Problems refilling HP350 & HP 351

[maghlg]

Hi am new to refilling cartridges & am having big problems with refilling HP 350 HP 351 cartridges. After refilling, it always leaks from the print head. I have followed the instructions given in the refill kit & left the cartirdge to settle for ages after refilling, but still get the same problem. I have tried 2 or 3 cartridges & always have this problem. I can't afford to go back to buying new every time.

Anyone who has any advice or experience with these, I would be so grateful of any tips.

Thanx

 

[ruffin]

Perhaps these tutorial movies will help you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-zNyAOypDo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaKtaV1rHAk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpO8rZsnfJk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybj4awp_1ic&feature=related

 

[mikling]

If it leaks from the printhead it means that you've put too much ink into the cartridge. The simplest way to stop this is to remove ink from the top portion of the cartridge. That will stop it. Remove as much ink as you need to stop from the top portion. Any ink removed can be recycled back into the bulk ink bottle.
If you refill before you run out, then the suction clip is not required as that can generate problems if not used carefully.
The preferred way is to refill very slowly but keep an eye on the nozzles. As soon as you see ink starting to appear out of the nozzles from the bottom, STOP. Then remove about 1/2 to 1 ml of ink from the top portion of the sponge. Your cartridge is ready to go again.

 

[maghlg]

Thanks for the replies, I don't think that I have over filled. I have the problem even when adding a few ml's. I see from the YouTube clips that you need to use a suction clip on the bottom after filling the cartridge though the holes in the top of the cartridge. I have read that this is top represurise the cartridge I didn't get one of this in my refill kit & the instructions never mentioned it (that's Tesco's for you) I presume that this is a must for this type of cartridge?? Also I have read on forums that you don't need to replace a label over the refill holes on the top. Is this true?

Any more advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mikling]

The suction cup is only required if you run the cartridge dry and you try to refill after you have banding or streaks. Whether or not you remove the label or just go through the label makes no difference as to the printing quality.

The suction has nothing to do with repressurization of the cartridge but is used to pull ink down to the nozzles and try to eliminate by pulling the air pockets out at the bottom of the cartridge. This is only necessary if you ran the cartridge dry. On separate ink tank printers like most of the people on this forum own, the suction cup function is built into the printer and is called a priming pump. If you refill the cartridge BEFORE it streaks, it;s not necessary.

This suction cup can cause problems if one is not careful. While it may get the cartridge printing again, depending on how it is used, could cause more issues. If it is pulled too hard or quickly, it can actually pull air into the sponge depending on how uniformly filled the sponge is. Remember air always finds the path of least resistance so if priming is done when the sponge is not uniformly filled and done vigorously, air can actually penetrate back down into the sponge and foam up only to appear as streaks or banding after a few pages.

The next thing is that some of those You tube videos show that is wrong is using paper towels and wiping across the nozzles. You're supposed to dab it onto the nozzles and very gently and only use papers that do not have loose fibers.

When you wipe across the printhead the fibers in the paper can lodge into the nozzles and cause all kinds of printing problems like ghosting. If the lodged fiber doesn't block the nozzle, it could divert the ink spray a bit and cause ghosting.

You never know what you'll learn on a youtube video, don't always assume it is proper technique or always true. Just the same as to what you read on the internet. Even this maybe.

The professional method is to tape up the printhead nozzles on the bottom and refill inside a vacuum chamber. This eliminates the air pockets inside and it automatically primes the head at the end. But that is not for the home refiller.

Next caution is each time the printer starts streaking, the printhead is saying "you're killing me". Eventually it dies and you have to buy a new cartridge. So always refill before it goes empty.

 

[maghlg]

Thanks Mikling, I think that the problem that I have with mine then is due the them running dry & not being filled up straight away. I have a black that is still running so will try the approach of keeping it topped up instead. Sounds like I probably need to buy new for the colour & refill fill next time.