geodowns Loc: Yale, Michigan

I have been using my trusty Epson R1800 for years and in the middle of a printing job for a wedding the print head clogged, but only on one side. I did all of the usual Magic Bullet cleaning but the problem proved to be the cleaning pump was clogged only on one side, you can see that one pad was not being suck up while the other is. So I quickly purchase an Epson XP-960 for a very good price since I needed to replace my other regular printer anyway. Now I can finish my print job. I must say I am well pleased with the XP-960 to use as a regular printer and do photo on the side with it. But I must repair my R1800. I can get a new complete head cleaning vacuum pump from EBay for around $50 bucks free shipping from China for this printer. At this time its the easiest option to replace that entire assembly. That should take care of that problem since I will have large prints coming up. I don't know if anyone as ever had that problem, its an easy fix and I will also install a waste ink tank kit at that time. Will let everyone know how this turns out just in case someone has the same problem. Input is welcomed.

sschonfeld

I had similar problem a few years ago. Repaired for about $100 but recently died and not worth repairing again. Canon pro 100 excellent replacement, and with rebates was reasonable

don26812 Loc: South Bay of Los Angeles, CA

I too have an R1800 printer. I have had it since it was introduced. I did get it serviced once or twice, opting not to do any real cleaning on my own. It has served me well, but I believe I will upgrade the next time it gives me a problem. My biggest decision will be whether to stay with Epson or switch to Canon. I had an Epson 1280 prior to the R1800. I finally just replaced it. It simply would not die. Geodowns, unless you enjoy working on your printer, I believe it is time to upgrade.

FWIW

Bill1453

I had the same problem with my Epson 2200. I tried a number of ways to clean it, but I couldn't get it to unclog. I was just about ready to throw it out until I tried this little trick. Take the top of a Windex bottle with the fluid left in the long tube, insert it where the ink cartridge goes. It should be a tight fit. Now take a paper toweling and put it over the nozzle and start shooting, this will suck out anything that is in there. Do this for each one that needs cleaning. I have done this for years and never had any problems, beats the hell out of throwing out a printer and buying a new one.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Quite a messy job to work on a printer. I had an Epson once that finally on screen said it had to be returned for an overhaul due to it's age. It was quite old and was still working until I got the screen message telling me is was to old to work any longer. I laughed over the message and just replaced it. Funny how we get used to our gear and just want it to last forever. I think that feeling comes from film days when a great camera if sent for a yearly cleaning and repair when necessary was all we needed. Now these days a yearly cleaning sometimes seems not to be the case with cameras and out automobiles. Too many digital parts that seem to fail when you need them the most while repairs cost a fortune and buying new is usually cheaper in the long run for cars and cameras and printers.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Spent too much time and ink cleaning nozzles with that printer so got rid of mine and replaced it with a newer model Epson. Are you sure its not time to upgrade?

geodowns Loc: Yale, Michigan

There is a comfort limit as too how far I will work on it but do to my career of working on delicate electronic machine of sort, I do what I can. I would switch to a large format Canon. I could still use all my left over paper on my Epson XP-960. The problem here is that I would have to have paper for Canon and Epson since the XP960 is new, just not large format.

geodowns Loc: Yale, Michigan

That's a good one, but in my case its the suction on the two cleaning pads. There is suction on one pad but not the second one, so the cleaning pump is clogged on one side. I could try to fix it but for $50.00 for a complete assym, its easier to replace it, problem solved.

geodowns Loc: Yale, Michigan

I really get this. Camera are computers with a lens on them. Printers are very complicated with some magic thrown in to make happen. A long way from the dark room for sure but I think it more fun now because of all that magic that happens to make us look good. I don't have to think about it too much.

geodowns Loc: Yale, Michigan

This one problem is an easy fix since I'm replacing an assembly that's easy to get too, few screws, few plugs and its done. When the print head goes bad.... its DOA.