Epson EcoTank Clogging Troubleshoot Part 1 - Not all clogs are Printhead Problems!

[@stevirt]

I cleaned the printheads but they were already unclogged. I checked the dampers and they were almost empty. I followed your instructions to empty the air out. First time I didn't get all of the air. After a second attempt and another head cleaning I printed the most perfect print I have seen from my printer in a year. THANK YOU!!!

[@Ocean_breezes]

Good video, but some comments I have a Epson 2803 series. No need to remove screws to raise top. The lever top support on the left is movable and used to release the top. My magenta was not printing at all. The clog was in the "damper", not the nozzle. Using a syringe, I flushed out all ink from the damper using a cleaner fluid for nozzle cleaning. Then refilled the damper with fresh ink. Finally, "primed" the little hose coming from the ecotank using same syringe, until ink freely flowed into syringe. Put hose back on damper. Plugged everything back together. Ran head cleaning routine from maintenance menu. Problem fixed ! Perfect colors again

[@merlinporterarts]

My Et 2720 was showing absolutely no yellow or cyan on the prints. Multiple machine cleans..not the power one. Luckily I have a syringe about the same size as yours and an adapter with a small nozzle tip that I use to refill ink in pentel brush pens. My nozzle is actually about half the size of the one here but it still managed to unclog the tubes...I just pushed it in and made sure no air was going in. Well I used syringe on the printer heads and tubes etc like you show. I didnt completely remove the tubes but just did a few syringe pulls till it came through. Then ran another machine clean or nozzle clean etc on the printer and wow it is up and running! 90% fixed very very slight drop on some colour but its nearly good as new again from only printing black and magenta. Quite satisfying doing the DIY job and beating Epson at their game! Many many thanks.

[@schwamieboy1]

This is probably one of the most valuable videos on the internet...period.

[@loteleveninnovations3649]

You are a LIFE-SAVER!!!!! I almost tossed my printer after only 8 months, because of this issue. I watched sooooo many videos about print head issues and NOTHING ever worked. Time I cracked open the cartridge panel box and removed the cartridges, I knew the issue wasn't a print head problem. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[@lucillebonds6513]

Video very helpful thanks but my problem is I can see that ink in it threw the front of the printer but when I disconnected the rubber tube from the big part there's no ink in them

[@jharrison38]

@@lucillebonds6513 I am having the same problem, hope to get some feedback.

[@mathewk3892]

Thank you!. I has an Epson 2760 printer which was was not used for almost an year and was printing blank page for both black and color. I started with cleaning the printer head first for all the colors using print head cleaning kit from Amazon(did cleaning couple of times) . After that I did a Print Head cleaning from Printer Maintenance menu. Still It printed blank pages for all colors. Then as you said in 7:29 minute in the video to remove each tube and pull the ink out from each color tube to clear any air out of the tube. (Also pulled color from each square color box that connects the tube). I used small syringe for colors other than Black and a connector that came with the Print Head cleaning Kit to suck all the air out of the tube (do this very slowly), then did a Print Head cleaning from Printer Maintenance menu, it started printing. It printed pages with line breaks in between. I had a full page in Microsoft word filled with Black, Cyan, Yellow and Magenta colors to test the print. After couple of Print Head cleaning from Printer Maintenance menu it worked like a charm. Printed all colors without any breaks. you can also do a Nozzle check to see the color pattern printed.

[@cassandramoore8865]

This should have been the first and only video I watched. I wasted so much time doing other things that did not work. This was so easy and fixed it. Thank you for a great and simple video! 🎉

[@gailorth-aikmus2977]

I wanted to thank you! After watching 2 of your video's I was able to fix my Epson printer, it's printing like it was new again! Saved me $250!

[@violinheart123]

Just bought some spare syringes, my printer's clogged but I couldn't figure out why even after two printer head flushes (to be fair, I did need to do that because the yellow one was clogged) but after a couple quick cleans it wasn't printing anything except black and yellow, so I checked again and sure enough the dampers are completely empty so it's probably a tubing issue. Thank you so much for this video! I can't order from you because I'm in Australia but I really really appreciate you sharing this knowledge!!

[@carolinecyr6339]

Big thanks! My test sheet showed no errors whatsoever. So, I was really confused until I found your video! I checked the dampers and they were alright. However, the yellow tube was clogged. I followed your instructions and everything works well! THANK YOU!

[@edgarramos3659]

i was going to toss my printer out. only did like 20 print jobs in 2 years. same issue with the yellow. i did this after almost tearing my printer apart out of frustiration . long story short this guy helped me out. my printer is now printing. **** it was the tubing that had the clog BE PATIENT AND DO STEP BY STEP THIS WORKS

[@richardgrotz8089]

Best diagnosis video ever - I refer everyone asking about Epson Ecotank printer problems here! Richard from BulkInk

[@aviator5]

Kevin thanks for the expert help. After I cleaned the printhead for black on the Epson ET-2720 and suctioned the air out of the black damper as you demonstrated, the printer failed to print any black. I attempted to print several black purge files and still no black. Then I ran several nozzle checks and three-minute head cleaning cycles and still no black. I finally tried two of Epson’s seven-minute deep printhead cycles and finally, I was able to successfully print the black purge file. A nozzle check showed good CMYK patterns. I entered Epson’s seven-minute deep printhead utility by turning the printer off and then turning it back on while holding power and help (?) buttons down together. While this deep cleaning resolved my black printing issue, I did need to reset the waste ink pad counter using the software and key you recommended. Hopefully, your video and Epson’s deep printhead cleaning utility will help others solve their printing issues.

[@mistymcnamara5261]

How did you reset the, Waste ink pad counter?

[@aviator5]

@@mistymcnamara5261 Search for Wic Reset Utility on the Internet. No charge for first reset.

[@PeaJayCee]

Thanks. I did everything and I still have lines. I'll try the deep cleaning again.

[@aviator5]

@@PeaJayCee Like you I am out of suggestions. I had hoped it would work for you. Out of desperation, I would run alcohol instead of ink through the damper and printhead. Running another deep cleaning cycle or two to see if the problem clears.

[@angienichols7269]

Thanks for this video. It took away my fear of trying to clear the clog myself. Excellent turtorial!

[@chandracarrington7566]

This is by far the best, most helpful video in unclogging my ink lines. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@CoolshrimpModz]

Thanks! My ecotank I use for sublimation is having this same issues I noticed the dampers are empty so now to check with a syringe. 💜

[@lalalandvintage]

This is THE only printer clogging solution video you need to watch.

[@asimpson9295]

Thank you for the video. Love it. I have an Epson Ecotank ET-2800 cannot seem to get past the jam error message. I have tried everything, and watched tons of videos. I'm still searching but I really liked this video.

[@statostheman]

I've the ET-2650 model. The Ink pads was at the end of service life. So I called to Epson customer support and they would charged me much as a new printer. So, I ordered an replicable ink pads, included the caddy, original part from Epson. Then I purged the old ink and replace it with original ink on it. And it worked after a while of purging out the old ink, which was a copy of the 664 die. I had to say it, do not buy copy ink that claims they're better at printing then original. It gave me lines at printing. I had to serval times purge out the old ink from the system. Now I service it, initialize the waste pad counter by an print key and purging the old ink, its prints better then the day I bought.

[@pennycusic4509]

Thank you for this fix. I was at a loss on how to get the ink back into the head. Thanks again.

[@janellefinley6586]

YIKES!!! I cleaned it like you said now all my other colors aren't working were before I was just missing the cyan. I have done the nozzle check, now 12 purge sheets still nothing! I am going to try what you suggested in this video now. I did not do a power clean should I do that now? Or try what you said in this video first?

[@tmend5795]

wow you are the best ... what i can do without you !!! my printer works amazing with all your tips and videos

[@LouRao]

Wow! Thank you for a detail clearing clogged ink heads. For this printer model, ET-2720, where does all the ink go after performing a “Power Clean ?” After doing a “Power Clean” I noticed the black ink is used the most and “A LOT.” So, the ink is not cycle back to the ink cartridge. Where does it go? Thank you.

[@allysiamcfarland3117]

It's goes to the disposal ink tank. You don't get it back.

[@ocs1986]

And when the waste disposal tank fills up you have to toss out the printer, so don't want to be doing those power cleans unless you absolutely have to.

[@trondman78]

Thank you,, you just saved me 300 dollars, and the effort to throw the printer out the window.. issue was in the paint reservoir.

[@darillfow]

I'm just so glad we got KZbin nowadays where we can learn from others mistakes, I almost bought this piece of crap, glad I didn't. Seems like a common problem with clogging, ugh! So sorry you having to go through that, I would return if if I was you. The headache is not worth it.

[@mrflibble9783]

Most of the problems comes from the sublimation inks people are using. You can see in the videos the pipes going to the print head are multicoloured. These should be white and have been dyed through strong amonia used with sublimation inks. These reports are exaggerating the issues with these printers. If you watch alot of the videos of these, these pipes are coloured and not white. That doesn't happen with gen inks.

[@uguryay]

@@mrflibble9783 sadly it does happen with the Geniune inks too. My few months old printer have the same problem. I checked and cyan color was not printing. Checked the printhead and dampener was empty. I tried the same things on the video still couldn't fix it today :(.

[@mrflibble9783]

@@uguryay Have you moved the printer? There's air breather holes at the top of the tanks and they get clogged if they're moved. Also, i did point out that the 3rd party ink is 'exaggerating' the issue. It does still happen, but with gen inks it is at least rare when the printers are regularly used. They can clog easier if they're left unused for a bit.

[@uguryay]

@@mrflibble9783 Sorry! I didn't mean it. I am very exhausted mentally because of the printer today... Just when I need it most, it failed :/. Oh, yes I moved printer 3-4 times i think when I was redesigning my room because my room was messy. What can I do to open the breather holes at the top of the tank?

[@mrflibble9783]

@@uguryay Try to use the syringe to push through the whole on the tank, and pull from the dummy cartridge. Hopefully that will clear.

[@GlenBraeDude]

Regarding my Eco 4850 printer... had a problem where one particular ink color wasn't making it to the page. All ink levels were at 3/4 full or better. Ran the printhead cleaning function from the onboard menu twice, no joy. Then ran the power cleaning function from the menu one time, all good now.

[@melissadubois7384]

Hi Kevin, I could use some extra help please. I was able to follow your video; used the syringe to see if the ink would flow and it does. I was able to pull ink through the yellow tube easily and then from the damper easily as well. I'm still not able to print any yellow. What else could it be? Do you think I need to replace the yellow damper or something else? The other colors are printing perfectly. Thanks for your time. Missy

[@byLokie]

I attacked this from the tank filling port. I placed a stainless steel straw that was in my cutlery drawer over the filler valve and blew. It unclogged. Might be worth a shot before going under the bonnet. So used positive pressure instead of vacuum

[@raystone7331]

Thank you for the instruction, very helpful. where did you say you got the small adaptor tips for the syringe ?

[@us3804]

Thnx, great video, i did it then cleaned all the nozzles after that. But it still prints nothing..it pretends printing but at the end it comes out as a completely blank page, as clean as my heart..what could be the problem?

[@CategoricalImperative]

I just ordered this kit. Thanks for the video. Cheers!

[@daleantolik3956]

Where can I get the long adapter for the syringe for clearing the ink tubes?

[@thebossy1]

Your video is the best that I've seen no one talks about the dampers everybody just want you to flush it my tubes draw perfectly I need to check my dampers it's getting late I'll be back in it tomorrow my black is printing perfectly but that's all I ever used LOL once I get this fixed I will be using my printer more often... and I ripped out one of the cables I was able to fix it😅

[@sohollywoodthepodcast]

Where can we find the Disassembly/Assembly instructions?

[@juanvillarreal4054]

My et-15000 won't print magenta. I did powe cleaning; nozzle check, head clean. I used solution to unclog nozzle but still no magenta prints. Any recommendation? The Nozzle check is completely missing. Ink is good and was replaced but no luck. I printed surge sheet and magenta does not print

[@amandabridges6642]

All my dampners are empty, I've pulled ink from both ends of tubes so not sure what to do now

[@lawdog81]

What syringes should I get...?

[@Backyardsniper73]

I converted a 8550 to dtf did maybe 3 full prints and maintenance cleaning etc. Now trying to do any type of printing and all I get are blank pages. Pulled the dampers and no ink has made it through them. Can I use a solvent or something to get everything working ?

[@LoveThatPhantom]

What do I do if 3 of my 4 dampers are empty. But I still have 3/4 ink levels according to my printer? Should I try adding more ink?

[@LydieCakes]

I just found a used one at an awesome deal. The current owner says it is printing weird lines and splotches. I have watched this video many times to see if what U have done would clear it up but I'm still unsure. Thoughts?

[@MrMimiof98]

What could the problem be if there is no color printing on any maintainer cleaning or alignments. nozzle check does not show any color. When I print it only prints all black and a little yellow tint on sides and a little in middle.

[@marcialynch8695]

My Ecotank 2803 will not take in ink. Can you help? Thank you!

[@spidermonkeykiss]

mine is doing the same thing

[@jocelynhuff7431]

My magenta is clogged after 10 attempts for cleaning and power cleaning. Have only had the ET 2803 for 3 months and highly upset.

[@hi_its_Letty]

My printer seems to be leaking yellow ink from the bottom. Could this help the problem?

[@donnareinard9778]

So. I pulled 2 of the cables off. Do you have a viceo on how to fix those. My printer is not that old. :( Thank you

[@PropellRealtyMedia]

Do you know what the blue dots on the cartridge inside means?

[@Technotranceism]

Is the system relying on a gravity feed, or a motorized feed? Gravity feed can always be an issue, while a motorized feed like a pump is more reliable, but can fail or clog.

[@samanthasalazar9462]

Can this technique be used on the EPSON ET-4700 (WiFi) model? Please let me know. Thanks!

[@sandyirvin9348]

Hi, I have an epson et 16600, my black has horizontal banding. I have ran purge sheets, cleaned nozzle heads still cannot get it to go away. What else can I do?

[@richardgreene4725]

Now that's the way to do it. Suck ink through, draw it through using a vacuum, don't try to blow it through from behind. I was not sure if there was a pump, which pumped ink from the tank, but noticed two of the cartridges were empty, and so managed to draw some ink into the cartridge via the output nozzle, I saw the ink coming through into the cartridge which is now full. Also give the printer a gentle movement around to mix ink in the tank, Do not shake. I do believe their is also clogged nozzle, which I can deal with. Remember " Suck Don't Blow"

[@ritawilson7017]

I hope you can help me I am having problem with my ink going into my printer

[@davideden708]

Hey Kevin can you please help me with a problem with my Epson ECO tank ET-2826. It says there is a paper jam which i removed , but printer still says paper jam and obviously printer wont work. The print head is stuck on the left hand side and also wont return to its set position. Any help please

[@dclarkjewel06]

Thank you so much! I still would like to send my printer out because it is under the warranty.

[@amaliavargas1435]

Hi Kevin, I love you videos you explain everthing very well. I also have an Epson 2720 nothing prints on paper, I have done everything you have done on videos and it still prints blank. Do you think I need to change printer head? Where can I buy one and how to install it? I am dreading buying a new printer for sublimation. I really need help. thank you

[@larryfichera4490]

Hi Amalia, did you ever find a fix for this? 2 of my colors do not print at all

[@monicagarcia-pg2ex]

Hi my printer prints every color except cyan I did Powder cleaning head cleaning but still knot working any recommendations

[@guylou1965]

Hello! At 3 minutes 16 seconds: "Probably there won't be anything wrong with the damper...." And, if there is a problem with the damper? Mine remains completely empty? What can I do? It's O.K. or not?

[@gerrywolfe2549]

I followed your instructions, for my magenta not printing. After doing a nozzle check and head clean, still not working and when i looked on the table it had ink all over it. Any suggestions as to why?

[@sandraavila5801]

where can I download a copy of that book with instructions???

[@becourageous2]

I have just set up a brand new Epson 2803 printer and I am getting lines! What could be the reason?

[@khmer_4ever501]

Hello can you please help me my printer is 2720 as well . I was did all the stuff you showed but I'm still have a problem . also I did nozzle check and alignment when I printed is still show lines on imgae but also my ink is low too. Im scared that I'm going to buy a new inks and my printer not working and just a watse $. Thanks for advance

[@staceyschmidt1730]

yep, I pulled the two small white cables off, how do I fix those!!!

[@mvannan55]

Thanks for this video. Very clear instructions. Great work.

[@MinMin-go8cp]

Could you tell me how to clean clogged Epson M1120.Thanks in advance.🙇🏻‍♂️

[@hing983]

what size syrince to pull the ink

[@MrsAngelDamor]

excellent got straight to the point! thank you!

[@MrsQueKnightWilliams]

Do you have a video on how to open et15000

[@ambergoss158]

Hi Kevin, I seem to have an airlock stemming from the tank itself. You reference there is an airhole that may be clogged on the tank but I can't figure out where it is at to clear it. I've been able to easily pull ink through the dampers and through the tubing on both sides--I'm only having the airlock when the tubing is connected to the tank. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks so much! Amber.

[@nyomiisrael2236]

Did you get this answered im having same issue

[@rohncarver3585]

epson ET-2800, can't get the ink bottles to drain into the ink tanks? suggestions?

[@sherrydenisecantrell7331]

i have a question i have run the nozzle check and the head cleaning nothing is printing,my eco tank is full the is ink coming through the lines but is not filling the temper with ink what else can i do ?

[@carrieperez1545]

I have a chronic paper jam problem. It will not feed without jamming. No little pieces of paper, can't see a thing. Sad as it's just outside warranty...

[@jharrison38]

Hey is there any chance of calliing you I bought what was supposed to be a brand new Epson ET-5800 but found out why I got 500 off the price it was ran through had over 152,000 color prints done on it so I was not happy. I am trying to figure out why the black still isn't printing very faint I have tried everything I guess I will try again lol. Please let me know I don't want to throw it in the garabage. Thank you

[@tonimaldonadotattoo4851]

Thank you, it was very helpful 🎉

[@paulbains9152]

I fill the clogged tube with Windex then run a piano wire in there to break it up . Im working on one right now , with 5 ft long feed tubes , thats why I need the wire . Two tubes were plugged .

[@BCHTechnologies]

Piano wire! How creative! I would saved so much time. Thanks for sharing!

[@borun12]

But piano wire is dangerous it damaged the tube !!

[@merlinporterarts]

aha my nylon wire for hanging pictures may do the trick!

[@jetfu400]

@@merlinporterarts yeah! Good idea! Did you fix it?

[@sherriebellebrinkworth8265]

How do you replace the Epson XP-1700 waste ink cartridge?

[@jeffrey778]

cyan seems to be the one that getts cloged the most the same thing happen to mine. but now my power will not turn on anymore i dont know what to do other then get a new printer

[@tracyrlgh1]

Hi Kevin, I followed your video because not all my colors were working. I put everything back together now when I turn it on it says I have a scanner error and only allows me to shut off. Do you have any input on what may be wrong and maybe some advice as to what I can do? Thank you!

[@tracyrlgh1]

Error is E-02 100077

[@awharris29]

@@tracyrlgh1 I had the same issue. It means one of the flat wire bands has come unplugged. Trace each one out. Once i found it, I took needle nose pliers and put back in place.

[@maudelro]

I tried to open the Epson ET 2800 printer that I purchased last December 2021, to check the ink supply. I was able to remove the screw on the extreme left. However when I was about to remove the screw on the extreme right , it wasn't there anymore , and I couldn't open the printer. Please help. Thank you.

[@stevewood5144]

Thanks this got my printer working again.

[@spidermonkeykiss]

I just set my epson 2803 up and it will only print blank pages. I have done every cleaning on the machine and heads many times, but the ink lines are still as they were when i set it up.

[@antisolcials]

Any fix for this printer yet?

[@jamez4752]

Anyone have the link for the syringe adapter? I can’t seem to find it

[@kimwenceslaosanchez4449]

where d you get that file?

[@nurpiet]

i did not expect those last 20 seconds at all lmao

[@SALAMAYoussef]

please, Kevin what is the difference between the ET and L version of epson ex: Epson L6290 vs Epson ET-4850

[@BCHTechnologies]

One is sold in Asia, one is American

[@jennachristine1956]

What if the tampers are empty what do I check

[@Shonny_T]

Can this also be the reason why the espon 7820 won’t print also. After clogged line.

[@Ribaby408]

I need those plastic tips so I can try this! Nothing else has worked so far. I've done over 20 print head cleanings. You may have saved my life 🙂. Where did you get the plastic tips?

[@candicejones7199]

click show more above and he has links to buy them.

[@kirstenfrost9812]

We have a colourprinter, and there are colour in the boxes - but when we print everything is pink ??

[@001authentic]

hello I'm trying to find the adapter

[@isabellal9104]

I have this print buy the paper can’t roll in to print out, can you tell me how to fix it

[@iselacaraballo68]

What can be wrong if there is no ink in the damper? Where do I start?

[@littledevildee]

Thanks!

[@xn3ko]

Hi Kevin, could you add a video on how to re-attach the cables (@1:57 ) if someone accidentally lifts up too high? - 😁Asking for a friend

[@sheepsfoot2]

My cable also came off when lifting the lid too high ! On the green circuit board there's a black square with about a dozen little brass teeth on the top , the end of the white ribbon also has brass teeth > its male to female connection and from above you just push down and that's it !

[@TheTuneAce]

+2 points for disassembly *and* troubleshooting options

[@VicharB]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@MKMK-mp8sv]

I got this problem as well

[@tonyngo2878]

thank you for this extremely informative video sir

[@lianeisme]

Kevin thank you so much very helpful video

[@mattwilliams3102]

Thank you so much for the help!

[@mixedchocolite]

I can feel the clog in my cyan line towards the front but I can extract it out

[@JanelleHAITI]

This video was SOOOO helpful! thank you so much!

[@impressedbydes991]

I had ink flood into both... however it still isnt printing anything yellow.

[@abc2hydrosolutions165]

My printer l220 has the clogging.what should i do because i have head cleaned severally in vain?