HP 940 Printhead problems..!

[ink-solutions]

Hello all. I seem to be having some problem with 940 an 88 HP printheads, they seem to be going bad on me too often. i am using CISS on the printer an i have had to replace all the printheads on both printer in less than a month. The CISS that i am running does not have the plastic pump on it, it just ink feed, could that be the problem why i am killing printheads ? I have seem on the forum other people have been have problems as well, but not as often as me so i decided to start a new topic for the people who are having problem like me. Let me know what you all think..!

 

[Fenrir Enterprises]

I often wonder about this kind of thing myself, I killed my 1100DTN (the same type of printer about 4 generations back) the instant I started using refill inks. I rather suspect that it has to do with the ink - if refill ink for an Epson isn't 100% chemically compatible... the printer doesn't care, that's why you can use dye, pigment, or dye-sub (which does tend to be bad for it anyway) without serious issues, while a thermal printhead is much, much more sensitive to ink problems so unless the manufacturer gets the ink formulation perfect, it probably isn't going to work well.

The refillable carts for this kind of printer are usually big enough that you don't really need to have a CIS. I remember for the 1100 since the cartridges pointed straight up, there were a few companies making aftermarket carts that were twice as tall as the printer!

 

[ink-solutions]

I am using dye ink in my CISS, but just cant understand why it keeps killing the printheads...

 

[Fenrir Enterprises]

I would try switching ink suppliers. Preferably someone who carries Image Specialists ink, which is a quality aftermarket ink (unless your supplier is already using it).

 

[ink-solutions]

So are you saying that its the ink that's killing my printheads ? i use dye ink for HP.

 

[Fenrir Enterprises]

There's really no way to tell, but if you are buying your ink from a generic Chinese company there is a higher risk that you are getting low quality ink.

Also, the 940/940XL cartridges are pigment, not dye. Using dye in a pigment printer is usually not a problem, but you never know. It is better to buy ink specifically matched for your printer.

 

[websnail]

There's a fair bit of info on the HP88's from when I was fighting with the printheads way back...

In particular the HP88 black was a constant problem with regular clogs that exacerbated when high temps and low humidity were at their most extreme. I eventually solved the problem by switching to using a dye ink alternative for the black. That said I did have to purge a high number of pure black printouts to empty the printhead of its initial charge of ink (around 4ml ?) that is preinstalled in the cartridge for each colour. This avoids mixing and promoted clogging but does require a fair few printouts (around 50 or more sheets).


I didn't hit the same issues with the other inks but the printheads can be problematic regardless..

As for the 940's, as they are all pigment it's hardly surprising the same issues exist.. You would need to flush through to remove the residual ink...


Oh and worth noting that the cartridge design has a pump in the base, something that is NOT included in 3rd party alternatives.. It's function is intended to act as a safety to stop air ingressing into the printer and also to pressure feed the ink to the printheads little reserve.

The point about air is that you need to ensure there is no air in the cartridge by priming them properly and monitoring ink levels...

Plenty more about this and other points if you search on my forum nic' and hp88 keyword

 

[ink-solutions]

I was thinking about buying this tool to try an fix all the 940 bad printheads that i have..:

http://www.inkowl.com/?p=product&product=5035


What do you all think ?

 

[websnail]

I was thinking about buying this tool to try an fix all the 940 bad printheads that i have..:
http://www.inkowl.com/?p=product&product=5035

I wasn't aware that such a tool existed but having had a look at it, I'd have to say, yes... $deity yes... What?! You're still here? Buy one already!...

Worth noting that all that is is a storage clip modified to fit a syringe so if you have a female luer fitting and a good epoxy or similar to bond the fitting and clip together, you could do it as a DIY solution.

 

[ink-solutions]

I am going to order it then a see if it helps. I have also see a next type on ebay, this one claims to be better:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-940-88-p...=350578512699&ps=63&clkid=1684848157865908075

Let me know what you think. Again, Thanks.