Digital BW, The Print

Hey,
I'm the one that posted a week ago about a problem with my 1270 
(yeah, like that narrows it down in this group....)

Anyhow, I've removed my MIS UT2 ink carts. I've replaced with 
genuine epson carts. I still get one nozzle check pattern group or 
one purge group that won't appear when doing a nozzle check or 
printing the purging paper. I think it's the "cyan", but it doesn't 
matter which one it is. It boils down to only having 5 out of 6 guns 
firing. Since I just installed the new carts yesterday (after 
spending the weekend formatting my hard drive and reinstalling 
drivers...not a printer problem) then maybe I should try again 
tonight. But, I'm not optimistic about it. It's just plugged or 
something.

So, for now deciding what continuous flow system (MIS UT2 if 
possible or the MIS VM) is on the back burner. But, if anybody 
want's to help me with this too....in case I get my printer 
working....I'm all ears!

What I'd like to know is if I can "clean" my heads myself...with 
rubbing alcohol or with Mary Kay eye make-up remover (silicone 
based). Is it possible to do this without causing too much harm? If 
so, any websites or info. on what to clean? Can I just dab a little 
alcohol on a q-tip and clean around where the heads poke through the 
carts?
Is it worth sending it in for repair (no warranty)?  Or should I 
just dump the 1270 in the garbage bin and start saving for a new 
wide format printer? (1280 or 2200)

Thanks,
Barbara