Is my print head dead? Canon i960

[turbguy]

Yup, the service test print is really bad. Looks like clogs as well as no priming in some colors. The images don't show any really light marks, but you might be able to make them out. Here's what a reasonable service test print looks like. Note there are six matrixes, one per color, that shows the performance of EVERY nozzle.

Check the purge unit for issues, and stop using 409 cleaner. Get some Original Windex (with Ammonia D) for all printer cleaning. Report back what you observe.

Wayne

 

[danford1]

It works
I received my used head from eBay. I tried it right out of the box. I cleaned it then did a nozzle check. Nothing, zip, zero, nada. It was a totally blank page. I ran hot tap water on and through the print head and tried again. Some colors printed so I repeated this process a few times with the hot tap water. Now it prints fine! Here is a test print with it.
I didn't even have to take the printer apart to check the rubber tubes or drain hoses. It works good now.
Danford1

 

[turbguy]

Great! I wouldn't give up on your old head yet, save it as a spare after cleaning it out of all old ink, rinsing passages well with distilled water, then let it dry, keep it in a plastic bag with the orange protective clip attached.

Ya never know...

Wayne

 

[danford1]

Good idea. Thank you.
Thanks to all that helped. I appreciated it.
Happy New Year.
Danford1