Digital BW, The Print

Hi all,

Purchased that 1280 last week and today I've finally had a chance to unbox it and do an 
inspection. I have found ink residue (this is a refurbished unit) and I'm not too happy 
about it. I thought I will put all stops on any further activity until I consult with members 
here.

Thanks to all I have helped with info last week to identify the parking pads. I have posted 
an image of the parking pad, as well as an image of the "ink tank holder" of this machine.

1280 "Ink Tank Holder"
http://thecraigsnyder.com/epson1280/IMG_1928_tank.gif
1280 Parking Pad
http://thecraigsnyder.com/epson1280/IMG_1934_pad.gif

Here is what I have found:

- Ink residue inside the "Tank Holder". All points/colors.
- Ink residue on the plate next to the parking pad (black plastic on left side), greenish 
residue but probably a mix of all colors including black.
- Apparently no ink residue on the parking pad per se. A Q-tip, as dabbed gently in other 
areas on the printer, yielded ink but a Q-tip lightly touched on the parking pad yielded no 
ink. I lightly touched the pad with my finger and pushed down lightly. I found a clear oily 
liquid on my finger. The pad, though apparently clean, seems to be a bit multi-colored 
(subtle) in hue (former ink stains?).

My questions:

- Should I attempt to use this printer for Eboni/UT2, having dye ink residue as it does, or 
should I buy a new one and put this new refurbished unit on ebay?
- Largest concern is cleaing all the right spots in the printer (and is there any ink in the 
nozzles/tubes too...?). Also a concern about the underside of the "Tank Holder". Cleaning 
the inks out of the tank holder is do-able, but if there is ink on the top side there may as 
well be ink on the under side of this black box too. Possibly could mix with MIS ink or get 
on parking pad? Not an easy area to access for cleaning.

Maybe I'm being over-cautious--or maybe I'm not in this case. Though I am a person 
capable of being highly technical and detailed, I want to spend my time printing and not 
troubleshooting. Or cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, praying, and cleaning. 

All advice, experience and best bets on this one are welcome. 

Thanks in advance,
Craig