MK3S+ won't load. Squeaks while trying
Hi
The loader for my MK3S+ seems to be stuck or jammed or something. I came back to a failed print and now when I try to load new filament it squeaks and the spinning mechanism seems like it's having trouble.
Please see my YouTube video showing the problem:
I tried looking for others posting about this issue, but couldn't find any. I was given this printer pre-assembled, so I'm not terribly familiar with how to take the loader apart to clear whatever jam this might be.
I have also already tried using the included acupuncture needle to clear the nozzle
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Best Answer by Diem:
It's a new build (got it for this past Christmas) from the factory.
OK, I'm going to assume you've been printing OK for a while ... have you been keeping up with regular maintenance?
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072
This probably won't fix your immediate problem - unless your Bondtech gear teeth are clogged, but it will remove a lot of possible sources of confusion.
The next step after the above is to reset your extruder idler pressure; the screw at step 39 in this page:
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/5-e-axis-assembly_169235
And it may help to read:
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/extrusion-problems-prevention_2027
Cheerio,
RE: MK3S+ won't load. Squeaks while trying
Open the idler door and try push the fillament in if it gets stuck just after the gear you need to replace ptfe tube
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RE: MK3S+ won't load. Squeaks while trying
Thanks. I was able to get the idler door open and I think I've made sure it's clear, but now it won't load. It's like the gear won't engage enough to pull the filament through. I can push one through myself, but left by itself, it squeaks and doesn't seem to grab
Attempt to load flament. It will fail. Mark the filament at the point where it enters the extruder (sharpie) and unload.
Now offer the filament up against the extruder, aligning your mark, and you will see how far down the blockage is.
It reads as if the block may be above the heatblock. Sometimes a fragment of filament can lodge here if your unloads are blobby at the tip - sometimes it's caused by a distorted PTFE tube. Either will need partial disassembly.
If the blockage is in the heat zone then loosen off the idler, heat the extruder and attempt to push filament through by hand - if this works then follow it up with a cold-pull and you should clear it.
Cheerio,
It's like the gear won't engage enough
Is this a new build or a machine that's been working OK for a while?
Cheerio,
RE: MK3S+ won't load. Squeaks while trying
To start, thanks for the help!
It's a new build (got it for this past Christmas) from the factory.
I tried pushing it through by hand and doing the cold pull as well. It seemed to be working with the cold pull. I got a bunch of black stuff back when I pulled my white filament back out. It took nine cold pulls until I wasn't getting much black stuff back out.
Alas, when I put it all back together and tried to load some filament, it was the same issue.. Squeaking and seemed to be slipping of traction of the gears that should be helping pull the filament down ￣へ￣
What should I try now? I guess I'll have to take apart the whole extruder thing?
It's a new build (got it for this past Christmas) from the factory.
OK, I'm going to assume you've been printing OK for a while ... have you been keeping up with regular maintenance?
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072
This probably won't fix your immediate problem - unless your Bondtech gear teeth are clogged, but it will remove a lot of possible sources of confusion.
The next step after the above is to reset your extruder idler pressure; the screw at step 39 in this page:
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/5-e-axis-assembly_169235
And it may help to read:
https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/extrusion-problems-prevention_2027
Cheerio,
RE: MK3S+ won't load. Squeaks while trying
Ahh, yep looks like I completely forgot about all of the regular maintenance. Somehow the Bondtech gear attached to the motor shaft had loosened, slid back and the teeth were no longer in line with the other Bondtech gear
Thanks very much for taking the time to help me out!