Still having problems with our VJ-1304

[mnapuran]

About 6 weeks ago we were having some noticeable print issues. After printing a head check pattern it was determined that black was about 90% blocked, and the other colors were about 10-15% blocked.

Normal cleaning procedures didn't work, so I put a call into Signwarehouse. Well that call turned into numerous left messages and not a single call back. After talking with Mutoh twice, we ended up doing the following....

Opened up a cleaning cartridge and soaking a lint free cloth, placed on the parking station, dropped the head to the lowest position and sat it on the cloth for 4-12 hours at a time. Did this over the course of about 6 days until the head check pattern started looking real good.

Now, as most of the pattern was improving, for some reason Magenta was getting lighter and lighter. Another week goes by working on it, and was able to get Magenta back.

Okay... so at this point, we start doing jobs again (phew), BUT colors are very off. Almost none of the colors we print are accurate now, and prints have a "blurry" look to them, almost like there are head alignment issues.

Also.. for some reason, the printer has had us replace all the ink cartridges over the course of this process, but none of those cartridges were even close to empty.

Mutoh is saying they are limited in what they can help us with, since apparently Signwarehouse never registered our printer with them. And of course, I can't get anyone with SW to call us back

So... any ideas on any of this?

 

[h82loose]

The soaking you tried works when the nozzles are clogged for most reasons except capping station. Sounds like the capping station is not working properly. The magenta and black are the first to go, as they are on the outer ends of the cap. Try to run a cleaning. Do you see anything going in to the waste bottle. It will not be much but you should see movement. I hope you are under warranty and can get SW to replace it. If you are mechanical and want to try working on it yourself, we gan give some help.

 

[mnapuran]

My understanding is we are probably out of warranty... and SW has been ZERO help. I am mechanically inclined so would be open to ideas, etc.

 

[Stealth Ryder]

Seriously, if you have that much of a problem with the Check Nozzle Pattern you have not been properly cleaning/maintaining your machine. Clogged nozzles come from not using your printer, actually printing on it everyday is part of the maintenance routine or not performing the required daily/weekly/monthly/maintenance. It could also be time to replace the Maintenance Assembly, a defective Maint Assy could cause the issues as well. Quit blaming others and take care of your own printer. If you are willing to do what is needed to maintain your equipment we will be glad to help you.

 

[ProWraps™]

leaving the head on cleaning fluid for that long can cause adverse results from what i have been told. what is your time and or down time worth to you? because i would have called it, and had a tech put a new head in. set a sleep cycle after you do so the machine cleans itself every x amount of hours and keeps your head fresh.

SW is absolutely worthless in my book, as you have found. trust me your not the only one that has had a terrible time with their customer service, support, sales, etc. its all a mess. how they are still in business is a miracle in my book. fellers kicks the sh*t out of them on every level.

 

[cdiesel]

Leaving the head on cleaning solution shouldn't do any harm. The cleaning solution is the solvent that's actually *in* the ink, and when you're going to store the machine for an extended period of time, you should flush the system and leave cleaning solution in it.
Sounds to me like the capping station is extremely dirty or bad. If you actu quickly you can probably save the head, but it's not even worth trying to print until you've got your head back to where it should be.

 

[mnapuran]

Okay... so how do I replace or repair the capping station?

I will agree we do not use the printer a lot, but I do put it in sleep mode and have cleaning set for every 8 hours. And not using a lot doesn't mean that when we do use or need it, it isn't very important.

Oh.. and Stealth Ryder, I'm not blaming anyone else for the main problem.... I am saying that the absolute lack of support in any way from Signwarehouse is just sad and amazing.

 

[Stealth Ryder]

Nothing can replace simply using your printer. Print something everyday while in the shop. The Maintenance Assy is the heart of this machine, if it is not working properly in any way other things will begin to fail. Sorta like dominos falling... If it needs to be replaced spend the money and do it, it will save you much more money in the long run. Call Mutoh, they have techs there every day, they are there to help you.

 

[mnapuran]

I believe I stated that I have talked to Mutoh... and they claim they can't help me until Signwarehouse registers my printer with them. And since I have had zero response from SW in the past 6 weeks, it is making it difficult.

Guess I should call Chris w/ Mutoh again.

 

[Stealth Ryder]

The customer registers his/her own printer at the Mutoh website, all you need is info you should already know:

Model
Serial
Install Date
Purchase Date
Dealer
Your Name
Your Address
Your City
Your Zip Code
Your phone Number

I am sure Chris P. would be glad to help you once you register your printer.

What number are you calling at SW? I called today and they answered on the first ring. Try 1-800-966-1783 or send an e-mail to support@signwarehouse.com