Clogged Print Heads on Epson Stylus Photo R1800 Printer

[Lupe Talamantez]

Last year, I bought a used Epson Stylus Photo R1800 printer. I know, it’s an older model, but the price was good. After some cleaning and tweaking, it was off to printing really good photos. My photo printing needs are for hanging photos on my walls. It’s a conversation starter for people when they show up a month later to see something different on the walls. Sometimes, I print for friends and family, but they must pay. I did not get it for business support, and therefore, I am not critical of the quality.

My R1800 eventually got the clogged print head problem. Right now, I don’t know if this developed from leaving the printer on 24/7, or if it was due to not printing for a full two weeks, or what. Goddoggit, I was mad! Several cleaning cycles and ink cartridges did not correct that problem.

Some Google research hours later, I came across video info on YouTube. You know, Epson does not offer much in the their FAQ. Some YouTube videos are good, some are bad. It seems that Epson’s are notorious for developing this problem some time into the future of ownership. BTW, those videos recommended not going through more than 3 cleanings, or else it just compounds the problem. Instead of tossing the printer, some people perform the unclogging themselves. There are kits complete with fluid, tools, and instructions as one YouTube video suggested.

After viewing several choice videos, I chose to try it myself. From my radio control model airplanes interests, I had a common 10ml medical syringe, two inches of model airplane engine fuel line, a bottle of Walgreen’s 91% Isopropyl alcohol (not the rubbing variety), lots of paper towels, and a six pack of Shiner Bock. The Shiner Bock was for after the unclogging exercise. Really.

Well, the unclogging exercise for my R1800 was successful. It is now back to printing as it did before the clogged print heads occurred. Man, I thought that it had become plastic trash. I am glad that I chose this route rather than shipping it out for repair. It only took me less than an hour. If you are ever absolutely, positutely sure that your Epson has clogged print heads, this was easy.



Yes, I do not use genuine Epson ink cartridges even though they are highly recommended. If I did, I would get them from Epson HP Canon Printer Inkjet Photo Papers Ink Cartridges ATLEX.COM as their prices are slightly less. For now, Printer Ink & Toner Cartridges - Epson, Dell, Brother, HP & More - PrintCountry Ink suffices for my needs. Maybe sometime in the future Epson ink will be in my supply cabinet.

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by Lupe Talamantez

.... and a six pack of Shiner Bock. The Shiner Bock was for after the unclogging exercise. Really. ....

I'm a bud man myself, but I can picture you with a syringe and a Shiner bock on the other hand :) thanks for the info, I need to clean up my 1400 too. It's been clogged for some time now and I'm too lazy to do it. Maybe if I get a 6-pack out, I'll motivate myself enough to get started.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Lupe Talamantez

Last year, I bought a used Epson Stylus Photo R1800 printer. I know, it’s an older model, but the price was good. After some cleaning and tweaking, it was off to printing really good photos. My photo printing needs are for hanging photos on my walls. It’s a conversation starter for people when they show up a month later to see something different on the walls. Sometimes, I print for friends and family, but they must pay. I did not get it for business support, and therefore, I am not critical of the quality.

My R1800 eventually got the clogged print head problem. Right now, I don’t know if this developed from leaving the printer on 24/7, or if it was due to not printing for a full two weeks, or what. Goddoggit, I was mad! Several cleaning cycles and ink cartridges did not correct that problem.

Some Google research hours later, I came across video info on YouTube. You know, Epson does not offer much in the their FAQ. Some YouTube videos are good, some are bad. It seems that Epson’s are notorious for developing this problem some time into the future of ownership. BTW, those videos recommended not going through more than 3 cleanings, or else it just compounds the problem. Instead of tossing the printer, some people perform the unclogging themselves. There are kits complete with fluid, tools, and instructions as one YouTube video suggested.

After viewing several choice videos, I chose to try it myself. From my radio control model airplanes interests, I had a common 10ml medical syringe, two inches of model airplane engine fuel line, a bottle of Walgreen’s 91% Isopropyl alcohol (not the rubbing variety), lots of paper towels, and a six pack of Shiner Bock. The Shiner Bock was for after the unclogging exercise. Really.

Well, the unclogging exercise for my R1800 was successful. It is now back to printing as it did before the clogged print heads occurred. Man, I thought that it had become plastic trash. I am glad that I chose this route rather than shipping it out for repair. It only took me less than an hour. If you are ever absolutely, positutely sure that your Epson has clogged print heads, this was easy.



Yes, I do not use genuine Epson ink cartridges even though they are highly recommended. If I did, I would get them from Epson HP Canon Printer Inkjet Photo Papers Ink Cartridges ATLEX.COM as their prices are slightly less. For now, Printer Ink & Toner Cartridges - Epson, Dell, Brother, HP & More - PrintCountry Ink suffices for my needs. Maybe sometime in the future Epson ink will be in my supply cabinet.

I think I missed the part where you linked to the you-tube video....

[Lupe Talamantez]

In YouTube's Search box, I searched for " unclogging epson printhead" and after sifting through all the videos, I agreed upon this one
YouTube - How to Clear Blocked Epson Printer Head The hand with the gold watch band. He offers a product, Magic Bullet, that does not seem to come up any where but in Canada. Its USA link does not offer this product.

Another video showed an extra step. It included suction while syringe was still in place after pushing the alcohol or cleaning fluid through it. It suggested that if bubbles were not seen, then proceed with another injection of alcohol. I forgot which video it was.

I hope that this helps.
PS - Man, I gotta use smaller font in my posts.

[KdLaneJr]

I haven't had any issues with mine, but then again, I've never used aftermarket ink in it.