PGI 520 accepts ink only less than half.

[oblue]

Printer: Canon MP550
Problem: PGI 520 black cartridge


Hi guys

I had a couple of problems when refilling the original black cartridge. As instructed in the German Durchstich method , I opened a small hole but using a tiny drill bit. I started injecting the ink into the ink container but when about one-fourth of it was full, it wouldnt accept any more ink and excess ink spilt out of the cartridge through the air and syring hole. I tried this many times but not a chance.

Then, I got a used empty original cartridge from a local shop and I managed to refill it completely. I, however, couldnt get it work coz when I ran a nozzle check, I had PGBK colour clog problems. Running the head cleaning utility, including the intensive one, a few times didnt work either. So I thought it may be the cartridge itself because it probably has been kept empty on the shelf too long. Then I got a new one and as you may guess, there was no clog problem at all, everthing seems to be OK now.

Here, I am facing with two problems: firstly, why would a cartridge accept only 25% ink and secondly, is there a way to clean up the presumably-clogged cartridge, as mentioned above, so it works like new one (well, almost)?

 

[qwertydude]

When doing the german method it's important to make sure the needle goes all the way into the hollow chamber. Look through the bottom and you should be able to see the needle go into the hollow chamber and when injecting the ink the chamber should fill up. You need long needles to be able to get all the way through, most needles are only 1 inch, you need one at least 1 3/4 inch. Sounds like you were just injecting ink into the sponge. Old dried up cartridges need to be flushed out with water to get the dried ink out, it wasn't a "clog" you experienced it was an ink flow issue because no ink can get past all the dried ink in the sponge.

 

[oblue]

Well, I saw the needle going all the way into the chamber, so I am not too sure if that was the cause.

You say "no ink can get past all the dried ink in the sponge". I thought that was a clog issue, I was wrong apparently . Anyway I ll do what u suggest. Just one more question. Can I refill a spare cartridge and keep it in a safe place so I wouldn't waste time to refill the one which run out, if so how can I keep it to make sure that the ink in it doesn't dry out. Or do you have a better suggestion?

Thanks for your help.

 

[ghwellsjr]

Just seal the outlet port either with the original orange clip held on with a rubber band or use a piece of vinyl tape. Don't seal the air vent on the top of the cartridge.

 

[oblue]

What about the 'refilling hole'? seal it off or leave it open?

 

[ghwellsjr]

I recommend sealing it but it doesn't have to be as good a seal as one would be if you were top filling. Just a piece of tape will do. It will keep the ink from drying out inside the cartridge. It's a very minor issue but good to do just on general principles.

 

[qwertydude]

When we refer to "clogs" here it specifically means print head clogs. If it's anything in the cartridge it's some sort of ink flow issue whether it's dried ink or air leaks. Something is preventing ink flow to the print head not clogging it. If you know the needle is in the hollow chamber and you're still pumping ink out of the cartridge your sponge is oversaturated. I would drain some ink from the sponge area. You can squeeze the cartridge, suck out ink with a syringe, or press a paper towel to the ink outlet to soak it up.

 

[oblue]

Many people in this forum talk about flushing cartridges under the running water. I presume that the chip will not be damaged by the electricity in the water, right?

Qwertydude,
You may be right, coz I managed to refill the second hand one almost completely without any problem, probably because the sponge was dry.

 

[ghwellsjr]

You can potentially damage any electronics if you power it while it is wet, so just make sure your cartridges are dry before you use them. Usually this isn't a problem because nobody inserts a purged cartridge immediately into their printer until after they have let the sponge dry out and refilled it.

 

[oblue]

Thank you guys...