Printer Won't Print Black!!

I have a fairly old printer, Canon i960 (approx 5 years old) which has performed at 100% until a few days ago. I hadn't used the printer for a few weeks and when I finally went to use it, the printer wouldn't print black. I went out and bought a new cartridge thinking that would fix the problem. Nope! Went out and bought a third cartridge hoping that would do the trick, still nope! I've done multiple deep cleanings and nozzle checks and saw that it will print shades of grey, but not pure black.

Does this sound fixable like a nozzle clog or is it more in line with me needing to buy a whole new printhead? I really love this printer's quality and don't want to replace it, but if I'm going to be paying the price of a new printer in getting a new print head I may have to reconsider.

I've read about soaking the print head in hot water, but that makes me nervous because of the copper pieces (where the chips are - wrong terminology I'm sure, but I'm tired and frustrated right now so I'm drawing a blank) are. Won't that damage those pieces?

Any advice?

 

Thought I'd post an update and say to disregard my message.

I called Canon today to get their input and to see if they still make printheads for this model. The lady I spoke with was very helpful. They do still have the printheads, but because of the price ($71.15 + $6.00 s&h + tax) she recommended I just go ahead and upgrade. Typical sales move I know, but she told me that if I went onto their Canon website I could get 25% off on on any new printer as well as free 2 day shipping.

So, it looks like I'll be upgrading. I'll be sad to see my printer go as I really have been very pleased, but UPgrading should get me an even better model right?!

Thanks again, but it appears I'm all set.

 

Mandy, before you go ahead and purchase from Canon's website, compare their prices with other web sites.

Recently my 7 year old Epson Rx500 all in one was due for a replacement. Epson offered $60 off of full price and free shipping for being a repeat customer. However, I did find the same Epson model I was interested in for half price on another website and in the end saved $40.00.

 

Printers usually will not last five years. There is no way that you are going to find parts like print heads any cheaper. For the price of ink cartridges & new print heads, you could invest that into a new printer. Even Laser printers are dirt cheap these days.

 

oma, Thanks for the advice, but it's already a done deal! I ended up ordering an iX6520 which is coming with a supply of ink and a (100pk) of 4x6 glossy paper for $149.99. Can't really go wrong with that price! I did check a few other places to see their pricing and some of the reviews. Sounds like a printer I'll be happy with and it can do 13x19 prints (yay for me!).

brownizs, I did learn that! Getting a new print head for my old printere would've cost half of a new printer. I ended up ordering a new one.