What causes gaps in print

WidgetElgie

What is the cause of these gaps in my latest print? 

Samuel Pinches

This is normally an extruder problem where filament is slipping on the drive gear, or the extruder motor is skipping steps.

it means that too much is being asked of the extruder motor.

Try: 
- tightening extruder filament grip spring 
- reducing print speed 
- increasing print temperature
- lubricating Bowden tube with a drop of canola oil
- check that Bowden tube is not kinked or pinched/deformed

WidgetElgie

It may be a mixture of the Bowden tube and the extruder grip spring.

The filament wasn't extruding at all for a while and it grinded on the filament for a bit. I eventually pushed filament through the Bowden tube manually to get it to start feeding again.

Is there a good way to clear the filament from the extruder gear?

WidgetElgie

It also apears to only be on the front of the print. So much be a kink being made when it moves to the position.

Samuel Pinches

Cleaning the gear can be a bit of a pain. I don't have any easy tips sorry.