Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade? – Hardware, firmware and software help

J C

(@j-c)

Member

Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade?

Hi All -

I adopted a used 3KS and a ton of parts and am wondering your advice on what I should do.

I had used this printer before (it was a friends) but most recently it had an error code - something about leveling, I think, and would not print.

I think this is good opportunity to learn everything about this machine and get it into top shape. I was thinking about a complete tear down and rebuild - is there any detailed instruction out there for this?

Or should I upgrade? I don’t really want to spend more than 100-200USD.

Any advice is appreciated!

Posted : 16/02/2025 2:09 pm

JoanTabb

(@joantabb)

Veteran Member Moderator

RE: Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade?

Probably the X axis is at an angle, re run the configuration options from the LCD, see if that resolves your issue

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 16/02/2025 8:02 pm

J C liked

Robin_13

(@robin_13)

Reputable Member

RE: Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade?

Agree with Joan, Download the assembly manual and check that the axis are square. It is not hard to knock something out of alignment when moving. If it hasn't been serviced properly over the years, it may also be a good time to clean and lubricate the printer.

Posted : 17/02/2025 9:47 pm

J C liked

J C

(@j-c)

Member

Topic starter answered:

RE: Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade?

Thank you, much appreciated!
I also discovered that the print fan had a broken upper mount and missing lower shroud. I'll make some replacements for those then get back to calibrations.

I noticed that in the XYZ calibration, that the paper was dragging, but it was the fan that was catching, so.... then realized that it was the first priority!

Is there an official repo of prusa parts that I can print (on another machine)? Or is something like this OK to try in general too?

https://www.printables.com/model/906613-highv-fan-shroud-for-prusa-i3-mk3s/comments

Posted : 17/02/2025 10:36 pm

JoanTabb

(@joantabb)

Veteran Member Moderator

RE: Used 3KS - tune up, complete rebuild or upgrade?

Prusa have a repository, https://www.printables.com/model/88272-i3-mk3s-printable-parts

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 17/02/2025 10:46 pm

J C liked