How long should print heads last on Officejet 8500?

[Chrisna]

Hi. We have replaced the 2 heads as per note from the HP 8500 machine. The printer wasn't printing for about a week and a half. We tried to print  about  2 weeks after installing the new heads and we got the same error. The supplier is now telling us that the printer should be used twice a week to ensure the heads work. Pronblem is that we have printed on this printer for years and only once a week and never had a problem like this.

Now suddenly we should print twice a week? Any idea what this might be?

[SHThompson]

What error are you getting?

[Chrisna]

Hi

It is telling us again that the printerhead needs to be replaced.

Thanks

[SHThompson]

Then it is probably not a printhead failure it is more likely the problem is dirty contacts in the carriage or the Carriage Board.

The reason you should print regularly is so the ink will not dry up in the print head nozzles. If it dries up you'll have very poor print quality because the nozzles will become clogged.

I would go through the replacement routine and simply remove the cartridge and gently clean the electrical contacts on the print head and in the carriage with cotton swabs moistened with water. After the contacts look clean wipe them with a dry swab.

And please use water since the ink in the machine is water-based.