Printhead covered in ink

[jmark]

Hi there

I've benefited from the wisdom of this forum for ages, so much so that I havent needed to ask a question until now.

I've a Canon Pixma iP3000, I refill with Hobbicolors ink using the German method. Over the last while the cyan has come to dominate and the head needs cleaned frequently before printing. When I took the printhead out and looked it was completely covered with cyan ink. Has anyone else had this problem, its as if the ink is just running straight out of the cartridge.

Or is it the problem at all?

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[ghwellsjr]

Are you using Canon cartridges? If not, what brand?

And yes it is a problem.

 

[jmark]

They were from non oem from Aktiv Direct - http://www.aktivdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Compatible_Canon_Cartridges_45.html

All four cartridges are these compatibles. They worked fine as cartridges, but this cyan seems to be giving bother since I refilled them. I've already tried using a previous cyan from the same company.

The other colours dont seem to be leaking to the same extent.

Thank for any advice you can give.

 

[ghwellsjr]

Don't you still have the original cartridges that came with the printer? I would advise putting new Canon or at least refilled Canon cartridges in to see if that clears up the problem. I have had problems with third-party cartridges and even though I have a bunch of unopened ones, I don't use them anymore.

 

[pharmacist]

jmark,

using the German refill method for NON OEM cartridges is not recommended, because the sponge structure is inferior and less dense then the original ones. Another advantage of using original Canon cartridges for refill is the capability to flush them completely until immaculate white for the dye ink cartridges. Most aftermarket carts remain somewhat stained after flushing and this will deteriorate with them and after several refills. Also the pressure balance is much better and unrivaled.

 

[fotofreek]

best carts for refilling are original canon carts as noted by pharmacist. I also threw away all my aftermarket carts - some still filled with ink.

 

[jmark]

Thank you ghwellsjr, pharmacist & fotofreek - you are superb!

I'm off to buy some canon cartridges then - or is there any way to get cheap empty ones?