removing print head on Canon i550x printer

[nicola]

Hello
I'm using a Canon i550 printer and it uses 4 ink cartridges, the usual, cmyk. I'm not sure how to post an image on this site, could you let me know? - I'll try mailing it to your e-mail address for now.
Thank you, Nicola

 

[nicola]

Hmm, will have to wait til you let me know how to do that then. I have the scans ready to upload. Thanks, Nicola

 

[Grandad35]

Nicola,

I didn't receive your e-mail.

To post an image, look at this link - it is very easy.
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=36

 

[nicola]

sorry - i couldn't mail an image to you either - this should work though - thank you
"output1.jpg".
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/img/files/output1.jpg

 

[nicola]

"nozzlecheck1.jpg".
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/img/files/nozzlecheck1.jpg

in a rush at the mo - will check in with you later

 

[Grandad35]

nicola,

To post an image directly in your post, just include "

" immediately following the link (no spaces). I am re-posting your images as an example.

Your test pattern shows that the 3 colors are printing fine, and that your problem is only on the black. The top and bottom of the black both print OK, but there is a middle band that isn't printing properly. It is strange that your test print shows that the black is almost completely missing at the top of the head, but that the bottom is printing normally. I assume that you were not in any of the "photo" printing modes when you printed this - what mode were you in? What happens if you print in one of the photo modes?

The change in printing behavior between the two modes could indicate a problem getting information to the print head. Did you clean the contacts on the back of the print head with alcohol and a cotton swab? If these contacts are dirty, it could cause this type of strange behavior.

Is the test pattern repeatable?

Anyone with any other experience on this type of problem?

 

[nicola]

Hello
I pritned the test from PhotoShop, but have seen a similar test result from QuarkXPress too. I work with desktop publishing software on the Mac. I'm away now until next week when I will clean the back of the print head with alcohol, and repeat the test for you. In the meantime, any other suggestions would of course be welcomed.
All the best
Nicola

 

[Grandad35]

Nicola,

What paper and ink are you using?
What printer settings are you using?

 

[Nifty]

Personally, this looks more like a nozzle issue than an ink starvation issue.

As a footnote, I've been having the occasional missing lines in my nozzle check patterns on my MP750. The pattern is very similar to what nicola posted, but more of a ghosting / streaking effect. I'm trying to gather more data so we can have a section on the forum with pictures of different patterns caused by different problems (plugged nozzles vs. ink starvation, too much ink, etc.). These differences may be very slight, but I believe they exist.

 

[nicola]

Mine started out as ghosty streaks some time ago and now they are pure white, so it's gone from bad to worse. I don't think it's anything to do with the settings - I output prints from QuarkXPress on the Mac mainly and it was all ok for a couple of years until the black stopped printing out in streaks across the page. If it is a nozzle issue do you have any advice for me? Many thanks again, nicola