PRINT HEAD FLUSH - WATERFALL - REVERSE FLUSH - DTG / EPSON PRINTERS

Clearing a clogged print head in a DTG unit. This is the epson 3880 but can be applied to other print heads as well.
Link for the ultrasonic cleaner
amzn.to/3s7DmHC
Check out my other videos in the DTG t shirt space.

[@oscargalvez7]

I really want to thank you for giving all this advice. I was looking for how to do this with mi L1800 printhead and your video was what I was looking for. I have made a lot of cleanings both through the computer and manual, and finally I removed the printhead and did all your 3 methods. It printed again! Thank you very much!! The world needs more people who give useful printhead info 👌😬 I used Windex as a cleaning solution if it's useful for anyone.

[@2WistedWolf]

what should i use for windex alternative? since its not available at my Country

[@JoshuaTrenge]

I’ve been using Epson Workforce printers for years…. All printers are a PITA.. but flushing the print head (as a last resort) will keep an old printer working like new. NOTE: I never remove the print head.. I flush them in the machine.. I simply roll a paper towel sheet up under the print head to absorb the ink and flush solvent. Between this and occasionally having to clean the encoders… these printers can live for many years…

[@aexploder]

Thank you for this video! Very informative!

[@SmilA89]

it is safe to use sonic washer with print head ?? I heard that's little membrain inside printer will be damage.

[@eustacechongwe-tz3hy]

After doing a head cleaner using the method you have demonstrated, but now it's printing blank pages and saying the ink pad is almost dying. What should I do next?

[@user-fy2ql1ds1n]

Good piece of advice it seems I have damaged my EPSON l382. After cleaning power button continuously blinks green

[@sergelomako2583]

Hello Planet. Thanks for the video. Can I remove the manyfold from DX6 (I think this is the printhead I have on Epson Surecolor SC5200T). Someone put the printer in conservation, but a couple of years later I discovered their was some ink in the dumpers and in the printhear. Thank you for any piece of advice. Serguei

[@dugbert9]

good video, thanks for posting

[@PixelGraphicsCoLLC]

Good advise. Forcing pressure on the reverse printhead cleaning or the "waterfall" methods can RUIN your printhead. Keep in mind that there is electronics inside the printhead; that said, if any fluid leaks into the electronics of the printhead IT WILL BE RUINED. Trust me.

[@TechyRodsWire]

great video!!!

[@cesargonzalez7743]

Your videos are very illustrative my Epson 3880 doesn't want to send the injector test. It says error. It will be x covered head

[@planetpodcast5607]

What is the error code number

[@drpaulgodard]

I got a new manifold which was 100% (testing by pushing solution through)... not like my old one which has the first chanel blocked. I fit it back to the head and tested pulling liquid from the head to the manifold as explained in the video. Back in the printer, test print... nothing at all printed on paper. After power cleaning, still nothing at all printed on paper. No error. What can be the problem this time?

[@ronlan1984]

What if im doing a normal flush and its coming back up from a different color spot

[@kaleekinetik]

I can't seem to get my side panel off and I can't seem to the turn the knob to drop the caps enough to manually shift my head over to work on it. any suggestions?

[@stuartcotterill9475]

70% thinners, 30% distilled water mixture. Let it sit for a few hours then suck up, never push the solution towards the printhead because it's micro holes. Never failed to unblock a printhead yet.

[@proclaim2847]

What would be the problem if its not printing any colors at all? Just white. Havent done any of the procedures in the vid yet and i have not used the printer for awhile

[@stuartcotterill9475]

@Nurani Printers Kumbukgete Yes paint thinner.

[@stuartcotterill9475]

@@proclaim2847 Would seem you have a clogged printhead for sure if you haven't used it in a while, but on the other hand it's really really strange that white is still printing. Normally white is the problematic colour.

[@hazmat2448]

This will work on the Epson f2100 dtg? Also if i dont shake the white ink cartridges for several months does the white ink harden and can I still use white ink after it sat ?

[@planetpodcast5607]

it will, i would not recommend waterfalling it but rather reverse flushing it. Pull the ink, dont push it. Also if you have refillable carts use some with cleaner in them and run power cleans. If your white ink sat for too long it will expire.

[@164hercules]

Great video. Thanks for sharing I have an L1800 and the white print heads are clogged. I tried soaking and the reverse flush. But both are still clogged. What do you suggest? I also have another L1800 that the carriage goes to the left and stays there, What do you think is wrong. It is brand new and did this during set-up.

[@amyli9534]

I followed the reverse flush and soak technique and my 3800 is giving me 131b error message :S did I fuck up my print head?

[@mizantrop]

Hello! Please help! Texjet plus printer (epson 3880 base) Printhead can be passed through, capping colors are visible, damper can be absorbed, all colors are fine! Print does not print anything! Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

[@teecupscustomcreations3773]

after soaking the bottom do you let dry for 24hrs ? Or can you just reinsert and print right after?

[@planetpodcast5607]

It's important the the electronics be dry, the head plate not so much. But make sure the actual cable connection and board are completely dry

[@stuartburch4879]

Along with your other vid on head removal REALLY helpful thx for sharing...gives me the confidence to clean/overhaul my P800. Question, is it possible to remove/clean the ink lines - I ask because I'm wondering whether there might be some sort of air block and guess that would most likely be the lines. Previously I've cleaned the head and cap using magic bullet fluid (cloth under head method) and always worked fine but all of a sudden the MK has suddenly started playing up. Strange symptoms, it started printed a magenta strip at the start and end of page and now just prints a pinky grey set of stripes. Tried a final overnight clean with MB, ran some black purge pages thru and seemed like it was coming back to life with an almost black print but then reverted back to the stripes. All the other colours are fine. If I dismantle and remove the head I'd like to make sure I cover the possibility of an air blockage in lines. Any advice ?

[@planetpodcast5607]

You can further disassemble the printer and remove the lines altogether and run water through them. Sounds more like a damper issue to me. Dampers primed and have ink in them then can't keep up the ink flow and begin to fade out

[@sevimdavis2392]

Hello I'm getting the 1601 error on my epson 3880 and wanted to know how to fix it without removing the carriage assembly?

[@darrencoldwell9587]

Hey, thanks for the great video - it may save my P800 which after I got covid was sat idle for 2 years and has 3 clogged colours. The video says for P800, can you think of any major differences that may apply to my machine from your video? Thanks.

[@planetpodcast5607]

Not a lot of differences when it comes to salvaging them

[@JohnNRosy]

Hi .. i also have a epson l1800 LS / 1390 the problem im having is the ink is not moving at all theres no flow in it.... head cleaning, power cleaning and ink charge still no ink movement through the ink heads out. and also the ink waste pad is having a little bit suction but after that it will squirt it out. please i really need help

[@planetpodcast5607]

Follow the ink, try sucking it out of the dampers themselves

[@deimantascerniauskas8655]

Recomendet me clean um L1800 wit deionised water it's safety?

[@jsaomafd]

Hi, nice video, after a cleaning I am getting no Yellow or Black. White, Cyan and Magenta. Did I messed up the printhead? The cable?

[@planetpodcast5607]

If you are getting no colors then possibly. I couldn't say without more information

[@galaxy29610]

I have a epson2100 dtg that i both from this guy but one of the white chanels is half way open but the other have is very clog would the ulta sonic machine help me unglug it whit the vibration? Or what other way i can unclog it i try many times but no luck

[@planetpodcast5607]

I have a few suggestions

[@cborden364]

Have you heard anything about The Printhead Doctor machine? I wondered if that would do a good job flushing?

[@planetpodcast5607]

I've seen it only online. The concept is solid tho. Understanding how the heads work helps a lot when trying to clean them without damaging them

[@danielvanravenhorst6917]

Hey can you explain more about that uv thing

[@planetpodcast5607]

Ultrasonic not UV. It basically cleans things with ultrasonic sound waves through a fluid. Breaking down particles that way. I've had success with it. Most importantly the head needs to be clean and dry when going back in

[@danielvanravenhorst6917]

@@planetpodcast5607 okay thank you, i actually ordered it through your affiliate link and then canceled because i made a post in a fb group and the dude said it damaged the head liner instantly

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

Thanks to you about to disassemble my 3800; not used in 10 years, ALL color but yellow print, Replaced all the cartridges, yellow still does not print. Ran 15 power cleaning cycles, went through 2 maintenance tanks. my ONE question is this why does the ink level for YELLOW drop though not a drop of yellow ink is printed? Thanks !

[@planetpodcast5607]

Damper. Always follow the ink. Cartridge, Line , Damper, Head. If its not coming out of the head then the next in line is the damper, if you cant suck it out of the damper, then move to the line, then to the cartridges.

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

@@planetpodcast5607 Thank you so much, so start with Damper first is first I take as the first step. I'll do water fall method. If all falls, should I invest in the metal container holding the cartridges with its new tubing and new damper. I found it new for around $350USD. Love this printer ( 3800 pro) because it's epson's only 17x22 that you can by refillable cartridges. Still using OEM Pigment; the cleaning solution will work with Pigment as it does with dye based? Thank you again, you know your stuff!!!

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

@@planetpodcast5607 Quick follow up, so reverse Flush first then ink tubing or reverser flush then try waterfall? And if need be if tubing is removed from damper and ink cartridge holder, what best works to purge ink out of 8 tube supply line? again, thanks. Again, glad to pay for help, well worth it for your expertise

[@purplereignworldwide2681]

Maybe you can help me with some insight. All my colors look good when i prime my printhead. Once i do a head cleaning 1-2 times head cleanin , my white lines go from about 98% down to 10%. I just replaced the pump maybe 1 month ago as well as dampers. My room temp is about 66 degrees and humidity at around 55-60%. What do you think it could be so i can purchase the part to fix the issue.

[@planetpodcast5607]

dampers most likely. Not sure what printer you are using but dampers will surely impede the flow of ink, you might get some ink in them to start the print but it cannot sustain enough flow to keep it solid throughout

[@theliftersunion9644]

So I watched a great video where you bought a printer and the print head was in great shape “new to me” as you stated. What would be the best way to store a spare print head that was pulled from another printer?

[@planetpodcast5607]

Great way to store it is to have it cleaned and put a small piece of paper towel with cleaner on it to the head and wrap it in cellophane.

[@drpaulgodard]

Hi. I have a stylus 4000 and I live in Namibia where the humidity is close to zero! I have successfully unclogged the heads 3 years ago using this method. Last week, I had to do it again as the heads were clogged due to no use of the printer for too long. I managed to the get a good waterfall for each color, put back the head and tested... but 2 colors were still not coming after 2-3 power cleanings. So I started over. I could reverse flushing all colors but when I did the waterfall, 1 color was completely blocked and the cleaning solution (50% distilled water - 50% rubbing alcohol) was coming out from the next colors ( on the inlet side, not the head side). I reverse flushed many times successfully but can not get the waterfall on that color... nothing is coming on the head side, only through the next color inlets! What does that mean? How do I solve that problem? Would it be recommended to open the head?

[@planetpodcast5607]

If it comes out any other port the head is damaged.

[@deucedawg01]

Do you dilute the Simple Green for the flush fluid?

[@markdressen8115]

Can you put Simple green in the little machine and did you use Simple green in the syringe. Thanks

[@planetpodcast5607]

You can, just be careful. Make sure your head is 100% dry . Remove it from the manifold. Blow it out. If there is any moisture at all it will kill the head the second you plug it in

[@moriahfowler1616]

After following the tutorial and putting it back together it is printing blank. What would cause that

[@planetpodcast5607]

Blowout of the seal on the head from over pressurize. No ink in the dampers. Moisture causing a shirt on the head or cable

[@khulemmanishsingh8029]

Thanks sir I want to buy headprint cleaner

[@peterseben702]

hi, I have a question? I cleaned the printhead but I used a lot of force....so I damaged it. Cleaning stuff coming out from another input... Is it possible to repair somehow?

[@planetpodcast5607]

These are unfortunately not repairable.

[@chamuco97]

my printer head is super clogged i don't know how to unclogged it

[@santosmorales1344]

I have a DTG epson 3880 and the problem I’m having is color is double imaging.. I already did a head alignment and the squares are perfect. When I print the white looks good not double imaging but when I start printing color it double imaging.. I tried everything

[@planetpodcast5607]

Hmmm so the color layer isn't lined up with the white layer? What rip ?

[@santosmorales1344]

@@planetpodcast5607 yeah I have a Neoflex 2, the white ink is good just the color it’s almost like 3D

[@santosmorales1344]

@@planetpodcast5607 do you think it could be the mother board

[@joehumet2611]

What is the mixture of the cleaner? Simple Green and what? and how much of each. I've also read that using an ultrasonic is not good for the head as it will cause it to de-laminate. Any truth to that?? Thanks

[@planetpodcast5607]

I have not had one delaminate , check out the video of what's inside your printhead. As for the mix i do about 20 percent cleaner 80 percent water

[@ushraft2290]

Hey man I have epson f2100 was sitting for 2 months now doesn’t wanna print I’ve changed the head set and still nothing

[@planetpodcast5607]

follow the ink. Head, Dampers, Lines, Carts

[@blaineboy81]

How often would I have to perform this type of maintenance on my DTF printer?

[@planetpodcast5607]

Ideally never, flush and reverse flush are last options for clogs. I will post what is ideal im the interim

[@phoeniximpressionnumerique619]

Hi I have an Epson f2100, last Friday a done a head text all Colors including white were great. Last Monday I done another print head text all white channels Were missing except white1 give print, I done 10/15 hard cleaning and no changes, I changed the pump and also non changes please help for any ideas thamks

[@planetpodcast5607]

I would definitely wetcap it, Since you have access to the head undocked I would soak a paper towel with some cleaner or water and press it against the bottom of the head a few times, see if you get the ink lines from the nozzles on the paper towel. Also pull ink through the dampers. Likely you have a blockage between the cartridges and the head.

[@phoeniximpressionnumerique619]

@@planetpodcast5607 Hi again, so i soaked the head for an hour in Epson original cleaning solution, a lot of ink went out ( all Colors and white) we also remove the dumpers and pull out white inks everything works perfectly, but when we tried to flash the head ( gently with minimum pressure ) it was very hard to push the Syringe down or up). What did you suggest. I also bought a ultrasonic with heater any idea how I should use this device to clean the head thanks for you time and help

[@planetpodcast5607]

never force fluid down through the head, you will destroy it certainly. It might not be a bad idea to run some cleaning carts through it. Just refillables with cleaning solution in them instead of ink and run power cleans

[@paulmmcleod]

My 3800 is producing prints that contain streaks of black ink that starts at the edge of the image and will travel for about 1 inch into the image. Tried power cleaning but that hasn't helped. Thoughts? I'd provide an example of a print but I'm not sure how to upload one for you to see.

[@planetpodcast5607]

Upload it to yt and send me a link to my email . [e-mail]

[@renantejumao-as2858]

Hello Sir good day...I have bought new head but sad to say they deny the warranty. The only thing is, when i test print, the cyan disappear and then yellow follows..is the issue clogged or in electronics?..Thank you

[@planetpodcast5607]

These usually don't print half colors. Likely a different issue

[@renantejumao-as2858]

@@planetpodcast5607 may I know Sir whats that Green solution you clean on head or I can buy that to you?

[@jesusarellano3737]

Hello will this remove error code 1404 ??

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

Also, as a follow up to my own question with the 3800, If i was lucky enough to get a printhead to work from a parts only purchase, what software would I need to make my unit recognize the new head? Also my waste tank cartridge when I replace them are all black, no color in them, is that normal? lastly are replacement rubber belts still available on a decade old printer Thank you

[@planetpodcast5607]

The head shouldnt need software to recognize it, it should be plug and play. Waste tank cartridge is just a combination of all the inks, it would be blackish. Rubber belts are likely going to be off take off machines.

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

@@planetpodcast5607 Is it ever recommended to take the clips off the printhead and go inside of it. Random question, would you accept a VENMO payment to help a newbie undertaking this project?

[@planetpodcast5607]

You can separate the manifold if thats what you are asking and yes, I would be able to help you via zoom or google meet or something to that nature

[@intelligenceondisplay9189]

@@planetpodcast5607 300 miles away from 3800 now, but thank you. My goal now is to get the 8 channel ink tube removed from inks holder and print head assembly but with a test disconnect of 8 channel tubing I discovered a connector with 8 micro female connectors that will not allow egress to clean out tubes. Not sure if it safe to remove them or if I'd be able to reinsert and then screw it back in, again thanks! Just tell me way to convey zoom info and venmo payment info..jeff

[@frames-xs8mf]

what kind of flush liquid i can use my epson surecolor P9000

[@planetpodcast5607]

I mix 60% water, 30%% Windex 10% ammonia and a splash of rubbing alcohol to use as a cleaner

[@frames-xs8mf]

@@planetpodcast5607 thank you

[@rodriguezpierre6968]

Hello I let my print head soak overnight and then when I went to do the waterfall I got fluids coming out the other nozzles is there anyway to fix that or is that normal.

[@planetpodcast5607]

It's not normal and it's not repairable. The seal is blown between channels

[@rodriguezpierre6968]

@@planetpodcast5607 I have an epson stylus photo r1800 that the printhead came out of do you think you can help me with any fixes.

[@ellieannmarcano4578]

If the print heas was wet a bit still n the printer came on and then cut off completely and isn't powering on again what is the problem?

[@planetpodcast5607]

Dead main board, likely killed the head too. Check the cable for burn marks at the head.

[@ellieannmarcano4578]

@@planetpodcast5607 so is this repairable

[@ellieannmarcano4578]

@@planetpodcast5607 no burn marks are visible at cable etc,printer just isn't powering on

[@ricki-bobby]

Help... I have a 3880 that had one blocked channel and follow some of what you showed here - didn't inject into the ports but let the head soak in a small amount of piezo solution. Everything was completely dry upon reassembling. Ran multiple ink charges to get the ink back in the heads. Unfortunately ink does not appear to move to the head assembly. Test prints are all coming out blank. In your opinion, is this something related to the head or something else with the dampers or vacuum? If the head was now bad what would be the signs?

[@planetpodcast5607]

Follow the ink. Is ink following out of the damper, is it flowing through the manifold. Only other thing that stops it completely is no signal to the head to print, cable issue. Is there ink in the capping station after your head cleans?

[@ricki-bobby]

@@planetpodcast5607 No ink in the capping station at all. The pads are essentially clean. The printer shows the cartridges as being depleting after charges but I have a scale and there is no difference in weight before and after. The cleaning cycles "sound" OK but I do not hear that rush of ink into the maintenance cart. I checked both cables. No bent pins and I labeled the upper and lower before disconnect. This really has me searching for answers. If there head were shot is this what would happen - no ink flow at all? Also tried to extract a little ink from the dampers when I had them disconnected from the manifold and was not able to even get the syringe to draw a little ink out

[@planetpodcast5607]

In my experience, yes, bad head leads to no ink however I have seen them shoot ink during cleaning and no ink on prints. But if it's not in the capping station then ink is certainly not making it's way through it. Could be the capping station not sucking it out sorry

[@ricki-bobby]

@@planetpodcast5607 OK, that is kinda what I was afraid of. I just didn't know if there was a definitive way to test it. The capping station "looks" like it's doing everything it is suppose to do and makes all the usual noises - just no ink on the pads at all. I have a working 3800 and it sounds essentially the same as the 3880 on cleaning so I figured that was OK. Obviously a new head is out of the question given the costs. May need to list on eBay for parts I guess. Thx for the quick replies. Great channel!

[@planetpodcast5607]

Better off searching eBay for a head. Just bought one myself

[@GiuseppeDonelli]

hi I need a print head for an epson sc p600 like the one in the video, even used in italy it is impossible to find it Let me know Thank you

[@planetpodcast5607]

I never buy new heads, I always pull them from printers. The p600 is very common, I dont see an issue finding one online

[@GiuseppeDonelli]

@@planetpodcast5607 I found them online reconditioned from China at 1100 usd it seems too much

[@planetpodcast5607]

That's up there. I've always bought used printers and disassembled them

[@kingdomcitizenship5613]

What would happen if I push water through the nozzles too hard?

[@planetpodcast5607]

What happens is the small plate on the bottom that has the nozzles, becomes unglued. So then what happens is fluid goes in one channel crosses over into the other and comes out the other side instead of just going straight through it. Basically the path of least resistance. This also causes it to damage the electronics on the board and it will no longer pressurize and print rendering it useless

[@kingdomcitizenship5613]

@@planetpodcast5607 I just did this today to my print head. Do think it's any way to save it, or am I a goner?

[@planetpodcast5607]

If you forced it you will kill it. If you are careful you'll be ok. If fluid comes out of the other inlets it's dead.

[@sandorsebestyen8620]

What dtg ink use.

[@numberoneprinting6208]

What kind of cleaner you put into the ultrasound? To clean the printhead. Can I get a link to but. Thank

[@planetpodcast5607]

You can use head cleaners or you can use distilled water and some windex type solution.

[@numberoneprinting6208]

@@planetpodcast5607 Cool Thank

[@misaelhernandez9790]

Curious to know what ratio for warm water and winded you recommend? I’m looking to try to revive a 3880.

[@thedriver2411]

How long do you run the ultrasonic?

[@planetpodcast5607]

Mine has about a 3 minute run on it

[@theliftersunion9644]

@@planetpodcast5607 do you have a heat option on your ultrasonic cleaner?

[@lauraskaggs7960]

Do you know of anyone that works on the Epson 3880 DTF? I have one that will not draw ink. I have replaced all dampers and the pump/capping station. Looking for advise or even someone who can repair my printer. You can hit me up here or PM me. Wanting to get it back up and running soon TIA

[@planetpodcast5607]

I work on mine myself. Is there ink in the dampers? Ink in the head? Ink in the lines ?