While trying to clear a clog in my Sovol Zero toolhead, I removed the hotend following this YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIimdq_HCjE&t=3s, from 1:55 onward). When I took off the hotend and heat sink, a small PTFE tube (less than 1 cm long) fell out from inside the extruder.
I can’t find any photo or reference showing where this tube is supposed to go or how to reinstall it. Since I don’t know where this small piece belongs, I’m hesitant to reassemble the toolhead. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
There is a PTFE tube in the extruder. It goes in before the heatsink. With the printhead installed it will want to fall out. Use a thin tool to hold it up while you get the heatsink close.
I asked Solvol Support about the specs of the tube. They confirm cardoc information. I asked about the actual specs of the tube. When I have a response I will post here.
I try very hard not to remove the heat sink. Even with a bad clog in the heat sink from heat soaking, I’ve had good luck by disconnecting the fan from the heat sink but keeping it electrically connected but pointing away from the heat sink so it’ll get hot enough by heating the nozzle to melt any filament that makes a dreaded heat sink clog. I have a 1.5 mm stainless steel cleaning rod (Amazon.com: Creality Official Clog Poke, 0.4mm Needles Cleaner Perfect for Any 1.75mm 3D Printer Nozzle Cleaning Kit Stainless Steel with Soft Rubber Handle : Industrial & Scientific) that I can push down from the top with the nozzle removed. It might be necessary to push it several times after the main clog is cleared, wiping plastic from the inside of the heat sink and then quickly wiping or scraping the melted plastic off the steel cleaning rod to thoroughly clean the inside of the heat sink to prevent a future clog.
The heater wires, thermistor wires and electrical connectors are easily damaged so I greatly prefer not removing the heater block and heat sink.
Maintaining a 3D printer can be a tedious hassle at first but like most things, once you learn a few tricks and get a feel for it, it’s not that bad. That assumes you make it through the initial frustration. Try to remain calm and be patient. If I can do that, things usually become much easier, but if I get frustrated, things can quickly go from bad to worse. Zen and the art of 3D printer maintenance is one of life’s experiences where attitude is very important.
Just to confirm Sovol response is:
The specification of the PTFE tube is 4mm * 2.5mm * 16mm, which has the same inner diameter as the toolhead inlet tube. You can use it as well if you wish.
