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If you look through the printer maintenance functions of the printer folder in Windows, there should be an option to 'clean' the cartridges and their respective jets.
However, it's not recommended to do this too often, because just a few cleanings can deplete the ink in the cartridges.
If you have missing lines or jets aren't putting out ink across the whole printed page, then the cartridges may have to be replaced.
OK, you're going to have new ink jet cartridges to start with. I know they are expensive, but missing lines is a telltale sign of depleted ink. One may only be able to get 100 printed pages on avg. out of ink jet cartridges for consumer models.
Try original equipment manufacturer cartridge, in this case Epson cartridges to ensure quality output, and trouble free operation.
Make sure you align cartridges to get clear printouts that are calibrated properly.
The issue is not with the ink cartridge but with the actual print heads. In most (almost all) Canon ink jet prints/multi functions the prints heads are separate from the ink cartridge.
The print head is what guides he ink onto the page, if they become dirty or clogged then you will get lines through images and text or very poor print outs.
You can clean the print heads by using the software that came with the printer and there are some other ways as well.
I tried to paste the instructions from Canons site but they were too long. Use the link below to go to Canon's knowledge base for the MP520 and search for "clean print heads" and follow the instructions that come up.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=SupportDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=238&modelid=15483
1. During the cleaning of the print heads you probably clog some of the jets that distribute the ink. If you didn't use the proper cleaning procedure you may have damaged the print heads. the color heads are probably not affected therefore the pictures prints come out clear.
First thing to do is a head clean then do a test print. Do you see any of the black lines?
If not, don't do a deep clean as this uses up too much ink. Remove the ink cartridges and then remove the print head unit.
Run the print head under a hot tap for a few minutes until all the run off is clear. Take it outside if you can and shake it dry vigourously. You can use paper towel if you like but try not to wipe across the nozzles. Make sue the contacts are all dry and refit it to the printer. reinstall the ink cartridges and print a few test pages - the first couple may well be wasted but then it should start to print properly.
Is the black still missing? If it is do another head clean and another test print. Any improvement? If you start to see some black do some more head clean routines and it may well come back to normal. If on the other hand you see no trace of black at all, it could be that the print head is worn out and needs replacing.
This printer is now of an age where the print head may well be failing. Mine had to be replaced last year as one of the colours stopped printing.
The head is not exactly cheap - but it's cheaper than buying a new A3 printer.
Most likely the printer has been sitting for along time not used or you have used cheap replacement ink. Epsons are notorious for clogging the jets with cheap ink. unfortunately replacing the ink cartridges will not help because the jets are seperate from them. If cleaning numerous times does not work your next best bet is to buy a cleaning ink cartridge for your model. otherwise youll need a new printhead or new printer. If your going to use cheap replacement cartridges stay away from epson.
Have you tried a new cartridge yet? I know it doesn't make sense at first but I suspect the cartridge has a problem and your test print isn't exercising the printer like the Word doc is.
If the new cartridge works than the problem is probably poor quality ink, the hole you used to refill isn't sealed correctly or the cartridge or jets were damaged in some way.
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