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Can Dye Sub Machine Bad Print Head be fixed?

3474 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  SublimatorToo, 
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Hello, I have a dye sub Ricoh gx3300 machine that had horrible banding issues and dark coloring that I couldn't resolve on my own. Conde after hours support guy told me it's an indication of a print head going bad and there was nothing that could be done to fix it except to buy a new machine.

I also have almost full cartridges of ink in them that are still good too so I hate to just throw out the whole machine and have to buy a new one. Does anyone know if the print heads can be repaired or a hack I can try at least?
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webtrekker
I take it you have tried all the normal options available, such as head cleaning and print head alignment?

A picture of the problems you are experiencing may help.

Do you keep your printer switched on (in standby mode) 24/7? I do, as this helps to stop clogging of the nozzles.
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NoXid
I presume printheads "go bad" by clogging, but I don't know anything about Ricoh printers. I've unclogged an Epson that sat for 3 years by using a head cleaning solution.

Here's a video of how it is done on an Epson. Not sure if this place, or any other, has similar fluid and process for your printer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUysQFDH6u0
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webtrekker said:
I take it you have tried all the normal options available, such as head cleaning and print head alignment?

A picture of the problems you are experiencing may help.

Do you keep your printer switched on (in standby mode) 24/7? I do, as this helps to stop clogging of the nozzles.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply! Yes I keep it on but haven't printed on it every week like you're supposed to. I've done a cleaning but not a head alignment yet. Can you tell by the nozzle check picture if you think that would help?

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We have been through two GX3300’s over the last 8 years.
Just got the Ricoh Virtoso SG400
It is faster, smaller and prints clearer.
Best detailed print we have seen to date.
Super glad we updated.
We sold our spare cartridges on EBay.

Don’t waste your time on the GX 3300 (We did)
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webtrekker
BettieGirl said:
webtrekker said:
I take it you have tried all the normal options available, such as head cleaning and print head alignment?

A picture of the problems you are experiencing may help.

Do you keep your printer switched on (in standby mode) 24/7? I do, as this helps to stop clogging of the nozzles.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply! Yes I keep it on but haven't printed on it every week like you're supposed to. I've done a cleaning but not a head alignment yet. Can you tell by the nozzle check picture if you think that would help?
Click to expand...
Wow! There's clearly more going on there than banding.

To be really honest I doubt whether there's a quick fix for that problem and would suggest buying a new printer.

I have 2 Ricoh Aficio SG3110DN printers running inks from City Ink Express and they're great, never any real problems. Maybe it's time to bite the bullet and not waste any more valuable time on your GX.
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T
Can't be fixed. Don't waste any more ink trying to get it cleaned up. That's an electrical failure. Toss it and move on. Stinks, but just a fact. Seen it dozens of times.
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NoXid said:
I presume printheads "go bad" by clogging, but I don't know anything about Ricoh printers. I've unclogged an Epson that sat for 3 years by using a head cleaning solution.

Here's a video of how it is done on an Epson. Not sure if this place, or any other, has similar fluid and process for your printer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUysQFDH6u0
Click to expand...
You have magical powers sir.

I have tried many a video, and I still have an Epson grave yard in my place.

I have only used Windex/Alc I should seek out some of this head cleaning solution.
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NoXid
socceronly said:
You have magical powers sir.

I have tried many a video, and I still have an Epson grave yard in my place.

I have only used Windex/Alc I should seek out some of this head cleaning solution.
Click to expand...
I was dubious when I purchased the stuff, figuring it would be an ammonia solution (glorified Windex). I have no idea what is actually in the stuff, as it does not have a distinctive odour, as ammonia or alcohols would.

It worked for me, but did not for PorkChopHarry. It is probably worth having on hand as a first, and presumably safer, option rather than Windex and alcohol. But there is such a thing as FUBAR ;)
and as always YMMV.
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NoXid said:
I was dubious when I purchased the stuff, figuring it would be an ammonia solution (glorified Windex). I have no idea what is actually in the stuff, as it does not have a distinctive odour, as ammonia or alcohols would.

It worked for me, but did not for PorkChopHarry. It is probably worth having on hand as a first, and presumably safer, option rather than Windex and alcohol. But there is such a thing as FUBAR ;)
and as always YMMV.
Click to expand...
Well I have five in my graveyard, so even if it only works for 1/3 of them it's better than nothing.....

:)
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Another one bit the dust.

Your printer is junk. Due for a replacement.

Waste no more time, money or wishful thinking on it.

Been there.
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