Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
After having long PLA prints failing on me, I decided to swap the stock Prusa heatbreak for a normal E3D v6 Titanium (as described in this thread: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-hardware-firmware-and-software-help/prusa-edition-heat-break-easily-jam-clog-with-pla/ )
Since switching the heatbreak I cant get the printer to complete any print anymore, it keeps on clogging a few minutes into the print:
This is Prusament PETG but with PLA its the same story.
First I thought the nozzle is dirty and did a few cold pulls but the nozzle is perfectly clean.
These are all the measures I have taken until now:
- Rebuilt the whole hotend to make sure everything is seated correctly
- Reverted back to original heatbreak
- Swapped nozzles for a brand new one
- Replaced PTFE tube
- Played around with the extruder idler spring tension
- Checked thermistor cable and connector
- Checked thermistor resistance (dont remember exact value but it was within acceptable range)
- Checked heater cartridge cable and connector
- Checked heater cartridge resistance (dont remember exact value but it was within acceptable range)
- Increased temperature from 240° C to 250° C
- Checked hotend fan RPM (dont remember exact value but it was within acceptable range)
- Redid PID calibration several times
At the moment the moment I am totally lost and cant think of any more steps to take, except swapping the whole hotend and/or board...(?)
If anybody could share some clues on how to troubleshoot this, it would be greatly appreciated!
Best Answer by Fargo:
Ok so just to solve the mystery: After speaking to Prusa support, it turned out the extruder motor was defective. They are sending me a replacement.
Thanks for everyone, who tried to help me!
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
Different filament?
Clean nozzle with a needle or put a new nozzle on printer, could be a partial clog.
If you disassemble all parts for every clog you have , then you will do this very often.
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
The most likely point of failure is where the PTFE tube bottoms out in the heatbreak. You said you replaced yours, but did you chamfer it to the Prusa specifications?
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
Thanks for your replies!
After further investigation, I noticed the Bondtech gear would sometimes just stop, even though there was no clog.
I realigned it and now have managed some prints successfuly, but other still have underextrusion at times.
Is it possible my extruder motor is fried? And if so, how could I check if the motor is the problem?
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
Ok so just to solve the mystery: After speaking to Prusa support, it turned out the extruder motor was defective. They are sending me a replacement.
Thanks for everyone, who tried to help me!
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
@fargo
Unload your filament and then Disable extrusion runout detection. Run a print. The extruder doesn't know that you're air printing, so it will run as normal. Take a flashlight and look at the gears through the little viewing window and see whether they're moving around and around. If so, then your extrusion stepper motor isn't fried.
RE: Constant clogging after hotend upgrade
I had this issue and ti was caused bya faulty clip or collet and the PTFE tubing slippign back 1/2 mm.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog