Epson SX218 Printer - Issues with Red Color Not Printing: Possible Fixes?

Good day. I have a problem with my several-year-old printer - it stopped printing red. I've already tried to bury the drivers (reinstalled etc.), cleaned the heads through the drivers, replaced the ink. I use replacements that have always worked. I use printers sporadically. Unfortunately, I don't know much about printer building and DIY in general, so I would like to ask for some detailed advice on what I can do in this situation. I think that it is not profitable to have it serviced, because the cost would probably be 50 +% of its value.
Illustrative photos:
Printout after cleaning the head: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/6019354500_1504096638.jpg
A sample printout in red: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3358598300_1504096681.jpg
The look inside (I do not know what I can freely pull out / unscrew to get "deeper"): https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3381816500_1504096743.jpg

Thanks in advance for all the advice.

Hello

You can remove the head and try to clear it because the red color is probably blocked because, as you say, the printer is used sporadically and inkjet printers do not like it and dry the heads and cartridges (inks). The head is located where you put the inks at the bottom, you need to unscrew it because from what I remember it is screwed on and the head is also connected with a tape. I was cleaning the water warm but not hot. I also used a tube that I attached to the syringe and took warm water and then injected it into the hole of a given color several times.

I don't think I will take the head out, because I read from the videos and comments below that it is very difficult to reattach the straps and I don't know if I could manage with my two left hands.
I have also seen kits available for purchase consisting of a head cleaning fluid + a syringe with a hose. Do you think that injecting this fluid into the unassembled printhead (the needle that takes the ink) will help something and not damage the printer? Unless it is a waste of time for such an operation and it will not be possible without stretching?

You can inject the appropriate fluid and leave the printer for a while (for example, 24 hours). Only if you encounter resistance when injecting, do not use force, because you can permanently damage the head. Also, don't forget to put the carcass back in after this operation as other colors may dry out. After this time has elapsed, try to print a nozzle check.