1 Topic by teddetheo

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Topic: Solidoodle 3 cables coming off

So, I have had a Solidoodle 3 for a few years. Haven't got a successful print for around 2 years now, mainly because I gave up on trying to fix it after it just went crazy with problems (and literally crazy trying to print everywhere and nowhere at one point).
Seems like some rest did it perfectly. Tested it Saturday, no problem.
I Decided I should try to print some stuff, but as I was looking through models on thingiverse, since I haven't used it for 2 years, I forgot to unload my filament and shut it off. Of course, I got a horrible clog from the Nozzle all the way up through the PEEK barrel and I can not for the life of me get it out with tools or a cold-pull (since part of the stuck filament isn't actually melted and the clog itself is just far too big. I suspect it's charred inside the nozzle as well).
So, after trying simple methods I decided I had to remove the nozzle and try to get the clog out that way.

I got my tools and started working. I noticed some cables in between the nozzle and heater block (I believe thermistor cables?) were kind of following along a little. Not too bad, just hold them back. I kept going, and it was working well. Until one of the cables came straight loose. It's completely flat for over 1 cm and I really don't understand why it would end up following with it and coming loose but I had to stop before I ripped out the second cable.

The only thing I wanted to do was check if it worked and then sell it relatively cheap, so I could use the money to help fund a new printer. I am not in a position to be changing cables in this thing on my own because I will probably break something else. I have someone who might be able to help me out, but I am not too sure.
Anyone got any ideas?

(P.S: Sorry for the poor image quality, I had to quickly take a picture. I can provide more pictures later on if needed)

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2 Reply by heartless

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Re: Solidoodle 3 cables coming off

two sets of wiring on the hotend...

heavier, fabric looking wrap is the heater cartridge wiring.
smaller wiring is the thermistor.

BOTH should be disconnected before trying to remove the heater block and/or nozzle.

The thermistor is taped to the outside of the nozzle, simply cut the tape to remove it and gently swing it out of the way.

the heater cartridge.. follow the wires up towards the top of the extruder.. there should be a connector up there that you can simply unplug - cant remember for sure, either red or blue..

kind of hard to tell in the picture which one is broken, tho.. if it is thermistor, they are cheap and relatively easy to replace.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

3 Reply by teddetheo (edited by teddetheo 2020-05-04 17:44:00)

  • teddetheo
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Re: Solidoodle 3 cables coming off

Yeah, so it turns out both the wires I suspected to be broken actually lead to.. Nothing? I'm not quite sure why/how but as I unscrewed the nozzle gently today, the second wire was just fine. I then looked back and realised that it too was loose to begin with... They are flat on the tips for like an entire centimeter and don't seem to have any connectivity on the ends so I straight up have no idea. I might be wrong and they might actually be broken but either way the nozzle and PEEK barrel are completely screwed over at this point (could potentially clear the nozzle with some hot heat and stuff, but the PEEK is screwed either way) so according to myself and others who know more than me, the best option at this point might just be to replace the entire hot end. Since I wanna sell it either way, I might just sell it with a disclaimer that it could need a new hot end. It's surprising how much broken stuff people wanna buy, and my printer is barely broken, just needs some new parts.

But either way, I really appreciate you taking your time to read and answer my questions, especially since I'm a newbie of 3 years. Thanks!

(Edit: nvm I realised what you said and remembered what I SHOULD have done. Thermistor was absolutely screwed by me.)

4 Reply by TheBaron

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Re: Solidoodle 3 cables coming off

I think we've all killed a thermistor a time or two. At least it's an easy fix!

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

5 Reply by teddetheo

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Re: Solidoodle 3 cables coming off

Absolutely! Glad to know I'm not the only one, aha.