SOT Printer Expert Wanted

With my old Canon printer, I had some success by cleaning the print head by placing the "nozzle" part in a shallow dish of white spirits. This kept it going for a few more years until it finally packed in.

You can buy replacement print heads but sometimes (cost wise) you are better of just replacing the whole printer

The print head is built into the cartridge and I have machine cleaned and hand cleaned to no effect.

On a HP the print heads are part of the ink cartridge and so by replacing the ink you are also replacing the print heads.

On Epsons, and your Cannon, the heads are part of the printer and the ink cartridges are just that - just ink.

On a HP if a new cartridge doesn't work it maybe suggests an electrical problem maybe with the ribbon cable (or connections) that go to the head assembly.

I would examine the flex cable for damage.

If Copy mode won't work, and there isn't a "B&W only" setting, I'd say the Magic Smoke had escaped. Cartridge contact problem, cable problem (power to cart?), problem on PCB.

On some equipment, when there are wire assemblies, there are no lock-latches to keep things plugged in, and they can work loose. I had to take an expensive monitor apart, to discover the graphical glitches I was seeing, were due to one of the many ribbon cables in the thing coming loose. After re-seating, I never had any more issues with the thing. Cables work loose via thermal issues (thermal cycling works them loose, unless there is positive retention to stop it).

Paul

Not according to HP:

Not really, unless the ribbon cable to the head assembly itself is damaged or looks like its not into its connector. The older Ink Jets of HP always seemed more reliable in my experience. Just keep the rollers clean and rough, and they go on forever, sadly though the carts for these are now so expensive you could get a new printer cheaper than a set of inks. Brian

I think hp tend to change the head as part of the cart, so I doubt its that. Brian

The picture of the printer I put in the other post, shows it uses cartridge type 63.

Yes Brian, I've come to the conclusion that some conductors in the ribbon cable (actually stiff, flat plastic in an 'S' shape) may have suffered from metal fatigue due to repeated flexing when the carts go from side to side. It's impossible to see the end connections as they disappear behind plastic fittings and it would take almost complete dismantling to get at them and would a replacement cable be available anyway? So I'm afraid it's a trip to the tip followed by a trip to Argos to get a new printer.

Order one online.

If its any consolation my HP color laser just keeps on going. It costs to get new catridges, but it dies about 400 pagers per.

I have the distinct impression that HP are trying to get rid of all old printers, beware of software updates, they seem to create problems.

I did from Argos. It was ready for immediate collection and it's only 5 minutes by car with free parking.

My new one is a Canon. I hope it lasts more than 6 years (if I do!).

My new one is a Canon. I hope it lasts more than 6 years (if I do!).

Mindless conspiracy theory.

Take it up to the 1st floor, or if possible the 2nd and throw it out the window. Problem solved.

The carriage cable plugs into the formatter board on the left.

"Taking Apart HP ENVY 4520 Printer for Parts or Repair How To"

It's lined up with other trash awaiting a trip to the tip.

Thanks for that Paul but it's a bit late - I've bought a replacement.

I suppose I could see if I can fix it and keep it as a spare or sell it.