R2000, foam in print head rest, possible waste ink problem

[racing_green]

I think the video will be enough for me - I was probably fighting that problem for a very long time, blaming cartridges.
For future reference:
- back pressure from clogged waste ink lines can push back ink in the head, so when you replace one ink another one looses priming.
- foam in the ink pads - check for blocks in the waste lines
- R2000 service manual is poor quality - missing steps, vague information
- R2000 side panels can be wedged really hard. Unclip front and pull them up
- before removing side panels unscrew back panel (3 screws)
- cable/control panel cover hooks: push them gently from the inside.
- cable panel is fixed with double sided tape
- cable panel plugs can be slided out - there is no protection the the plugs
- front decoration panels have 4 tiny hooks on the inner edge
- if all fails, ask Ink Stained Fingers and hope he can help you

Photos on the panels attached - it's easier to unclip them knowing how they look like.

P.S. I did some test prints and think I might have another problem... still some drops of int on the paper once in a while.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

- R2000 service manual is poor quality - missing steps, vague information

Yes, those manuals are for a technician with pre-knowledge about the construction of Epson printers and are not really 'how to' guides
Ink drops - you may collect some info - is it one color only - always at the same location - during larger print jobs - only on larger formats - whatever else might be interesting - is the rubber lip wiping off the nozzle plate intact?
A large generation of printers - starting with the R800 - has an overlooked location where the printhead is releasing ink as well - at the left side of the print path - it is just a piece of foam connected to the waste ink pads underneath , but ink is pooling there if you do too many cleaning cycles in a short time. You may check that spot and clean it , wipe off pigment smudge. The nozzle plate may pick up waste ink there.

 

[racing_green]

I can confirm that the problem was solved aafter I celaned the blockage and the remaining drops of ink were direct result of my actions. I was disconnecting the power cable to wipe spilled ink. And I think disconnecting the cable while the printer was in action was causing the spill... I keep the left side relatively clean, but the ink was in few different places along the way the head moves. I'm after quite a few test prints and in the middle of high quality 3rd B3+ print and it all looks prefect. The next step will be colour management, but I'll bother Marrutt first with that

I still have stubborn mssing spots on the check pattern ( 7-8 in total), but fon now I keep printing to see it the situation improves or not.

Thanks again for all your help!