Ouch! non standard inks...

[philarts]

Using a non standard but exactly matching wax crayons with the same thermal coefficient, (I was assured by a manufacturer), I now have not one but two screwed up (350 and a 380) models giving me the 08,001.44:37045 problem. Although looking at the Xerox tek web site does suggest the Maintenance tray, both have been stripped to reveal nothing untoward here. I have had a look at the print heads and I believe that the print heads are still clogged with this wax ink that failed to exactly melt at initialisation (and cause the error code above). Saying all that it did work well for some weeks previously before these codes arrived. If anyone has a suitable 'solution' for cleaning the print heads in situ or has had a similar cock up, please let me know.

 

[MDA2]

Using Non Tektronix Ink will destroy a printhead. The only cure is to chunk the crappy ink and replace the printhead. You can contact the manufacture of the ink, Media Sciences. They should cover the cost of a new printhead.

 

[Rhooker]

The error code you note relates to the Cap/Wipe/Purge assembly motor and locating sensor. The PRECISE message code reads in part "An expected transition of the cap home sensor did not occur.". This mechanical failure has no relation to the ink used in the printhead. There is no third party ink manufactured for the 380 model you mention, so this is also a non-ink related issue for that model.
The suggestion that ink could cause this type of mechanical failure is not justified by the technical manual or Xerox's non-Tektronix Ink Failure Checklist. Suggesting that ANY ink caused this failure is improper. Have a technician look at the cap wipe purge assembly seal, belt, motor, or the home sensor. Your printhead viability is not altered by this situation, but a faulty cap/wipe/purge unit will not clean the head properly and you will lose multiple jets of ALL colors, making it appear to be ink related. This is a classic problem with 340/50/60 AND 380 printers. A new C/W/P assembly clears all problems.
FYI, melt temps of third party inks are the same OR LOWER than Tek Colorstix, and could not create the assumed problem of "not melting properly". These printers are "cuckoo clocks" from a mechanical standpoint with hundreds of parts that move, wear and conceivably will fail.

 

[philarts]

Many thanks for all the messages on the Tektronix 380 ink problem. It's been difficult to find an independant specialist (in the uk) to look at it. I am encouraged to keep it - if it is not the print head, (providing I can afford to keep it going in the first place and make the repairs). Thanks again.

 

[mickmick]

I have a Tektronix 860 which is 13 months old and not under warranty. I had to pay £350 (i'm in UK) to get the Xerox engineer out and he told me that I needed a new Print Head and various other bits which would cost over £2000!! He blamed the non Tektronix ink for the problem and has given me a written Diagnosis Form blaming the ink. I am now taking this up with the ink manufacturer.

 

[MDA2]

Hey Rhooker, you sound like someone who sells that crappy ink. You made the mistake of saying that 3rd party ink melts at or BELOW Tek ink. AH HA, there is the problem. Melting below the correct temp. can cause the ink to cook. Have you ever tried melting choclate? Once it melts try raising the temp., what do you get? Powdery dry chunks.

I have seen many printheads ruined by 3rd party ink, to the point that a whole color has failed.