Printing uneven, but nozzle checks are negative

[msmart]

It would also be nice to know what app you're using to print and whether you're leering it control the color or if it's the printer. Maybe it doesn't make a difference but thought I would ask regardless.

 

[stratman]

The issue looks like ink starvation to me. Either try new cartridges, starting with Cyan and then Magenta if needed, or flush those two cartridges in your current setup and refill.

 

[PenguinLust]

I blew into the air hole for the cyan and an aggregate of blue bubbles appears at the refill hole and the outlet. The tank was already empty--I wonder if that is key to the problem. I did the same w/the other cyan I have and that also produced ink, so I put that one in the printer, did the cleaning, printed the nozzle check and then the cat. The cat looked find this time with the other cartridge.

I really hope I don't have to switch to the top fill method. I hear it's a nightmare.

Could this problem just be that the cart was too short on ink? How does the printer know when the ink is out, if it doesn't rely solely on the chip to tell it?

Do you still recommend that I clean out this questionable cart or could the problem be just that just needs more ink?

Edit: and the s/w I'm using is the Canon XP drivers for all the diagnostic stuff, and a Linux Open Office to print the cat.

 

[jtoolman]

No, the top fill is NOT a nightmare. I think the "Other" method is a nightmare.

Let see, Reset chip, cap the exit port, pull the fill plug, fill, re-plug, DONE. Store or use.

The thought of sticking a two inch needle through a hole drilled in the sponge side wall, possibly dislodging the sponge from the bottom, if you aren't careful, only to end up injecting ink in the liquid chamber any way? No thanks.

I know that those that have mastered it love it. But I think unless you DO master it, you might be facing all sort of little problems.
The only problem with the top fill method is, don't overfill, and make sure you plug actually seals well. Been doing this for over two dozen fills on my CLI-8s two sets of 8. Zero feed problems. No mess. I can do a full set in like 5-8 minutes.

OK I know I am about to get lynched

Joe

 

[turbguy]

No lynch here. I tried the German Method, and found top filling more secure and reliable.

Wayne

 

[msmart]

The tank was already empty--I wonder if that is key to the problem.

Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner..... ink starvation!!

See sig, top filling is the method I chose after reading up on both methods here before embarking on my refilling.

 

[The Hat]

I blew into the air hole for the cyan and an aggregate of blue bubbles appears at the refill hole and the outlet. The tank was already empty--I wonder if that is key to the problem. I did the same w/the other cyan I have and that also produced ink, so I put that one in the printer, did the cleaning, printed the nozzle check and then the cat. The cat looked find this time with the other cartridge.

I really hope I don't have to switch to the top fill method. I hear it's a nightmare.

Could this problem just be that the cart was too short on ink? How does the printer know when the ink is out, if it doesn't rely solely on the chip to tell it?

Do you still recommend that I clean out this questionable cart or could the problem be just that just needs more ink?

Edit: and the s/w I'm using is the Canon XP drivers for all the diagnostic stuff, and a Linux Open Office to print the cat.

Id invite Joe in for Tea but not to lynch him; he knows a thing or two about refilling.

The problem with the German refill method is getting it right every time
not just once or twice but it is still a good way to refill. (I also top fill)

The sponge inside your cartridge can sometimes lose contact with the outlet sponge caused by the passage of the needle;
it can also leave a small gap on the bottom of your cartridge and trap some air there preventings the ink in reservoir from entering the sponge area.

Shortage of ink could cause your problem also but once you reset your chip then fill your reservoir with ink,
the printer will show up a warning when the reservoir is empty (Low ink)
that is the time to change the cartridge and not wait till the printer stop (Out of ink).

Purging your cartridge will cure the problem but so will tapping it on a hard wooden surface
with the orange clip attached to reseat the sponge again, I would recommend you purge, its a safer option.

The problem you have is with poor ink flow and delivery issues so the print drivers you use are not in question here,
you can print from Dos if you wish it makes no difference..

 

[stratman]

Could this problem just be that the cart was too short on ink?

I think you may have answered your own question.

How does the printer know when the ink is out, if it doesn't rely solely on the chip to tell it?

If you are resetting the chips then it is, hypothetically, done by counting nozzle sprays, ie volume of ink calculated usage. This is why if you underfill the catridges then you may run out of ink before the sensor is triggered for an empty cartridge.

Do you still recommend that I clean out this questionable cart or could the problem be just that just needs more ink?

If you want, you could try refilling the cartridges and see how it goes. Otherwise, purge the cartridges now or if ink flow becomes starved again. Depending on your printing habits, you may not need to purge the cartridges or you may need to. You won't know until you get there.

I really hope I don't have to switch to the top fill method. I hear it's a nightmare.

Either method can be friend or foe. The most prolific refiller on the forum that I know uses the Durchstich method. I do as well. Whichever method you find works to your satisfaction is typically best.

Edit: and the s/w I'm using is the Canon XP drivers for all the diagnostic stuff, and a Linux Open Office to print the cat.

Maybe Linux does not like kitties.

 

[PenguinLust]

Ah....... ok, the warning isn't just a sign of things to come, that's when you need to change carts. Yes, I have been printing w/carts at 1/4 until the printer wouldn't do it anymore. Mine is a personality that wants to get every lick of ink out before I begin the cycle again. but I guess that doesn't make sense when the ink is dirt cheap and the problems of refilling are expensive.

Yes, I know there are a lot of top-filling believers, but I hear the problem is sealing the fill hole, which if bungled, causes a big mess and the bungling sounds easy to do. I've already suffered the agonies of cross-contamination (from a bad print head) and don't look forward to a repeat.

 

[The Hat]

Yes, I know there are a lot of top-filling believers, but I hear the problem is sealing the fill hole, which if bungled, causes a big mess and the bungling sounds easy to do. I've already suffered the agonies of cross-contamination (from a bad print head) and don't look forward to a repeat.

Ah yes but if you dont make the mistakes then you cant learn from them,
its all part of the fun of refilling isnt it..