Vs-540i Unusual printhead problem

Hi guys,

Having an unusual problem with LC on Vs-540i. Before i describe the issue please note I have been working on my machines to several years and pretty familiar with them. The images will give you a better idea. I've always used OEM link but tried Sam ink. only used on LC and LM. Currently Sam ink in LC. Was it just bad timing or Sam ink damaged the printhead?

Contacted Sam ink, they sent another LC cart and cleaning carts to do a flush.

Steps taken:
Replaced all dampers
Replaced cap station
Replace Choke on LC
Replaced LC ink cart with a new batch from Sam ink
Removed ink line from back of cart to see if there is a ink flow issue
Flushed using 440ml cleaning crts
Several auto and manual clean cycles

After doing all that nothing has changed. Contacted Sam Ink, a second time. they saying it either the print head or the print board.


Image 1:
First test print of the day after sitting overnight


image 2
Pulled ink with syringe, test printed without auto clean, all nozzles fire until i do a print or test print then nozzle missing again


image 3
Pushed ink from top of head then test print without auto clean


image 4
test print looks ok but all grey redish so LC starving


image 5
Nozzle test after above test sheet


image 6
Nozzle test after "Normal Clean"


This is how it is every time no matter how many Auto or Manual clean cycle.

 

Hi woolly

no i didnt really push ink, it was always doing that. i only push ink from the cart end as a last attempt ever so slightly with a small syringe, result was same as pulling ink, all nozzles fired.

I dont think there is air leaks bcaz when i choke all colours and only allow ink flow in one line, then i pull ink with syringe the resistance I feel is consistent on all ink lines expect LC. When i choke all except LC and pull ink there isn't air bubbles but instead a lot of back pressure/ resistance.

about the o-ring, first i swapped dampers with another, result was same, then purchased all dampers new and replaced them at the same time and all colours ok except LC, nothing changed by replacing dampers.

 

I even swapped LC ink line with C at cart end but same result. It told me there was no ink flow issue on the lines up until damper/head

 

yes its not used, only 7 colour, no white or metallic, re-circulation pump on channel 8 with cleaning fluid. If it was the cap top or pump why only one channel is bad. Dx7 so only 1 head and 1 cap top. Two pumps connected to 1 cap top. I've swapped pump lines numerous times

 

problem is LC is starving of ink, after pulling ink with syringe and all nozzles fire with ink and i do a small print LC stops flawing into the head so it doesn't put down ink on all nozzles. its either ink flow issue or some low current/electrical problem