#1: Troubleshooting test list Author: Martin, Location: South Yorkshire, UKPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:09 pm — This is actually something more for my own reference but when it comes to building, installing and then running a CIS there are a few key things that you need to check to find a problem.
Blockages:
Cartridge exit port
Cartridge input port/connector
Tubing
Reservoir connector
Reservoir input port
Tubing clips? - favourite of mine: leaving the tube clips on the tubing.
Leaks:
Cartridge (normal vent open?)
Cartridge exit port (any chips, dints or damage that would let air in?)
Printhead/Cartridge seals (to exit port) - especially important on Canon Pixma printers
Tubing to connectors (cartridge and reservoir ends)
Connectors to cartridge
Connectors to reservoir
Reservoir
Reservoir dip tubing (has it fallen off in the bottle?)
#2: Symptom -> possible causes Author: Martin, Location: South Yorkshire, UKPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:11 pm — Having fought with a few things this past 2 weeks I figured it's worth making a note of a few specific symptoms and the possible causes to run down to find the problem:
Symptom:
Print output starts to fade and eventually fades to nothing (ie: no print) for a specific colour
Possible Causes:
Vent hole missing or blocked at reservoir end
Tubing clamped or kinked (stopping ink flow)
Tape or other obstruction over cartridge exit port (more likely cause if you've just replaced a cartridge and ink output last a few lines only)
Foam build up blocking ink flow through exit port (sponge carts only)
Wrong or poor ink quality causing blockages **
Poor contact between receiver post and cartridge foam (Canon printer only)
** you can confirm this by checking the printhead isn't showing symptoms of blockage.. Also try a clean printhead or one known to work, different batch of ink, etc...
Symptom:
Print output shows strange banding (ie: starts solid then fades to end of left right motion then starts next band as solid and repeats)
Possible Causes:
Tubing slightly kinked
Printhead to cartridge seal ocluded or poor (ie: printing causes vaccum pressure that pulls air for part of print instead of ink)
Tubing too thin for ink to flow sufficiently quickly to replace ink used in printing process
... basically anything that could reduce ink flow effectiveness
