X Axis issues at witts end
MK3 printer, all has been good with it for three years then I started have X Axis issues where it would not go all the way over to the right. I have searched multiple sites for help and have take the harness apart and put it back together numerous times, reset to factory and I cannot get this thing to work right. The rods are clean and lubricated, there is full motion either by hand or when I clock it over there manually, the belt is 211 tight. I am at the point where I am just going buy another printer I cant get this thing working.
any assistance is appreciated
RE: X Axis issues at witts end
Start with calibration
What is the result of a calibration run. Does it error out? I ignore those numbers - they don't mean belt tension. They measure drag as a function of current levels in the stepper motor and reflect how hard the motor is working. Since you say you can use "disengage steppers" and then slide the X full course easily, and you say if you use the move axis function (I think that's what you meant) the motor can move the whole way.
How are you determining that the X axis won't move full stops?
RE: X Axis issues at witts end
What is the result of a calibration run. Does it error out? - yes it does both calibration and belt test
How are you determining that the X axis won't move full stops? - this started when I was trying to print something that was almost the width of the work space and it kept crashing. For the last few weeks I have only been able to print on the left 2/3rds of the plate. If I have anything go over into the right area the printer crashes. This is why I thought, did I screw up flash with the mini, reflashed, is there some preset that is setting a boundry, factory reset. removed all the zip ties and cable sheath, checked for interference.
MK3 ...
I don't have a MK3 (yet) - so here's my general recommendation. I'd start with the X carriage - since that controls the X movement at the end of the day. Things that can bind up there include the linear bearings, the idler bearing, and the stepper motor. One of the more common things I have experienced is the X carriage back is over-tightened and the X bearings are squished too much. Since that is the easiest to approach of the three - try backing each of the 4 (I think on the MK3) screws that hold the X carriage back panel on the Extruder Body. On MK3S and S+ there are three screws that tighten the X carriage bearing holder (and thus the bearings). Since you've had her apart, you should be familiar. These screws need to be fairly loose - not classic screw tight. Just enough to keep the linear bearings from sliding in their race within the X carriage.
Second easy thing is to swap in another stepper motor - the most handy, identical spare that you have is the Y motor. The wires would take some untwisting and re-routing, but if the motor has gone "weak kneed" you can see if your problem moves from X to Y axis. If it does, you need a new stepper.
Next is the belt idler on the far right side. That bearing can bind up after a long time. It can be replaced (spares available on e shop) as an assembly, or you can fit in your own bearings for about a buck a pop. There is a print on the print library recently that is a little press to push the old bearing out and press a new one in - and it even has links to sources for the plain ball bearings. This would let you choose a toothed idler (third party) if you want that.
Just some thoughts.