Problems with E3D clogging

If you're running an E3D and are experiencing clogs, then something IS wrong...

Judging from this a couple of things may be happening...

1) You don't have the nozzle tightened to the heatbreak enough.  If you have ooze from the barrel above the hot end, then this is likely your problem.  I've had this issue.  It's minor and requires that you disassemble the unit, soak the heatbreak, nozzle and heat block in acetone (for ABS, or Torch it for PLA) to remove all traces of plastic.  Not doing so risks cross threading the heat block, something I found out the hard way.

2) Your fan is not working.  This one is obvious.  If you don't have a fan, the heat will travel up the barrel to the heat sink while continuing to melt the plastic along the way.  On a good installation when you take apart the unit, the plastic is pristine up until the heatbreak, where it starts to melt.  You've stated that this is not the case, so we may be able to ignore it.

3) Your temp settings are off...  this one is weird, but can happen if your thermistor is not properly placed. 

One way to clear a clog on an E3D is to push the temp to 300C and then extrude about 20mm or so.  Most contaminants will ash and then be able to be pushed out.  Vent the room while doing that as ABS really shouldn't be extruded at that high a temp and noxious gas could probably result.

If you are getting any kind of plastic leak ANYWHERE on the E3D, then you're not assembled correctly.  Disassemble, remove any lingering plastic and re-assemble.  The heat tightening is critical to prevent the parts from oozing plastic.

Good luck!

Based on the photos, you either have a temp issue or a QC issue on the filament (high contamination).  It's clogging in the nozzle and backing up into the barrel.  Cleaning the nozzle is a good starting step.  Next time, pop the temp up to 300C and try extruding, this may clear it up quicker than dis-assembly.

If you are switching filament, make sure that you purge completely.  This means at a minimum 100mm purge extrusion, but more on the likelihood of 200-500mm.  The differences in temp between ABS and PLA means that if you have any remaining in the barrel, the remainder could be causing the clog.

OMG  Totally did NOT see that... looks like you're right ronsii.

I get so caught up in the solution that I forget to look for the obvious... That would cause it to clog for sure.  That much room gives the plastic alternative places to go other than down, which would in turn cause the plastic to burn and harden as it stays in the barrel.

Looks like I shipped you that one, and it looks like you ordered a 1.75mm, meaning I shipped a 3.0mm by mistake. I've PM'ed you a code to get one for free, and if you could return the old one, that'd be great.