XL 2-tool extruder clicking on tool 1
Hej,
I have a fairly new Prusa XL with double heads. Purchased early this year.
I have mainly used toolhead 1 to print, but occasionally also toolhead 2. I have the 0,4 mm nozzle version, to clarify this detail. I have used mainly PETG, ASA and PLA filaments, with occasional TPU printing, as well. Haven't used any "tough" filmaments, that include carbon for instance.
The printer has worked flawlessly, very nice prints. I haven't modified anything, have assembled according to instructions, did all the calibration steps and enjoyed the machine.
Just recently I have experienced trouble loading filament into toolhead 1. When the filament is loaded on low extruder revs and the end of the filament reaches the top of the hot end, the extruder starts to "click" and filament does not enter the hot end. When the extruder speeds up to flush the old filament from the hot end the clicking is speeding up and the extruder is grinding itself into the end of the filament.
If I crank up the temperature to maximum (299 degrees Celsius) if I remember well I can smell the extra heat and odor of burning plastic, so I would exclude the fault of the heater core. I will try to measure the temperature, need battery in my laser temp gauge (LIDL one).
I have tried brand new PETG (Prusament, just opened for testing), dried out ASA, PLA. Does not seem to be linked to filament, every one of them clicked.
When I open the latch on the extruder I can see the wheel turning, so the extruder works (rotates).
Filament sensor is enabled, the printer understands when filament reaches the sensor and actuates accordingly.
The tension on the toolhead hasn't been tempered with, both are on factory setting. The 2nd toolhead works fine.
As I understand the extruder shouldn't be disassembled. Shall I try to clean the hot end? Shall I try to remove the hot end? How to clean it?
I don't want to void the warranty, but if this seems to be a warranty issue I need to be able to narrow down the issue.
Appreciate your support.
RE: XL 2-tool extruder clicking on tool 1
Hej again,
I have fixed it 🙂
Have found the IPA+ needle in the box, have tried to poke the hot end from both the top and bottom side. I could not feel anything blocking the nozzle. Have tried to load filament, still blocked though.
Then I have read how to remove/change the nozzle and followed the tutorial. When I have removed the nozzle and the steel tube assembly I could immediately see a small debris stuck there. It is considerably higher than the needle can reach from the bottom. From the top it has been obscured in the dark cavity of the extruder assembly. So not possible to see without removing the nozzle assy.
Looked lite this:
When removed:
Now the printer can load and unload filament on toolhead #1 again. Happy times!