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Refill Instructions
Refill Instructions

HP 51626A Cartridge

The ink in this cartridge is retained because the cartridge develops a slight vacuum. If the vacuum is lost, the cartridge will leak.

Instructions

DO NOT PUT ANYTHING SHARP IN THE TOP CENTER HOLE!

Step 1) Put the cartridge on some paper towels in an area where you can tolerate a spill.

Step 2) Tape over the bottom maze-like hole and the top center hole. Be sure that the top center hole seal is particularly air tight.

51626A_bottom.jpg (6488 bytes) 51626A_top.jpg (5680 bytes) Step 3) Locate the top corner hole. Some newer cartridges don't have such a hole. If your's does not, point the arrow toward you. On the top surface of the cartridge in the left rear corner, drill a 1/16 inch hole.

Step 4) If your cartridge has a hole, push the ball in the top corner hole into the cartridge with a ball point pen or similar device. Never insert anything sharp into the top center hole!

Step 5) Inject about 40 ml of the ink into the top corner hole.

Step 6) Now you must seal the top corner hole air tight. We suggest using hot wax or hot glue. Whichever you decide to use, you should squeeze the cartridge just before sealing to set up the vacuum.

Step 7) Remove the tape.

Step 8) Set on a paper towel for an hour as a drip precaution. Expect a few drips until the vacuum stabilizes.

If it does not stabilize within an hour or so, take the cartridge, turn it upside down, take the needle off the syringe, lay the needle aside, and use the bottle to blow air into the top center hole (with the cartridge upside down). Then set aside to allow the cartridge to stabilize.

To Clean the Printhead

Clean the printhead if the cartridge doesn't print or prints in streaks.

Follow the directions in the printer manual.
If that doesn't work, here's a quick and easy method to try next:

Turn on the hot water faucet and let the water get good and hot.
Stick just the copper printhead under the hot water for 3 to 5 seconds.
Remove the printhead and dry with a tissue.
Re-insert in the printer and run the printhead cleaning routine.
Print 2 pages. You should get dilute print for a half page or so and then good quality printing.

If this doesn't work, soak only the printhead in simmering water for up to 2 hours. You may add up to 50 percent ammonia for tough clogs.

To Clean Your Hands

The ink is water-soluble, but tough. Use plenty of soap and warm water. You may wish to try Comet, bleach, or a similar cleaner.