Officejet 8620 - Ink leakage and false paper jam

[M97]

I recently used a Q-Connect remanufactured ink cartridge in my Officejet 8620, it was working fine for about a week or so however the other day it wouldn't print so I looked inside and there was black ink everywhere which I am assuming is from the Q-Connect cartridge but it was literally everywhere. I cleaned it up and hoped it would work again but it isn't! 

I am using the Q-Connect coloured cartridges too but they haven't caused me any problems and they all install just fine and have 5* reviews. It is like the cartridge has just exploded for some reason (not even sure if that is possible?!) 

Anyway, it is now not printing anything and saying there is a paper jam despite taking the printer apart and no paper being found anywhere! Does anyone know if a cartridge can explode and if the printer is doomed after being covered internally in ink? I really don't want to have to buy a new one so I am hoping that it is a case of giving it a good clean interally or maybe just ordering an original ink cartridge and trying that? 

Any help is most appreciated as its only 4 years old and so it is out of warranty and I can't find anything else like this online so am very stuck! 

Thanks 

M 

[Dragon-Fur]

@M97 

I would guess from your description that you have killed your printer.  Sad, that. 

Discussion / My Opinion:

At four years old, the hardware is old enough that replacing the printer is a reasonable solution.

Five star ratings mean nothing if the ink in YOUR printer explodes all over the inside of the printer.  

Yes, ink can do odd things - "exploding" is not something I have seen.  My not having witnessed something that has happened to you means nothing in context.    If it matters, usually if something happens to one person (or printer in this case), then the chances are it has happened to other people (printers).  There are millions of printers in the world and only a limited number of things that can happen to the hardware.

There is absolutely no recourse with HP after having damaged the printer with "brand-x" (or remanufactured or refilled) ink.   This would be the case even if the printer were still within the warranty period.   So, no worries there.  You did not lose anything in this regard - HP does not cover hardware damage that results from using non-HP ink products in the printer.

If you are willing to pay for support and for the necessary repairs, HP might be able to fix the hardware - the cost might well exceed the worth of the printer.  (I would guess the cost for phone support alone would exceed the value of a four year old printer in this model series.)

Yes, you can try cleaning the printer and then ordering HP ink.  The chances of that working - in my opinion - are not good. 

The good news, if there is anything to come out of this:  The printer worked for four years and that is a good run for a mid-priced printer.  Not great, but OK. 

If you are looking for a printer that provided the many features of the 8620 / 8630 model series, you might look at the HP Officejet Pro 9025.  I am considering replacing my (still working but five year old) Officejet Pro 8630 with the 9025.  Mind, this is a personal opinion: I am not associated with HP Sales in any way, shape, or form.   Too, I have the resources to purchase a mid-priced printer ($300-$400).   Caveat: Know that if you opt for the 9025 (or any new mid-range Officejet Pro printer, plan to use HP genuine ink in the printer - printers in this price range are not designed for "other" (brand-x, refilled, or remanufactured) ink sets. 

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