Printer issue.....need advice please....

[Baz]

I have a Canon MP620 printer for a couple years and it's worked great.

The past few weeks I have had to execute a maintenance task called "Deep head cleaning" at least once a week - or no text comes out when I print a document.

Every time I execute this task - I'm good for a few days to a week - then repeat problem.

Every time I deep clean it eats up a bunch of ink too.

This printer has 3 individual color tanks and 2 black tanks - one large and one small. 5 all together.

I've tried switching cartridge brands and the problem remains.

Anyone else go through this and if so I'd appreciate any advice....

Thanks,
Baz

[Zeke]

No IT guy here, but maybe the driver is corrupted?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Zeke

No IT guy here, but maybe the driver is corrupted?

Hey Milt - thanks for the reply. Driver was checked and is up to date.

It's printing - just poor quality! Would think the head needs cleaning but I'm not a tech for these things so don't really know more than guessing at this point.

I may call Canon or the ink company and see what they say unless someone here can tell me.

The previous HP printer ran it's course and I thought when I got this one I struck gold.

Guess nothing good lasts...not as far as computers anyway...

[jpk]

Cannon uses seperate ink tanks and print heads. You need to replace the print head. They are not particularly cheap, so unless you're really attached to this printer, you might consider a new one.

[Joe Bob]

Give it the float test, if it sinks, it's no good......go to Best Buy, Wallyworld or whatever and buy another one.....they should make the manufacturers give them away based on the ink costs.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by jpk

Cannon uses seperate ink tanks and print heads. You need to replace the print head. They are not particularly cheap, so unless you're really attached to this printer, you might consider a new one.

Hey John,

Thanks for the reply and info. So the print head is clogged up - that explains why the deep cleaning helps.

I just found this eBay auction for a cleaning kit - pretty good feedback:
Printhead Cleaning Kit = Canon IP3600 MP560 MP620 MX860 QY6-0073-000 New Cleaner | eBay

There's also replacement heads on eBay for approx. $60.00 - a lot cheaper than a new printer.

I'll think about this tonight and make a decision tomorrow morning. Gotta do something...thank you again!

[Baz]

I just purchased a new print head. $58.49 incl. first class shipping from CA - be here Monday. Problem solved.

If I can R and R my 911 engine - I wonder if I can R and R this thing?

[Baz]

FYI: New print head arrived today and I just finished the install. No tools needed - no directions either - pretty easy to figure out once I removed the ink tanks. The printer head is just "clipped in". Out of curiosity I'm going to try cleaning the old one real good with warm water and see if that resolves the old issue. In the meantime the new print head is working just fine so I'm back in business!

[red-beard]

Go buy a low cost LED Color laser printer like the Dell 1355cn or 1355cnw if you want one that is wireless. $250 bucks and the toner will not dry out...

[slodave]

A trick to cleaning print heads is with isopropyl alcohol. I'm not sure I'd use warm water.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Baz

I have a Canon MP620 printer for a couple years and it's worked great.

The past few weeks I have had to execute a maintenance task called "Deep head cleaning" at least once a week - or no text comes out when I print a document.

Every time I execute this task - I'm good for a few days to a week - then repeat problem.

Every time I deep clean it eats up a bunch of ink too.

This printer has 3 individual color tanks and 2 black tanks - one large and one small. 5 all together.

I've tried switching cartridge brands and the problem remains.

Anyone else go through this and if so I'd appreciate any advice....

Thanks,
Baz

I just had the same problems with my Lexmark 200-Pro. I got in touch with customer service and they tested the printer remotely trough my computer. End result: Old dried-up ink on the print head was completely clogging the print head nozzles. Customer service sent a free new one plus a new set of ink cartridges. The amazing part was that is was free though my printer was a couple of years past the warranty! Printer worked fine again.

[Hugh R]

Por, that is pretty cool. I wouldn't have guessed that they could do that remotely. I would imagine that print heads also wear out since the ink has pigments in it which are microscopic solid particles.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Por, that is pretty cool. I wouldn't have guessed that they could do that remotely. I would imagine that print heads also wear out since the ink has pigments in it which are microscopic solid particles.

The way they determined that the printer head was the problem was by having test pages printed and had me scan them to PDF and send those back. So they could see to results right away. The service department used a faily common remote computer operating software that easily installs on your computer but, of course you have to authorize them to be able to use it. Then the magic happens. Like a ghost is taking control of your mouse and you watch it while it is happening. I had the DSL provider tech people once use the same technique to do some computer settings oh my computer, also with the same program.