Canon ip4500 - Question about Nozzle Check

[Magicj]

Hi

I have had my Canon Pixma iP4500 printer for 10+ years and have been running it with a rihac CISS for the past 6 years with no problems.

I use the printer fairly regularly - mainly for photo prints. I recently transported the printer for use at a function and suspect that this may have upset the CISS system !!

A few days ago I noticed that the printer was not printing text, although it would still print photo's OK. Further investigation revealed that the ink cartridge was not re-filling as it should and had run out of ink. I primed the system, with no improvement. I also reinstalled the drivers and gave the print head a clean with water, again with no improvement.

The problem is that only half the print seems to be working. You will notice the top line of the Nozzle Check - only the top half prints. The same thing happens for all text prints.

I am guessing that this is not a 'blocked head' issue as there is not even a drop of ink in the bottom half. I am guessing that is an electronic issue that can't be fixed. All other colours are fine - it may not look like that in the attached image but that is just due to my poor scanner



Any advice would be appreciated - I really like this printer and would like to fix it if I can.

Cheers

 

[Magicj]

Also - this Printer Test Page might give a better idea as to what is happening.

Cheers

 

[PeterBJ]

Sadly the exactly 50% of the pigment black nozzles missing is a symptom of an electronic print head failure. Only a new print head might help, but a failed Canon print head can ruin the logic board and a damaged logic board can ruin a new print head.

So replacing the print head is a gamble, and sadly I cannot tell your chances for success.

The printer most likely was supplied with the QY6-0067 print head. This print head was later replaced by QY6-0075, so both types are usable if you want to search the web for one.

If you need to print some documents in black text, then choosing matte photo paper instead of plain paper will force the printer to use dye black instead of pigment black. This will be slower though.

 

[Magicj]

@PeterBJ, from my research I had sort of come to the same conclusion but I really appreciate your qualified confirmation.

If you need to print some documents in black text, then choosing matte photo paper instead of plain paper will force the printer to use dye black instead of pigment black. This will be slower though.

Great advice, thanks.

Now, do I take a risk on spending $100 or do I invest in a new printer If the latter, any suggestions ?