Epson black ink cartridges

I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf, except
for the occasional power outage.

My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less time, and
I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge requires that
I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
cartridges are TO431.

My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a problem
with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
black. Or, should I just turn it off?

HankG

"HankG" <> wrote in message
news:. ..
>I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf,
>except
> for the occasional power outage.
>
> My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
> 'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less time,
> and
> I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge requires
> that
> I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
> cartridges are TO431.
>
> My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a
> problem
> with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
> black. Or, should I just turn it off?
>
> HankG
>
>


The CX6600 uses Durabrite ink, which has earned the reputation for causing
more unclearable headclogs than any other Epson printer that I'm aware.
To give you some background to this premise, I am the tech coordinator at
a public school in Philadelphia, taking care of some 85 Epson inkjets for
the past ten years. About five years ago I ordered 16 Epson C84 printers
(that use Darabrite ink). I put 6 of them into service immediately. Within
two years all 6 developed head clogs that I was unable to clear despite
running cleaning cycles with Windex, alcohol, commercial head cleaning
cartridges, careful injections of those elements, and bottom head cleanings.
Additionally, I discovered that the waste tubes on two of them had developed
hardened clogs of ink themselves.
Conferring, with Art Entlich, who often writes on this NG, and has
nurtured an understanding of Epsons, their ink compositions for both dye
base and pigment base ink, I gained the understanding that Durabrite ink's
formula was pigment base and had a formula recipe that used resins to make
it water proof, light fast, and unfortunately dry too quickly for the
printer's own good.
With this painful understanding I looked for an ink source that might
allow a dye-base ink to be used in the remaining ten C84 printers we still
had in unopened boxes. I came across a company that said they had success
with their ink in C84 printers and also a spongeless cartridge that was
clear plastic, could be refilled multiple times, and a chip resetter that
would renew the chips usage on the cartridges. A year and 9 months later all
ten printers are running, with no head clogs, and we're saving a fortune on
the cost of ink that Epson would have liked us to have spent. The dye base
ink does not have the property of water proofness, or longevity beyond maybe
two or three years for fading, but it does dry relatively fast, and is
perfect for our school environment.
So what I think is happening with your printer is that it's slowly
clogging to death with old ink inside the head. What can you do about it?
Start with cleaning cartridges filled with possibly an alcohol/ ammonia
formula (90/10%). I would run a whole cartridge's worth through the machine
in attempt to rid the head of the built up dried ink that is beginning to
take its toll on the printer. Secondly, I would stop using the Durabrite ink
altogether and start using cartridges that use dye-base ink. That means you
might have to start filling ink yourself if you can't find ready-made ones.
Until recently one could easily find those cartridges, but since Epson
has been suing every third partry cartridge supplier in site those sources
are drying up. I would recommend that you try www.alotofthings.com to look
at their spongeless cartridges and the dye base bulk ink that you can be
fill them with along with a chip resetter. By the way, refilling these
spongelss cartridges is easy, and nothing like the classic way that
traditional sponge cartridges must be refilled.


Jan Alter

or

"HankG" <> wrote:
>I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf, except
>for the occasional power outage.
>
>My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
>'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less time, and
>I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge requires that
>I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
>cartridges are TO431.
>
>My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a problem
>with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
>black. Or, should I just turn it off?
>
>HankG

Turning the printer off or not turning it off should make no difference. It is
almost certain that the formula has not changed.
The problem you are experiencing is probably due to the printhead beginning to
clog.

E-mail Art Entlich at one of the addresses below-

Regular account:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

new temporary account:

eprinterhelp(at)yahoo(dot)com

(at) = @
dot = (dot)

Explain the problem and tell him which model you have and he will be able to
send you a cleaning manual which has helped no end of people with similar
issues. You won't be spammed by Art and your e-mail address will not be
compromised.
Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

It is unlikely the ink formulation has changed, but your printer may
have. Over time several things happen to Epson printers, and
particularly those with Durabrite or Durabrite Ultra inks.

The ink nipples and filters as well as passage ways get a bit narrowed
with dried ink. The nozzles become slightly narrowed for the same
reason. The bottom of the ink head builds up with old ink, as does the
ink wiper, and the cleaning station itself becomes a bit grundgy with
old ink. Occasionally the vacuum pump tube becomes disconnected from
the underside of the cleaning station and lastly, some models have a
"spittoon" on the left side of the carriage and this can build up with
ink and clog up.

All of this can be cleaned with a little time and a few very inexpensive
home cleaning items you'll find in most grocery stores, and
probably bring your printer close to "new".


If you email me at the address below, I will gladly send you a copy of
my Epson cleaning guide which provides lots of useful info at no cost to
you. I do not solicit, as well.


Art

email me and give a brief description of the model and what's wrong to:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org


(at) = @
(dot) = .

If you do not receive a reply in 48 hours, try this temporary address
(the above one is supposed to be working again, but I'm not sure it is
reliable yet.)

Alternative address:

eprinterhelp(at)Yahoo(dot)com



HankG wrote:
> I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf, except
> for the occasional power outage.
>
> My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
> 'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less time, and
> I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge requires that
> I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
> cartridges are TO431.
>
> My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a problem
> with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
> black. Or, should I just turn it off?
>
> HankG
>
>

Arthur Entlich wrote:
> It is unlikely the ink formulation has changed, but your printer may
> have. Over time several things happen to Epson printers, and
> particularly those with Durabrite or Durabrite Ultra inks.
>
> The ink nipples and filters as well as passage ways get a bit narrowed
> with dried ink. The nozzles become slightly narrowed for the same
> reason. The bottom of the ink head builds up with old ink, as does
> the ink wiper, and the cleaning station itself becomes a bit grundgy
> with old ink. Occasionally the vacuum pump tube becomes disconnected
> from the underside of the cleaning station and lastly, some models
> have a "spittoon" on the left side of the carriage and this can build
> up with ink and clog up.
By the time this happens and is serious enough to diminish the results
one finds acceptable the technology has so improved that for a little
more than the price of a set of carts you can get a new printer and take
advantage of the newer technology so who wants to waste their time and
make a mess.
>
> All of this can be cleaned with a little time and a few very
> inexpensive home cleaning items you'll find in most grocery
> stores, and probably bring your printer close to "new".
>
>
> If you email me at the address below, I will gladly send you a copy of
> my Epson cleaning guide which provides lots of useful info at no cost
> to you. I do not solicit, as well.
>
>
> Art
>
> email me and give a brief description of the model and what's wrong to:
>
> e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org
>
>
> (at) = @
> (dot) = .
You should give an example. do you mean e- or do
you mean e-. I have not seen this format used on
the internet.
>
> If you do not receive a reply in 48 hours, try this temporary address
> (the above one is supposed to be working again, but I'm not sure it is
> reliable yet.)
>
> Alternative address:
>
> eprinterhelp(at)Yahoo(dot)com
>
>
>
> HankG wrote:
>> I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf,
>> except
>> for the occasional power outage.
>>
>> My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
>> 'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less
>> time, and
>> I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge
>> requires that
>> I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
>> cartridges are TO431.
>>
>> My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a
>> problem
>> with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
>> black. Or, should I just turn it off?
>>
>> HankG
>>
>>

measekite wrote:
>
>
> Arthur Entlich wrote:
>
>> It is unlikely the ink formulation has changed, but your printer may
>> have. Over time several things happen to Epson printers, and
>> particularly those with Durabrite or Durabrite Ultra inks.
>>
>> The ink nipples and filters as well as passage ways get a bit narrowed
>> with dried ink. The nozzles become slightly narrowed for the same
>> reason. The bottom of the ink head builds up with old ink, as does
>> the ink wiper, and the cleaning station itself becomes a bit grundgy
>> with old ink. Occasionally the vacuum pump tube becomes disconnected
>> from the underside of the cleaning station and lastly, some models
>> have a "spittoon" on the left side of the carriage and this can build
>> up with ink and clog up.
>
> By the time this happens and is serious enough to diminish the results
> one finds acceptable the technology has so improved that for a little
> more than the price of a set of carts you can get a new printer and take
> advantage of the newer technology so who wants to waste their time and
> make a mess.
>
>>
>> All of this can be cleaned with a little time and a few very
>> inexpensive home cleaning items you'll find in most grocery
>> stores, and probably bring your printer close to "new".
>>
>>
>> If you email me at the address below, I will gladly send you a copy of
>> my Epson cleaning guide which provides lots of useful info at no cost
>> to you. I do not solicit, as well.
>>
>>
>> Art
>>
>> email me and give a brief description of the model and what's wrong to:
>>
>> e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org
>>
>>
>> (at) = @
>> (dot) = .
>
> You should give an example. do you mean e- or do
> you mean e-. I have not seen this format used on
> the internet.
>
>>
>> If you do not receive a reply in 48 hours, try this temporary address
>> (the above one is supposed to be working again, but I'm not sure it is
>> reliable yet.)
>>
>> Alternative address:
>>
>> eprinterhelp(at)Yahoo(dot)com
>>
>>
>>
>> HankG wrote:
>>
>>> I own an Epson CX6600. For over 2 years, it hasn't been turned offf,
>>> except
>>> for the occasional power outage.
>>>
>>> My first (replacement - large size) lasted over a year. I would print a
>>> 'test page' every week or so. The second replacement lasted less
>>> time, and
>>> I had to 'clean' the printer a few times. The third cartridge
>>> requires that
>>> I print a page daily, or else I'm in danger of having to clean it. The
>>> cartridges are TO431.
>>>
>>> My question is: has the ink formula been changed? I do not have a
>>> problem
>>> with the ink cartridges, but of course, they get cleaned along with the
>>> black. Or, should I just turn it off?
>>>
>>> HankG
>>>
>>>
Lying POS asshole loser!
Get lost!
Frank

"Frank" <> wrote in message
news:47dc1c26$0$17370$...
> measekite wrote:
> >
> >
> > Arthur Entlich wrote:
> >
> >> It is unlikely the ink formulation has changed, but your printer may
> >> have. Over time several things happen to Epson printers, and
> >> particularly those with Durabrite or Durabrite Ultra inks.
> >>
> >> The ink nipples and filters as well as passage ways get a bit narrowed
> >> with dried ink. The nozzles become slightly narrowed for the same
> >> reason. The bottom of the ink head builds up with old ink, as does
> >> the ink wiper, and the cleaning station itself becomes a bit grundgy
> >> with old ink. Occasionally the vacuum pump tube becomes disconnected
> >> from the underside of the cleaning station and lastly, some models
> >> have a "spittoon" on the left side of the carriage and this can build
> >> up with ink and clog up.

By 'spittoon', do you mean a well. I discovered this well some time back
and noticed that it had a goopy mess in it. Q-tips enabled me to scoop out
most of this. The level of goop is well below the level at which the bottom
of the carts ride back and forth.

I just checked it and it looks like it could use a good cleaning.

Also, I noticed that the foam underneath where the carts ride back and
forth, is tinged with color.

HankG

Hi Hank,

Yes, I call it a spittoon, because the heads do a "spit" of ink every
few passes at they read that end. That "well" as you call it, actually
is supposed to be a funnel where the ink drops down into the waste ink
pads at the base of the printer, but they seem to often clog up the hole
at the bottom and then fill with ink. If you gently use a q-tip
(cotton swab) and place a small amount of ammoniated window cleaner into
that "well" and mix the ink up, you can eventually re-discover the hole
at the base of the funnel, which should allow the ink to drip down and
out of it. You may wish to scoop most of the ink out first so less ends
up in the waste ink pads.

It is normal for the sponge in the cleaning station to be colored from
the ink and that in itself is nothing to worry about. If you begin to
have the need for more and more cleaning cycles and such, then further
maintenance is appropriate.

Art

HankG wrote:

> "Frank" <> wrote in message
> news:47dc1c26$0$17370$...
>
>>measekite wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>Arthur Entlich wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>It is unlikely the ink formulation has changed, but your printer may
>>>>have. Over time several things happen to Epson printers, and
>>>>particularly those with Durabrite or Durabrite Ultra inks.
>>>>
>>>>The ink nipples and filters as well as passage ways get a bit narrowed
>>>>with dried ink. The nozzles become slightly narrowed for the same
>>>>reason. The bottom of the ink head builds up with old ink, as does
>>>>the ink wiper, and the cleaning station itself becomes a bit grundgy
>>>>with old ink. Occasionally the vacuum pump tube becomes disconnected
>>>>from the underside of the cleaning station and lastly, some models
>>>>have a "spittoon" on the left side of the carriage and this can build
>>>>up with ink and clog up.
>
>
> By 'spittoon', do you mean a well. I discovered this well some time back
> and noticed that it had a goopy mess in it. Q-tips enabled me to scoop out
> most of this. The level of goop is well below the level at which the bottom
> of the carts ride back and forth.
>
> I just checked it and it looks like it could use a good cleaning.
>
> Also, I noticed that the foam underneath where the carts ride back and
> forth, is tinged with color.
>
> HankG
>
>