epson 2200, done?

[patterfr]

Using my epson 2200 and now if I try to print first half goes great and 2nd half gets gobs of ink spilled out all over it and "communication error" shows up in printer status window.

Put it out of it's misery or is this some driver problem.

Went to epson driver and it wouldn't download latest mac driver, just displays some directory list on website. instead of download starting.

Haven't changed all inks (as thats a 80 dollar) move , should I or should I just get out the sledgehammer and put it out of it's misery?

[Songman45]

Unfortunately Fran sounds like sledgehammer time. For good or bad Epson has permanent print heads. Since the ink cartridge only supplies the ink and the heads regulate the delivery and flow, I don't know that changing ink will help. BUT... Before you take that first swing with the hammer. How often is this printer used? About the worse thing you can do for ink jet printers is let them sit idle. If this machine has been unused for a month or so the ink may have dried in the nozzle and finally been forced out by delivery to the print. Run a couple of cleaning cycles and a nozzle check. Then decide.

[patterfr]

Thanks Steve, it does sit idle too much, but why would the first half of the pic print fine....I'm walking out to the garage to get the sledgehammer soon...

[Ellbee99]

I've had soooo many problems with my Epson 8400...I once calleed it the world's biggest paperweight! Have you called their tech support? It could be something really simple. Something getting lost in computer printer translation. Did you google search your trouble? Just some thoughts I wouldn't bring out the Peter Gabriel album just yet!

[Songman45]

Originally Posted by patterfr

Thanks Steve, it does sit idle too much, but why would the first half of the pic print fine....I'm walking out to the garage to get the sledgehammer soon...

If ink is coagulating within the delivery system then clots are breaking free and eventually getting blown out the nozzle. My suggestion since a round of ink is still less expensive than a R1900, is to run a test print pattern then two cleaning cycles and a final pattern test. Then replace all the ink. The cleaning process heats the print heads and helps loosen up stuck ink but it uses ink, thus i suggest the cleaing with the present supply of ink. Put in new ink. Then use the printer more regularly, print a small picture or a color test pattern...it doesn't have to be a photo quality setting or paper. just keep the ink moving a little bit in the system. I'd say about once a week at least. And as recommended keep the covers and lids closed when not in use. It helps keep out the dust bunnies and gremlins.

Oh yeah, the ink for the R1900 smaller cartridges, fewer of them (IMSMC) and they of course cost more. Think before you destruct uh deconstruct.

[patterfr]

alright, several cleaning cycles and it's working, I'm gonna go get some new ink and it might be good. thanks.

[Rain Lily]

Steve is so smart.

[MrRed]

You might want to check out Epson Cleaning Cartridges . They have solvents in carts that can desolve the goup, as well as sound help for doing so.