HELP! JV3 Half filled dampener? Causes?

[dhsigns]

My Light cyan dampener will not fill but half way, what could be the cause of this? Any suggestions?

 

[J Hill Designs]

they should only fill halfway

 

[dhsigns]

then why won't my light cyan print?
all other colors print fine

 

[J Hill Designs]

could be a multitude of issues - does it print during a nozzle test?

 

[dhsigns]

partially prints...

 

[J Hill Designs]

my guess, without seeing any images, is a clogged head - try an overnight head soak

 

[dhsigns]

just did a head wash and still no luck with lc but now I can't get my black and magenta to fill....wtf it isn't monday!

 

[MindsEyeOpen]

When the pumps engage do the dampeners "suck in"?

You may need to "prime" the dampener. I had to do that several times on my old JV3-160.

 

[dhsigns]

how would I tell if they are "sucking In"

 

[MindsEyeOpen]

Just look at the side of it when the pump engages. You should see the plastic membrane flexing as it draws ink through it.

 

[MikePro]

ink pump and/or capping station issue is my best guess...

need a tech? i moonlight. otherwise I can try to give all the info I can to help.
But first, you gotta intro yourself in the newbies section otherwise I can't do any more than welcome you to signs101!

 

[artbot]

get an automotive stethoscope. turn off all noise making things in the room. no ac, no pc fans, etc. pull a vacuum with a syringe at the waste line pump to the offending heads. listen for air leaking. if the cap is sealed and the manfold/dampers are seated and or not cracked and there are no air leaks at the fittings, you should hear no noise and get a solid vacuum. if you get a light vacuum and some noise, listen between the cap and the manifold with the stethoscope to locate if the air is above or below the head.

if you get a solid pull, no air, but no ink, it's probably that you have you pumps clogging. in that case, pour solvent down the caps while pulling aggressively at the waste line.

that would be my first ten minutes of discovery before cursing the mimaki gods.