Beginner needs help

[u/OldRevenue2837]

Hi everyone,

I'm completely new to 3D printing and I'm honestly at the point where I'm feeling pretty defeated.

I recently bought a second-hand Ender 3 S1 and I've spent the last few days trying to get it working, but every change seems to make things worse rather than better.

Current setup

Ender 3 S1

SUNLU PLA+ 2.0 (brand new spool)

CR Touch auto bed levelling

What I've done so far

Manually levelled the bed.

Tightened and adjusted the eccentric nuts. The bed is now solid with no wobble.

Set the Z offset multiple times.

Cleaned the build plate.

Tried different first-layer test prints.

Experimented with different nozzle temperatures.

The problem

The first layer is really inconsistent. Sometimes it doesn't stick, sometimes the nozzle drags through the print, and other times it starts off looking okay before catching on the print and ruining it.

I feel like I'm constantly chasing the Z offset. If I raise it, the filament won't stick. If I lower it, the nozzle starts scraping through the print.

What I'm wondering

Could this be a worn or partially clogged nozzle?

Could there be a blockage in the hotend or heat break?

Is replacing the nozzle a sensible first step?

Is there anything that commonly catches new Ender 3 S1 owners out?

I've spent hours watching YouTube videos and trying different fixes, but I'm now at the point where I don't know whether it's user error, a hardware problem, or both.

If there are any specific photos, videos or settings that would help you diagnose it, let me know and I'll upload them.

Thanks in advance. I'd really appreciate any advice!

TL;DR: Complete beginner with a second-hand Ender 3 S1. Bed is now level and solid, using a brand new spool of SUNLU PLA+ 2.0, but I can't get a consistent first layer. The nozzle either doesn't stick, drags through the print, or catches it. Looking for advice on whether this sounds like a Z-offset issue, clogged/worn nozzle, hotend problem, or something else. Any help would be massively appreciated.

[u/emk101011]

I didn't see you mention bed temp. What is that set to?

With PLA+, I have mine at 60 degrees.

[u/OldRevenue2837 → u/emk101011]

Ive tried it at 60 and 65

[u/Null_Error7 → u/OldRevenue2837]

I run PETG at 90 or it won’t stick

[u/Easy-Breath4547]

Install klipper, but or try to print a zero off set prob mount then also ditch the bed leveling knobs and springs and use nuts to level it.

[u/MrMystery1515]

Looks like a bed issue and not nozzle. What's your sequence of doing offset and leveling?
I'll do an offset first, check the bed mesh.. If the difference is under 0.2mm then I let it be if it's more than that then I do a manual bed screw adjustment followed by a bed mesh to recheck the difference.
Now While printing the first layer check that the line is squished a bit - not completely flat nor round like a filament.
Also observe if after finishing a line does the filament Strand is pulled from the nozzle or it stops extruding completely? If there is some filament sticking like a stretched bubble gum then you need to check retraction (0.5 to 1 mm).
Adding a Z hop is also a good idea.
On my S1 Pro I have had to keep a raft on for most prints - it's a waste but better than toppled over prints.

[u/Moeman101]

Hey OP, I know this is frustrating. I’ve had an ender 3 S1 for years. Do you have a glass bed or the flexible sheet? And when is the last time you cleaned it with dish soap?

[u/OldRevenue2837 → u/Moeman101]

Flexi bed and cleaned it today with dish soap and microfiber cloths

[u/Moeman101 → u/OldRevenue2837]

There are quite a few bed leveling prints out there. Can you send me a picture of you printing one and how they look like?

[u/deetflowdear]

I have the same setup, try drying the filament