Extruder Won't Extrude
I can't get my Mk2S to extrude reliably. I've been printing for about 2-1/2 years so I have some experience. This just started recently. When I try to load filament, especially PETG, I just get the dreaded clicking sound and it won't feed. I can remove the tensioning screws (with the springs on them) and push the filament through manually with no trouble. The last spool of PETG I tried had been drying in the oven overnight. I've had the extruder apart twice in the last 3 days and cleaned everything so I'm sure there are no blockages. My last attempt was to remove the bearing that rides on the gear that is supposed to pull filament through. It didn't seem to be too free so I cleaned it up and put a couple of drops of oil on the sides and worked it in, then wiped the surface that pinches the filament with some alcohol. It didn't help. The gear is tight on the motor shaft.
What should I try next?
Thanks,
Rich
RE: Extruder Won't Extrude
If you can push filament throu and it melts out, then add more tension to the idler door screws. Or perhaps the "new" PETG wants a bit higher print temp. Not all PETG likes 240.
RE: Extruder Won't Extrude
@tim-m30
Thanks for your input tim-m30. I have fiddled with the tension on the idler door screws, both tighter and looser with no success. I just checked the PETG I was tying to use and one spool says print temp should be 230 - 245, but the other says 235-255...both from Atomic Filament. Odd. But usually I can't even get the PETG to reach the nozzle...the clicking starts after it's only gone in a few mm. I started a chat session with Prusa support and we eliminated most of the ideas they had, and decided I should try replacing the PTFE tube, so I'll be ordering that today.
Rich