Some success, but still have leakage from sponge (CLI-221). Why?

[joseph1949]

To: all

I have some success in my second try to fill a CLI-221 cart. I still have a problem of ink leaking from the sponge. The first time I tried to fill a cart I good deal of ink leaked from the sponge. The second time only a few drops of ink leaked from the sponge.

The following is what I did the second time to fill a CLI-221:

Note: At NO time did I put ink into the sponge.

1. Looked at cart. Saw light blinking. The blinking light meant that I was low in ink.
2. Removed cart from print head. Ink tank has no ink.
3. Drilled hole next to ball valve.
4. Place tape over drilled hole. Place plug in hole. Plug feels tight.
5. Place tape over vent opening.
6. Place orange cap over sponge opening.
7. Fill tank to half-way level (4.5 ml). Plug does not leak!!!!!
8. Removed orange cap from sponge. A few drops of ink leak from sponge.
9. Place cart into the print head without resetting the cart. Light still blinks.
10. Remove cart from print head and reset cart. Note: No leakage from sponge.
11. Place cart into print head. Light is constant. Resetting is a success.
12. Remove tape from vent opening.
13. Do a test print. Print looks O.K.

Question: Why did I have the leakage from the sponge? How do I eliminate the leakage?

After filling the tank, would it help to let the cart rest for a while before removing the orange cap from the sponge (sponge in the down position)? And if so, for how long?

Would it help if I place the cart so the sponge is pointing up after I fill the tank? If so, how long should I keep the sponge in the up position?

Would any combination of orange cap on/off, up/down, resting/not resting, etc. help with the leakage problem?

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank you.

 

[mikling]

Try sealing the vent prior to refilling.

When the printer tells you the cartridge is low on ink, the sponge still contains quite a bit. This pont is not to be missed.

 

[joseph1949]

To: mikling

Thank you for your reply.

Please see #5 in my reply. I did cover vent before refilling.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

 

[mrelmo]

if the sponge is over saturated after filling, and your plug is in place, you can blow through the vent hole and force some of the ink out of the sponge, make sure the exit port is over your bottle of ink or some other container to catch the ink

 

[l_d_allan]

6. Place orange cap over sponge opening.

I think "preferred practice" is to have a "step 6a: Use one or more rubber bands to hold on the original Canon orange cap for the outlet"

IMHO, after the orange cap has been broken off, it really doesn't seal the outlet port that well. I have my doubts it is really meant to be reused. I think "better-if-not-best practice" is to use a "purpose made" outlet cap #1813 that I believe works better.

 

[joseph1949]

To: l_d_allan


Thank you for your reply.

There was no leakage from the cap until I removed the cap. Reusing the cap could cause the cap to leak. When this happens I will use a newer cap or one of the caps you have suggested.

Thank you.

 

[RMM]

Joseph,

It seems like you've been having a lot of trouble with the top fill method. I am not a durschstich supremacist by any means but I think that you should give it a try. I've tried both ways and it is my preferred method. The big advantage to the top fill is that it is easier to purge the cartridge but you don't have to worry about sealing the cartridge or over saturating the sponge with the German method!

 

[joseph1949]

To: RMM
To: all

Thank you for your reply.

I am beginning to think that the Top Fill method (TFM) is problematic at best. I am thinking that 1/3 of the time there will be no leakage, 1/3 of the time some leakage, and 1/3 of the time a lot of leakage. And you never know which 1/3 you are going to get.

I have been thinking of trying the German method, but did not have the proper equipment.

Could you please direct me to a place where I can purchase the needles and syringes and any other equipment I will need for the German method.

Thank you.

 

[RMM]

Joseph, it is not indicated in your profile where you are from. This information would be helpful in providing you with some sources the necessary supplies.

 

[mrelmo]

exactly what kind of plugs are you using, it would seem that you are not getting a consistantly good seal