[comp.sys.atari.st] reviving HPdeskjet cartridges

idh@NABLA.ELECTRICAL-ENGINEERING.UMIST.AC.UK (Ian D Hawkins) (10/19/89)

Unfortunatley the time I discovered my Deskjet cartridge needed
refilling was when it ran out.  It was reported earlier that
such cartridges are poor candidates for refilling.  The problem
being that they become unreliable,  in particular they may work
immediatley after refilling,  but not the next day.  Why ?.  I
thought it may be due to a bubble of air forming beneath the
gauze filter that lies above the printing element that forms as
the cartidge finishes it's last drop of ink.  (It runs out
quite suddenly).  To cure the problem I removed the top,  took
out the sponge and washed the cartidge and sponge in water.
Next I put some ink (Parker permanent black 'Quink' seems OK)
into a saucer and put the print head in it,  then sucked on the
top of the cartridge till ink came through the gauze. ( This is
why its a good idea to wash the cartrige,  otherwise you may
get ink on your face with comical effect).  Next the sponge went
back in place after being squeezed dry & more ink was injected into
it till the surface of the sponge appeared damp when squashed
slightly.  The cartridge has worked reliably since (about a week now).

Disclaimer:  I can't say that this will work with, (or be good for)
your printer.  It seems OK with mine.