Extruder gear fills with PLA dust. Filament not feeding properly
 
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Extruder gear fills with PLA dust. Filament not feeding properly  

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thefollower66
(@thefollower66)
Active Member
Extruder gear fills with PLA dust. Filament not feeding properly

I've ignored this problem for months due to frustration.  I have remained the extruder gear and clean it many times.  So this time, I ordered a brand new gear.  I installed it, along with a new nipple, and the filament loaded first time.  Wow!   But my success did not last.  After struggling with First Layer I was ready for a test print.  A flat object with raised text.  It printed a few layers and then the filament stopped flowing.  The gear teeth are once again full of filament.

I bought this from a friend who had upgraded to a larger PRUSA but have NEVER been able to get consistent results.  Always because of this dang gear.  I am about ready to toss it in the trash.

I am preparing to pull the gear apart, AGAIN, and clean the gear teeth.  I am unsure if this is a problem with the gear or with the hotend.  Any ideas folks?

Posted : 29/11/2022 2:59 pm
thefollower66
(@thefollower66)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Extruder gear fills with PLA dust. Filament not feeding properly

I know the hotend is fine because I can remove the PTFE tube from it and the extruder will not push the filament.

Posted : 29/11/2022 6:23 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

Is the extruder idler screwed in too tightly?  Try easing off by stages.

Cheeriom

Posted : 30/11/2022 7:09 am
TeachThePrints
(@teachtheprints)
Estimable Member
RE: Extruder gear fills with PLA dust. Filament not feeding properly

 

Posted by: @diem

Is the extruder idler screwed in too tightly?  Try easing off by stages.

Cheeriom

I like to remove the PTFE tube between extruder and hotend, completely loosen the idler screw, and then load filament. While loading, slowly increase idler tension, until the gear starts gripping. Since the filament goes into empty space, it's easy to see it go through. 

 

Prusa Mini FW4.4.1

Posted : 30/11/2022 11:41 am
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