Z4648252@SFAUSTIN.BITNET (Z4648252) (10/20/89)
It was mentioned that a cartridge was brought back to life which
was totally exhausted, i.e., no ink at all, totally dry. The author
mentioned that he was under the impression that such cartridges were
previously mentioned to be poor candidates for "recharging" due to
air pockets on the sponge, etc. His efforts, the removal of the top,
I believe and the washing out of the sponge resulted in his cartridge
coming back to life.
Ok.... the reason that I mentioned, several months back, that
exhausted cartridges were poor candidates was that they tend to be
'confused' on their siphon effect. Certain areas on the sponge
will be dry while other areas will be wet. This condition will remain
even when two ounces of ink have been added. Due to the concentration
of ink in certain areas, a "track" will form providing a quick access
way to the nozzles. The user ends up getting a dripping effect.
Really working with a dry cartridge by removing the top and washing
out the sponge will get rid of the dry areas, thus killing the siphon
effect. The cartridge will be restored.
As always, such restoration attempts involve some risk. The
cartridge is not "meant" to be restored and the nozzles have a certain
life cycle. Also, ink from a brand relatively unknown should never be
used. Hewlett Packard does not endorse (major understatement)
the refills, i.e., poor quality ink will result in crusting, thus
clogging up the priming tube.
Restoration of these expensive cartridges will extend their life
considerably. I've been on the same cartridge for several months.
Larry Rymal: |East Texas Atari 68NNNers| <Z4648252@SFAUSTIN.BITNET>