If there were no errors showing on your screen, you can carefully clean the hotend and silicon sock by preheating hotend temp up to 240C(recommended temp for PETG) use heat gun. After cleaning the build up, make sure the nozzle and hotend was properly tightened to prevent any filament build up in the future.
Here’s a guide on how to remove the hotend cover.
Service Tutorial Ender 3 V3 SE Replacement hotend kit: Time: 0:12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-HNS4-mfLg
To prevent filament buildup on the hotend or ceramic heater block of your Ender 3 V3 SE, consider the following steps:
- Proper Nozzle Installation:
-Hot Tightening: After installing a new nozzle, heat the hotend to the printing temperature (example: 240°C for PETG or 200°C for PLA). While hot, gently tighten the nozzle to ensure a secure fit, minimizing gaps where filament could leak.
- Maintain Clean Components:
-Regular Inspection: Periodically check the hotend and heater block for any signs of filament residue or buildup. Clean them as needed to prevent accumulation that could lead to clogs or poor print quality.
- Ensure Proper Filament Loading:
-Straight Cut: Cut the filament end straight before loading to ensure smooth feeding and reduce the risk of jams.
-Secure Bowden Tube: Ensure the Bowden tube is properly seated and secured to prevent gaps where filament could escape.
- Use of Thermal Grease:
-Application: Applying a thin layer of thermal grease to the outer edge of the nozzle can prevent filament from sticking to it, reducing buildup.
- Monitor Print Settings:
-Temperature Calibration: Ensure you’re using the correct printing temperature for your filament type to prevent overheating and oozing.
-Retraction Settings: Optimize retraction settings to minimize filament drips during non-print moves.
For a visual guide on maintaining and troubleshooting the hotend, you may find this video helpful:
Service Tutorial Ender 3 V3 SE needle cleaning nozzle and nozzle replacement - Time 3:19(tightening hotend) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTZfIqY6NMY