[DM-MUG] My own version of weird printer

[Bill Smith]

I have a 2-year-old Epson CX6400 that started experiencing poor print 
quality. I went through the nozzle cleaning protocol about three times 
with no appreciable results. When I tried going through the procedure a 
fourth time, I got a message that there was not enough ink in the black 
cartridge to complete the cleaning process. I changed ink cartridges, 
using the high capacity Epson cartridge, and tried the head cleaning 
protocol again. This time, the test pattern for black did not print at 
all. The ink check shows plenty of ink in the cartridge. Note: I can 
print things in color such as a MapQuest image, but the black text does 
not print. And I can copy colored material; again with no black print 
showing.

Question: Is it possible the new ink cartridge is defective? The 
cartridge has an expiration date of 06/2007. The package came with two 
cartridges. I could try the second cartridge, but am hesitant to use up 
$20+ dollars worth of ink if the problem is really with the printer and 
not with the cartridge.

Before those who read instruction manuals ask, no I have not turned off 
the printer when it is not in use as the manual recommends; I have left 
it on continuously along with the iMac. Upon a belated reading of the 
manual, it appears I should have been turning the printer off when it 
is not in use. Manual says that could damage nozzles, and if several 
cleaning cycles do not clear up printing problem, printer needs to be 
taken in for repair.  Does that pretty much tell me where I stand now? 
Given the price of printers, is it worth taking the printer in for 
repair?

Bill Smith