Help please - HP Tri-colour compatible inkjet cartridges don't work properly

beardiedog

Firstly, apologies for the long story.

My HP Deskjet 880C has served me well now for several years and I have mostly used compatible cartridges from various sources to try to keep the cost down and, apart from the odd duff one, they've been fine - until recently that is.

I had a spare which I bought from Ink2U in May which, when I installed it on Monday, proved to be faulty - the head protector tab had pulled off part of the print head foil. So I returned it and a replacement arrived this morning. Tried to install this one and one of the colours (cyan) won't come through - I've tried everything I know but to no avail.

Anyway, in the meantime whilst I was waiting for a replacement from Ink2U and because I needed to do a quick and urgent job I went into town and instead of just buying an original HP like I should have done (it was £36 :eek: is why I didn't) I went and bought a compatible from Rymans which was slightly out of date but was cheap. This doesn't work either - only magenta is coming through.

So I ordered a compatible from Viking Direct for next day delivery (urgent job not so urgent now) which duly arrived next morning. Opened the pack and the yellow was leaking out from the side (never learn do I?) but it worked enough to get the job done. No problem as Viking will replace it.

Does anyone know how I might get the ink to come through on the two duff cartridges or should I just bin them and put it down to experience? I think what's happening is the printers that these are used on are now coming to the end of their life and companies have old stock left on their shelves and are not restocking.

I would appreciate your recommendations for a good replacement printer (Epson?) which won't cost me the earth to run.

Thanks.

Money_Grabber13579

I think it's just the problem with compatible cartridges. Have you tried cleaning the print head though? On HP printers, the print head is part of the cartridge so it could be dirty.

To clean the print head, you'll need to go into your printer settings and there should be an option to do so. Don't touch the print head or wipe it with anything though!

beardiedog

Yeah, done all the usual stuff but still no joy. I think it's cheaper to get a new printer with individual colour carts than keep forking out on this one.

Money_Grabber13579

If nothing like that works, I'd return them and ask for a refund saying they aren't fit for purpose. But yeah, it nearly is cheaper buying a new printer however you need to remember that the older models had much higher capacity cartridges so new printers won't have as long lasting ink.

beardiedog

Found a possible fix which involves soaking the cart printhead in hot water for at least 30-45 mins.

It's worth a try and for anyone else having the same problem.