topic imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast in Production Printing

imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

MASC_LSUHS — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:06:32 GMT

One of our PRO-4000S printers has suddenly started draining the MBK ink (cartridge PFI-1700MBK). In the past, one cartridge would last us months. We haven't had any change in volume of work and yet the ink consumption has suddenly gone up for that one ink.

We installed a new MBK cartridge on 11/17/23 and had to replace it on 12/4/23 -- which was a bit shocking that the cartridge lasted less than a month instead of MONTHS. But then three days later, that new cartridge we installed on 12/4 ran out and had to be replaced on 12/7/23. Any thoughts on what is causing this with no change in print volume?

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

KSArt — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:04 GMT

Sorry I dont have an answer for you. The ink is draining down into the holding tray under the ink cartridge compartment. I am having the same problem and wondering what you may have found out for a fix.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

GrassrootsGraph — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:51:07 GMT

I am also having this problem and it just started. The black ran out in less than 2 weeks. I would like to know what a fix might be for this.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:09:25 GMT

My magenta drained same day as install of a 700 ml tank!

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

drscotti — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:57:46 GMT

We have the same issue after a power outage with our MBK cartridge. Anyone find a solution??

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Arthur — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 13:06:49 GMT

Hi! Since these threads are inactive we recommend starting a new one so fresh eyes from our community can possibly assist.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:44:22 GMT

i ended up with ink all the way to the drive gears in my ink tank. I think I have found the solution but you won't like it. The tiny diaphram inside the ink tanks for each colour becomes pinched and creates a tiny hole. You either have to buy a new cartridge holder thing or take it apart and seal the leak. Guy on yourtube has an amazing prograf leak hunt video

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:36:24 GMT

Solved it. The guy in this video found where the leak comes from and if you do the same break down then find the pin hole in the diaphragm you can plug it with some marine glue applied via toothpick to hole then reverse the process and rebuild. https://youtu.be/7W4Q5e7Ku18?si=ZUWA_VhJclt0kYPa

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

drscotti — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:28:17 GMT

Nice, I ended up opening up a case with Epson about it and they covered it under warranty. They replaced the complete ink tank assembly one the effected side.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:47:27 GMT

Posted a fix below

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:47:38 GMT

Posted fix below

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:48:10 GMT

That was my next step, if this didn't work. 😊

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

MASC_LSUHS — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:19:03 GMT

Any chance you can provide the contact you reached out to? We would love to get this issue fixed but my boss is ready to retire the machine over it ... and it's not that old.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

MASC_LSUHS — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:19:51 GMT

Did you wind up doing this fix from the Youtube video? This seems so complicated.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

drscotti — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:35:02 GMT

I opened up a case with Canon about it and they covered it under warranty. It is a known issue.
They replaced the complete ink tank assembly on the effected side.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:16:49 GMT

It was actually really easy. Just taking out screws then simply dabbing a hole with some marine glue.

Re: imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S black ink draining fast

Tscheidt — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:20:11 GMT

You can email me [Removed Per Community Guidelines] and I can help you out if you like. If you follow step by step of the video you will 100% be able to do it. I grew up on a farm and spent my life in finance, I've never worked with electronics. I saw the printer at an auction for $175 and after losing almost $1000 in ink I was committed. Just take apart following the video. Find the plunger for the one that is draining. Hold to light then take a toothpick and some JB weld marine glue and put a small dot on each side of the hole and let dry. You will likely have a whole pool of ink in the bottom of the ink tank trays. Then take an old tank and use a syringe to put in some ink so you don't use a new tank and find out it didn't seal. Minea been going for 2 years now with 0 issues.