Using a printer that has been in store

[telv]

I have been given a Canon iP4850 which has not been used for at least two years. It has been suggested that before trying to use it I remove the cartridges and printhead, immerse the printhead in isopropanol overnight then replace the printhead and insert a new set of cartridges. Is this good advice or is there a better way?

 

[cls]

warm distilled water will do just fine but dont imerse the hole thing just rinse water from the intake and let the printhead sit on a damp piece of towel paper

 

[The Hat]

I wouldn’t do anything to the printer except turn it on and try a nozzle check, but make sure you have ink in all of the cartridges first..

 

[stratman]

Agree with Herr Hat. Try before you soak. But only a nozzle check. Let us know what happens.

 

[Apostolos]

I agree too.First put new cartridges in. Try a nozzle check. If that doesn't work, do as @cls says.

 

[mikem65d]

agree with everyone here as well.
the i900D i have is going on 9 years now since i first put it into service and it's seen off and on service with 6-8 months in between use with the last stand still of about the same amount of time as yours.
just now refilled with PC ink and 1 deep clean is all it needed to give a perfect nozzle check.
I'm amazed at the quality of PC inks.

 

[telv]

Did a nozzle check after installing a new set of inks. Lots of blocked nozzles. Cleaned the printhead as recommended by cls - much better but still blocks.

 

[The Hat]

Post a nozzle check here please so we can give further advise..

 

[telv]

Following my last post I decided I would follow the original advice and immerse in isopropanol. After 12 hours inks was still coming from the printhead so I left it in for another 12. Put the printhead back in the printer and the nozzle check was greatly improved but still not perfect. Soaked again for another 24 hours and this time everything worked fine. Makes you wonder what kind of ink the previous owners used!

 

[Apostolos]

Makes you wonder what kind of ink the previous owners used!

It was out of commission for two years. Even if he used the best inks in the market, the results would be the same.