How to Fix a Clog in a Epson EcoTank Sublimation Printer

[@justrockinout7333]

Thank you for the informative step-by-step instructions. A few months back, I had a clog and had to figure out these steps on my own. I didn't know about the waste tank, so it is good to know about the purge sheet option. I have since printed something at least once every 7 to 10 days and that seems to have helped prevent another clog from happening. Looking forward to the 'messy' video where you will be swapping out the ink.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad printing often has helped!! :)

[@littlemadhen3045]

Your videos about fixing clogs are so timely! Thank you for making them :). My converted 4700 has a very stubborn clog with the magenta (it's printing this super pale lilac consistently on purge sheets and the nozzle check is blank now) and nothing will clear it (Day 6 of purge pages, nozzle checks, head cleanings, letting it sit multiple 24 hour periods, reset the ink levels and finally resorting to the power clean). When I did the power clean it did not even change the level on the magenta tank so I know it wasn't able to actually pull in the ink. My converted printer is a bit older and I vaguely remember having trouble once before and did cleanings before I understood about the maintenance tank issue. Well this week I received the dreaded message about the maintenance ink pads being almost at the end of life. You mentioned that the maintenance tank can be replaced with one off of Amazon. I've seen the videos of the process and found the part but am concerned about the safety of downloading unknown 3rd party software to reset the chip. Is there a safe way to reset the chip? My husband told me to just buy a new printer . . . all for a hobby I clearly don't do frequently enough lol. I did order the syringes from your Amazon page to try to pull/push the ink through the magenta that you showed in your most recent video - maybe that will work but this has not been fun for sure! ETA: Even though I did not do any further cleanings or nozzle checks (I only printed purge pages), Epson displayed the message that the maintenance pads are at the end of their life and my printer no longer works. I understand that Epson will provide users with a one-time limited key to allow you to finish any existing print jobs but the key is very limited in scope. Since we aren't comfortable using unknown 3rd party software, I guess my machine is bricked. I don't think I will be buying another - it's a very expensive mistake :(.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You can't replace the waste tank without a code? I haven't done it myself but I didn't realize it was necessary.

[@littlemadhen3045]

From what I have learned, there are two issues when the printer perceives the maintenance tank as full. The first is replacing the actual tank. The second is resetting the waste counter back to zero. For the models of EcoTank that have replaceable maintenance tanks, I believe that these replacement tanks contain a chip that resets the waste counter to zero. The replacement tanks on those models are purchased from Epson and owners can just replace the tank. For the models that do not have replaceable maintenance tanks, you can buy a replacement (non-Epson one) off of Amazon or eBay, etc but the printer still thinks that the tank is full and you need a key to reset the waste counter. Because Epson is not allowing the customer on these models to replace the tank, Epson will not provide you with a key/chip to reset the waste counter back to zero. I think they give you a one-time limited use key that would allow you to finish up any jobs but, without a key that resets the waste tank back to zero, the printer's lifespan is limited once the tank or ink pads are full. From what I saw online, lots of people just buy a key through third-party non-Epson software but we aren't tech savvy enough here to make sure the software is safe. @@HeyLetsMakeStuff

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thank you for writing all of that out! I'm going to do some more research and maybe make a video at some point. @@littlemadhen3045

[@StorytimewithFay-FayandMommy]

I'm having the same problem now my money is down the drain Thanks 🤦

[@LithosAndLasers]

Also, Even if you physically have ink, but the printer THINKS you are out of a color, it will not print that color. It will also not print that color during your nozzle check. Use the maintenance menu on the front of the printer to check, and reset the actual ink levels shown. Check this before working on any clog.

[@lasinmt106]

Definitely some printers are famous for this problem. I have a new mono colored laser by Brother that has this issue. It does it on it's own OEM cartridges and it's so frustrating. I go on line where several KZbin posts walk me through the how to reset it every time it occurs. And it's not for the faint of heart if you can't stay focused. It's quite the do this 3 times press that 15 times turn that off then turn something else on kind of game. I write it down and I keep it with the manual I printed out so that just in case if I no longer find the posts on line how to I might be able to understand the notes I took down to work it out. But it can do this when the cartridge especially the extra large cartridge is more than half full. Just puts out a warning the cartridge is empty. Or replace empty cartridge. I bought primarily to print designs I foil and also full page foiling which is fantastic for die cutting and digital cuts. Many of the foils available are amazing. But if it the laser toner is not reliable it fails in how well the foil takes to the page. I believe the main issue is it's always telling me it's out of toner. I also shake the toner or rock it gently back and forth in hopes that works. Over 20 years ago I had a small laser printer similar at my job and it was a work horse that never failed until the company tried to dump used cartridges on me that weren't refilled. Eventually we had a deal where I ordered the cartridges and after that it never failed me nor the other office that borrowed it for 3 months out of the year too. Printers are interesting. There have been great ones and not so great ones. Some more fussy than others. I feel many modern ones are far more unreliable or with problems than those made 20 years ago. But that goes with the territory of technology moving forward and adding on way too many options. Bluetooth, wireless, etc. comes to mind and those that operate with smart phones not computers from long distance. I crave simple devices and fine if they plug and play nice. Your point is well taken.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Good tip!

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Great video! I’m saving it!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

I had a clog awhile ago used several full pages of printer purge sheets. I don't use my printer often so using ink wasn't a big deal. It took 20 minutes without doing power cleanings. Used the paper for scratch paper so it wasn't a waste for me.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Awesome!

[@aaroncompton145]

Appreciate this video... I had some fuzziness come out on my printer I used today, and I wonder if it's a head alignment issue in my case. What kind of paper do you print your tests on? Do you have to use sublimation ink, or can you test with plain bond paper?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You can just use regular copy paper for your tests!

[@lasinmt106]

I'm waiting till April before buying a sublimation printer. I'm on the fence about buying an Epson EcoTank or a true sublimation printer. I understand most of the pro's and con's and cost is one. But can't help but wonder about clogs and air bubbles in either option. Also if there are better sublimation ink brands than others with properties with some brands that are anti-clogging. Maybe finer pigments or ingredients and will stay in solution better over time. (Years ago I bought a brandnew R2000 printer I adored. Until the 3rd year when having used nothing but it's OEM ink cartridges it began air locking in the ink lines. All of them when ever I put in a new one. At first I could work things out and eventually get it to work well. But the next time a new cartridge was needed it was nightmare time all over. In the end after about a year of this frustration it totally failed and never was able to get it to work again. During this time both the insurance policy and the company insisted I had used non OEM INKS and I hadn't. This was the first time I had even heard of them. I investigated. When I bought a much cheaper cannon printer but 19" carriage too I instantly ordered NON-OEM ink cartridges. I figured I had nothing to loose and possibly a lot to gain. I'm now using this printer for 6 straight years. It's maybe had 2 episodes where the new cartridge wouldn't work and had to fiddle with it and go through cleaning etc. Will this experience has opened me up to taking a printer like the Epson EcoTank line and making it into a sublimation printer right off. I never went the route of making my Cannon into a refill ink and prefer to use the very easy to swap out non0oem cheap inks. They are inexpensive and the only down side is I never go through the black inks which there are two with this printer. I must have like over 30 black cartridges built up now. The inside of this printer spits ink all over and yet the rollers do not seem to develop problems. I print loads of photos and use a lot of photo papers and cardstocks. For being just over a hundred dollars I would replace it in a heart beat if ever it failed. The R2000 cost over 800 and didn't make it past 3 years really. I once had an HP color printer that was a work horse for 10 years straight. I bought another HP to replace it and it failed out of the box and would never print yellow. Not a cartridge issue yellow flowed but the color adjustments in the machine were never right from the manufacturer and they would not help. I'm leaning so far towards the Epson EcoTank but my husband has had 3 Epson color Inkjets die under 2 years and so when I'm actually ready to purchase I'll do more homework for brands and models. I do love the idea of the EcoTank line of course where you just fill those tanks from bulk size bottles. I'm not sure how much inks I'll actually use. I do not intend to sell or make anything for commercial use. I'm strictly a happy crafter for friends and family but mostly my own creative inspiration and ideas. I look forward to watching your next installment of getting MESSY. Who knows that might change my mind about the EcoTank option. Love your indepth and well thought out video shares. The creative ones too.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thanks for your comment! Other printers (Sawgrass and Brother) don't clog as easily because they run an automatic maintenance cycle. One suggestion for an Epson EcoTank is to use the Epson sublimation ink that is designed for the F170 sublimation printer. You might have less clogging with a product certified by Epson vs. one of the random overseas manufacturers. Hope that helps! :)

[@manicmerchant]

newbie here. How often should you be printing from your F170 to help avoid clogs. Would it be better to leave the machine on all the time. Thanks!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Epson says you don’t need to print as often with the F170 because the print head is designed for sublimation ink. That being said…I still think once a week is a good habit.

[@audball1961]

Will it also work for a clogged regular ink

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Every printer is different, but these tips may work!

[@lasinmt106]

Check your manual or your maintenance directions with your printer. Sometimes these are on line and sometimes within your computer itself and sometimes you can also find KZbin how to videos to watch for your brand and model of printer. So check those. I've dealt with clogs and worse with one very expensive R2000 printer where it air locked constantly and eventually just died on me. It was fantastic for over 2 almost 3 years. It had air locked a few times during those early years but then it just did it every time and after going through all the cleanings deep and lighter versions it sometimes would work but eventually didn't. So you are best to start with what your printer itself suggests. Also if you are not sure definitely look for help for your printer on KZbin. That's often very helpful and like today someone will walk you through the possibilities and options maybe best to try. Good luck because nothings more miserable than a printer that won't print.

[@KimberlyCassell]

this is amazing but my printer is saying i need to go to the epson site to do the power cleaning.. ive looked in the site but cant find where they explain a power head cleaning.. Pleeease HELP!!!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Can you log into your Epson account? I think it's there where you have registered your printer!

[@surgicaltechcrafter2169]

I have had to do 2 power cleanings in a few years with my Epson.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It’s definitely not the end of the world!

[@StorytimewithFay-FayandMommy]

I followed your instructions and I did a power cleaning and I received a error message E-11 and went and got a new ink pad replaced it and now the error message want go away for me to print HELPPPPPPPPPPPPP😢😢

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm not familiar with the E-11 code, but I did a quick google search and you may need to replace the pad inside your printer. There are videos and tutorials that you may find helpful!

[@StorytimewithFay-FayandMommy]

@HeyLetsMakeStuff I replaced it but my black ink still won't print.