Black Ink leaking in Photosmart 5520

[melcost15]

Hello,

I have a Photosmart 5520 which is about 6-7 years old and is in excellent condition other than this new found problem.  Recently I noticed I was running out of black in rapidly.   One new cartridge was only printing one or two sheets of paper (I don't print often, weeks to months can pass in between printing needs).  Recently I just replaced the cartridge and then next day it was empty.  I removed the cartridge and looked inside the printer and ALL of the black ink was pooled on the sponge under where the printhead lives in it's dormant state.

I've done some searching and read other posts on this board, but I really do not want to have to replace my printer... as stated, it gets VERY little use and it in almost new condition other than this recent ink leak.  By estimation this started happening about 6 months ago.  

It seems like this is a problem that a few people have experienced with this model.  I have checked the gaskets, cleaned the printhead, cleaned the cartridges, use only HP cartridges, checked for any driver or software updates and have not yet found a solution to solve this.  I've burned through almost $100 worth of ink in the past 6 months for about 10 sheets of paper.

ANY suggestions or solutions would be greatly greatly appreciated.  I'm willing to take the thing apart if necessary... I just don't want to have to replace the entire thing.  Obviously if I can't solve I will... cause it will be cheaper than burning through ink... but I'd like to exhaust all options first.

Thanks so much in advance!!

[Kumar0307]

Hi @melcost15

Welcome to the HP Support Community. I understand your concern and I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP.

They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact.

Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details).

If you are unfamiliar with how the Community's private message capability works, you can learn about that here:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/First-Time-Here-Learn-How-to-Post-and-More/How-To-Send-A-Private-Messa...

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