Canon W8400Pg - restoration, few problems

[tom.bach]

Hi.

I'm working on reviving old Canon W8400Pg.
I like to repair good quality machines of forgotten value.
It would help me great in my architecture and workshop projects, also printing graphics.

I worked my way through some problems but reached some dead ends and wanted to ask more expirienced members for advice.

I'll try to make it short and simple in one thread.

Here is a list of actual issues and what I already tried:

1. Slow work preparation:
Machine is preparing print very slowly, many times cleaning and checking printhead. I managed it to print nozzle pattern in service mode but it takes about 10 minutes (desn't seem to be normal, correct me if it is)

2. Often shows Error E02813:
Actually most attempts of test prints ends by i guess "Printhead Maintenance Sensor" error. I took it out, cleaned very carefully (it was very dirty), reinstalled it on place and alligned from menu.
- Printhead was removed and flushed with head cleaner, reinstalled and filled, all nozzles seem to work
- Tanks were filled with trusted and tested aftermarket (HONGSAM) pigment inks, I can see one little air bubble on yellow line, but it doesn't seem to be a problem.

3. Suction fan won't start itselfwithout little help
i ordered 2 other suction fans for tests and all behave the same, printer is trying constantly to run it but seems to lack power to make first spin. If I help it by moving with a finger it spins normally untill next restart.
- Took out bottom parts and suction fan, cleaned it and oiled fan bearings a little. Tried 2 others, all work in same manner. Could it be electronics driving them?

4. Printer is making constand squeeling noise
piercing throug brain after 10 minutes, is it normal or sign of some problem?

Have you expirienced similar problems? What would be the best and first place to check?

I have complete service guidebook and Canon diagnostic app (didn't used app yet)

[V-P]

Re: Canon W8400Pg - restoration, few problems

my thoughts:

That printer is at least 10-15 years old...

If I would revive it - it would mean at least:

1. printhead (s)
2. belt
3. some of the tubes
4. fans (like you said)
5. purge unit (highly probable)

In the end you would end up with a working but OLD TYPE printer.
Meanwhile technology has made huge steps forward...

My advice : Don't look back

[tom.bach]

Re: Canon W8400Pg - restoration, few problems

my thoughts:

That printer is at least 10-15 years old...

If I would revive it - it would mean at least:

1. printhead (s)
2. belt
3. some of the tubes
4. fans (like you said)
5. purge unit (highly probable)

In the end you would end up with a working but OLD TYPE printer.
Meanwhile technology has made huge steps forward...

My advice : Don't look back

Thanks for reply.

I got it very cheap, like less than a price of it's weight in steel scrap.
It has quite good resolution (2400x1200), and I don't need anything better for now. Besides I reanimate a lot of old stuff (workshop machines, drills, lathe, circular saw, thickness planner, small forklift, you name it), they usually need few crucial components, cosmethics and still serves good job. It's a hobby of a sort, part of fun and doing so I learn alot.

I know I could order half of moving parts for like 2 000$ and get it working, but as you mentioned it's economicaly pointless.
First I want to find the main source of it's problems, printhead seams to be in quite good condition, I'm blaming menagement sensor for now, looking for replacement.
I'll also check belt tension, also seams to be in a fair condition.
Fans I must check on a bench power supply, if they're good I'll look closer on PCB's.