Canon Pixma MX895 refilling

[Willybobz]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post on your marvelous informative forum.

I have a Canon Pixma MX895 with PGi525 PGBK and CLi526 BK,C,M,Y cartridges opaque with no window!

I have spent a good few days looking at all the different ways in which to refill these type of cartridges, but I am lost as how to proceed as each method has their own advantages/disadvantages.

As I am new to this do you think that I would be better off purchasing some empty OEM cartridges that have the window ?

Also which is the best ink to use. Sorry to have to ask such simple questions, but after reading and researching this forum it has made me aware that I could possibly damage my print head if not done correctly, I believe that it is far better to ask rather than risk damaging my new printer.

Regards

 

[Smile]

You can refill with quality ink like OCP or InkTec, I'm sure others will mention different brands of inks like Image specialists poppular if you live in US or need specialized pigment ink etc.

For filling methods I'm sure others will step in, I'm using CLI-8 sp those are easy to fill, I use my own vacuum fill method "car tire pump mod to vacuum pump" http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2193

 

[Willybobz]

Hi Smile,

Thank's for coming back to me, I am in Manchester, UK, would be really greatful to know a supplier of "Quality Ink" willing to post to me.

I have read many horror stories about print heads "Burning Up" if the wrong ink is used etc. Fine with the vacuum filling method, hadn't read or heard about this before, but sounds very interesting and certainly worthy of more reading.

One other question that I would like to ask is, the cartridges that were in the box with the Printer are only "Low Yield" (To keep the price of the Printer down maybe, or to get you to buy replacements more quickly!), I think 6mls. The physical size of the cartridge is the same as "Normal" cartridges: Can these "Low Yield" cartridges be filled to the "Normal maximum" ie, 9ml for 526 Bk,c,m,y and 15ml for 525 PGBK ? Also, would they have the same "Chip" as the "Normal" cartridge and be resetable ?

Regards

 

[The Hat]

Willybobz

You can get all you ever needed to start refilling cartridges and more right on your doorstep in the UK at
octoinkjet.co.uk advice and help are readily available if you need any.

By changing your current 525/526 cartridges for a set of 521/520 cartridges which can be filled easier than the opaque ones,
you can then use which ever refill method that suits you best.

I have put several links below on how to:
the top fill & German fill methods, chip removal, purging your cartridges and drying them afterwards,
spend a bit of time going through them should give you an understanding of some of the better ways to refill your cartridges.

Your current set of chips will work on any replacement cartridges provided you reset them before using them.

http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=40766#p40766
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=26249#p26249
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=41631#p41631
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=59370#p59370
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=34175#p34175

 

[Tudor]

There is no "low yield" 526. The cartridges that come with the printer are full. You can see the level in the ink compartment of the cartridge if you look at the end of label:

<-- click to enlarge

Tilt the cartridge forward and you will see air. Tilt it backwards and you will see ink.

 

[Willybobz]

Hi Hat,

Thank you for your quick response, information and the links that you kindly posted for me.

I have sent an E-mail to octoinkjet.co.uk asking for Quality Compatible ink and 521/520 cartridges for this printer.

I must admit that I am now feeling much more confident in achieving my objectives especially with the help of this forum and all its members!

Thank you
Regards

 

[Willybobz]

Hi Tudor,

Thank you for your quick response and picture, I wondered why I could not see any difference between the two sets (I also purchased a spare set too) which on the packaging explains the quantity in each, the ones that came with the printer were loose (although shrink wrapped), it was the sales assistant that told me they were low yield (obviously to get me to spend more on a spare set!!!)

I did intend to weigh them first (as some forum members fill by weight) but was much too eager to get this printer up and running as my previous Lexmark X4580 was no longer able to recognise the colour cartridge, I had tried a fresh one without success so decided to go for a new printer that could be refilled instead.

Thank you

 

[PeterBJ]

Hi Willybobz

Like The Hat mentioned, I also recommend that you get a set of "virgin empty" windowed PGI-520/CLI-521 cartridges, and transfer the chips from your opaque PGI-525/CLI-526 to them. Only transfer one chip at a time, to avoid mistakes. The chips are coded for colour among other things.

The windowed cartridges are more easily refilled. Later when you are more familiar with refilling you can give refilling the opaque cartridges a try. Refilling the opaque cartridges is discussed in this thread: http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7440&p=1

If you decide to refill using the top fill method, you should use low profile plugs like these, and secure them in place using a piece of aluminium tape, as some of the newer Canon printers have very little clearance over the cartridges. Link to plugs: http://www.octoink.co.uk/products/Refill-Plugs-[Canon].html and the aluminium tape: http://www.octoink.co.uk/products/Aluminium-Tape-Strip.html

An instruction for using these plugs and tape is found here, note that Precision colors name these plugs Zero clearance plugs, while Octoinkjet uses the name low profile plugs: http://www.precisioncolors.com/Using the Zero Clearance Plugs.pdf

 

[mrelmo]

if you get 2 sets of OEM 520/521s so you always have a full set ready to switch, they will last you years, i have cartridges that i have been using for over 3 years, it will be your best investment in refilling

 

[Willybobz]

Hi PeterBJ,

Thank you for your response, it looks like I will be able to source ALL my requirements from one place! Really glad that I found this forum and so thankful to all that contribute.

It seems to me as though the top filling method with the OEM 520/521 cartridges and and ZC plugs will be best for me as I am a "Greenhorn" !!

Regards