Blocked cartridge nozzles

[Fraser]

I've refilled a Lexmark 12A1970 black cartridge. Some nozzles are blocked. I've dapped it with wet paper many times. I tried taking the ink out but did not get much into the syringe. I've not had this trouble with my other printer so I'm not impressed by Lexmark. Old instructions from JR universal refill ink say I have say to refill as soon as the ink runs out which I didn't. I have filled with a matched ink.

[edball]

Try soaking the nozzles in alcohol (not the kind you drink).

[eboyjones]

Though I have given up on this refill method, the best way I found is to refill when the tank is about 2/3 empty. I would fill up my syrenge with ink about half way, insert it into the cartridge and SLOWLY draw OUT the ink in the cartridge and then SLOWLY refill. Make sure there is no air bubbles in the tank. You can put in and take out several times as need be.

I found when you let them go dry you can never get them working again, especialy the Lexmark.

And cleaning with alcohol sometimes help.

[Mr_Miyagi]

i gave up with refills; went back to "look-e-likeys" (i.e. compatible but cheap) or originals. hang the expense!!!!

[geoscomp]

And remember..using refill kits voids your printer warranty..as does using anything but Lexmark cartridges

[Damned Angel]

And remember..using refill kits voids your printer warranty..as does using anything but Lexmark cartridges

50% true.

your printer will still be under warranty, but any damages or problems caused by the refilled cartridges will not be covered under warranty.

[Escape_Driver]

100% rubbing alcohol ONLY Don't touch the print head....

Oh ya P.S Lexmark SUCKS

[tracker34]

100% rubbing alcohol ONLY Don't touch the print head....

Oh ya P.S Lexmark SUCKS

Very gently try steaming a little with you teakettle.

[jaimicook]

At least you can replace the cartridge and print head! I have an Epson C80 with a massively clogged print head! It is a major job to remove the print head, involving major disassembly of the printer. I have the print head in distilled water in an ultrasonic cleaner. The cost of a replacement print head is around $130.00. I figure that if this works I am a hero, and if it doesn't work, then the printer is not worth a new print head, and goes into the landfill.
Jim

[ilovetheusers]

50% true.

your printer will still be under warranty, but any damages or problems caused by the refilled cartridges will not be covered under warranty.

Who would want to fix a $30 printer?


Oh and not to disagree with anyone but I was told by guys who do printer ink cartridge refills that steaming is the best thing and not to use alcohol.

[cabal]

I have gotten away with putting the head of the ink cartridge in very hot water in a shallow dish for a few seconds. Steam would probably be better but I don't have a tea kettle.

[ClickHere2Surf.com]

I always refill my cartridges, I have a few tips:
1. NEVER buy a printer other than HP (the others all have major problems that keep comming up many times per day in printer message boards)
2. NEVER wait for it to run dry, refill when you suspect the tank is half empty to be sure you dont let it run dry
3. NEVER use universal refils, you need to get ink made specifically for your printer cartridge, try TheInkPlace.com

Here's why I say to not get printers other than HPs:
Canon: Prints fade in a matter of days, print heads not part of cartridge and clog VERY often, cost of print heads is $100-200, printer costs 4-6 times the price of an HP for the same print quality
Epson: Print heads not part of cartridge, and even worst, not user replaceable, and also clog very often, clog requires entire printer to be shipped back to epson
Lexmark: Horrible print quality, ink costs more than the printer

HP: Heads are part of cartridge, when they clog (after 20-40 refills if you refill, never if you dont) you simply replace the $20-30 cartridge, best print quality especially with the new 10 ink model (Photosmart 7960), automatic double sided printing supported on almost all models with optional duplexer saves tons of paper, real laser quality text with pigmented black ink instead of dark blue or green like other printers

[pashka_c]

I have an Epson 760 and having been refilling for years without problem. I follow these steps.
1/ Refill when the cartridge is about half full
2/Use a good quality refill ink designed for your brand (not all inks are the same)
3/To prevent clogging I use a detergent based product I got from the ink supplier in which I place a couple of drops on the pad that the print heads rest on once every two weeks.
4/ Don't over use your cartridges. There is a limit to how many times you can refill a cartridge. Varies between brands and models.
5/Before putting the cartridge in I close off the opening and give the cartrdge a good shake to avoid air lock.
Hope this might help.