Robo E4: Unclogging / Replacing Your Extruder

If you run into a clog on your Robo E4 3D printer, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can go through to clear out the clog. This video goes through all the various steps you can take, including replacing your extruder (starting at 3:12)

My Robo E4 is jammed/cogged in the extruder. How do I unclog it?

First, make sure your filament temperature matches the temperature settings of the printer.

Then, pre-heat the extruder to the matching temperature. Pull the filament guide tube from the top of the extruder so you can access the filament. Tell the printer to load filament and while it is attempting to pull the filament through the extruder, apply downward pressure with your hand or needle nose pliers.

If it will not push downward, use needle nose pliers to pull the filament up and out of the extruder.
Then, while the extruder is still preheated, use the unclogging tool to try to push the filament through the extruder. If this doesn't work, try heating the end of the unclogging tool with a lighter before pushing the filament through.

If you cleared any filament out of the extruder, reload filament and try to print again.

If you were unable to clear any filament, you may need to replace your extruder.

How do I replace my extruder?

Turn off your printer and allow it to cool down. If desired, move the front panel out of the way. It's magnetically attached, so just tilt up until the magnets release.

Locate the two red buttons on the sides of the extruder. Press them firmly inward and then toward the front of the machine. While pressed down, pull the hot end straight down. If it is still hot, use pliers to do so.

Get your new extruder and re-insert it into the opening. Press it all the way upward until it clicks into place. Check that the red buttons have snapped all the way to the back of their slots. If desired, you can remove the front panel as shown in the above image to better see if the new nozzle is flush with the extruder. To remove the panel, pull from the bottom to release the magnets and then lift up to come over the small pegs at the top.

Turn the printer off and back on and then re-calibrate your printer prior to loading filament.