How to Change Ink Filters - How to Change an Ink Filter

Introduction

Each ink color has a filter that removes any particulate matter from the ink as it is pumped from the ink bag toward the printheads. The ink filters are located to the right of the AC power switch at the electronics end of the printer around the corner from the ink bags.

About this task

The ink filter for each color of ink must be replaced at least every 12 months or after 11 bags (22 liters) of ink have been consumed. If an ink filter becomes clogged, it will trap color pigment and affect the color balance of printed images. It can also cause damage to the ink system. It is important to change the filter before this occurs.

If the Nozzle Check print shows one color weaker than normal, this is an indication that the ink filter for the affected color is clogged and the filter must be replaced. Also, If you notice that an ink reservoir takes a long time to fill, check your records for when the filter for that color of ink was last changed. Make sure that the ink tubing from that filter is not kinked.

NOTE

New ink filters will contain air that must be released. Air in the ink filter can affect the vacuum and result in dripping ink and deteriorated image quality as a result of nozzle dropout. Bleeding the ink filters is a strategy to avoid persistent nozzle dropout. You must bleed any trapped air out of the ink filters to prevent an overflow of ink into the 0.2 micron ink purge filters associated with the purge valves located on the top of the carriage. If any of the 0.2-micron purge filters shows signs of ink contamination you will need to place a service call to have them replaced. However, the preferred preventative maintenance method is to bleed the ink filters on a regular basis.

Before you begin

IMPORTANT! Open the sliding maintenance station door to disable the ink pumps.

Close all of the purge valves on the top of the carriage.

Required tools

Philips screwdriver (only if enclosure thumb-screws are too tight)

Lint-free cloth

IMPORTANT

A clogged ink filter can result in damage to your printer's ink system. Particulate matter buildup in the ink can cause problems that will require a service call. Be sure to change all ink filters every 12 months to avoid such problems.

Procedure

Open the sliding maintenance station door to disable the ink pumps.
Close all of the ink purge valves (they are located on the top of the carriage).
Disengage the ink bag for the color of filter you will replace. To do this press the release tab on the left side of the quick-release ink bag coupler and then pull it out to disconnect the ink bag.
Remove Ink bag coupler
Remove the two screws that hold the ink filter enclosure cover in place (thumbscrews can be loosened by hand or use a Philips screwdriver if they are too tight).
Remove Ink Filter Enclosure Cover
Locate the bleed tube valve on the top of the ink filter you are going to change (the cap that holds it in place indicates the color of the ink line into that filter).
Wrap a lint-free cloth around the end of the bleed tube of the ink filter to catch any ink that may spray out when you release the pressure in the next step.
Ink bleed tube valve
Turn the bleed tube valve shutoff lever so that it is parallel to the bleed tube to open the valve and release any pressure, then flip the shutoff lever back to the perpendicular closed position after about 30 seconds.
NOTE
The ink system is under pressure and so it is possible that some ink may spray out at first. Keep the cloth wrapped around the end of the bleed tube so that any ink spay is contained.
Pull the target ink filter out of its metal retainer clip.
Unscrew the bleed tube cap from the old filter and thread it into the top connector of the new filter. Place the cap that came with the new filter on the old filter to prevent ink from leaking out of the old filter.
Repeat the previous step for the top and bottom connections.
NOTE
Wipe off any spilled ink.
Insert the new filter into the empty retainer clip and make sure the flow arrow on the filter points downward. Be careful not to pinch the ink lines.
Proceed to How to Bleed an Ink Filter.