flows thru. I connected aquarium tubing to the top of them and ran alcohol
thru. This cleaned em. I then dried it best I could, and the problem was solved but I had to print a few pics
because the ink ran as it was picking up the alcohol still left in side making quite a mess. worked great for 6 months and then the whole thing died.
I replaced it with an ecotank by Epson. Took a while to get it set up matching the colors of the m,onitor , but now it prints pretty good and you dont need cartridges any more. yea....Ive already printed 200+ pics and you can hardly see where the ink has moved in the tanks.