thanks. changed out the ptfe before a print and it came out alright but it was a smaller print. as far as the coupler ive switched over to thermistors and a ramps board after my ultiboard blew out. i know they are less accurate, but the setup im running now is just cheaper for me to replace as i have tons of pcbs and access to free ramps.
retraction is checked, and its 1.75 mm translucent pla from a cheap $20 usd 5 lbs roll. i have better filiment but i use this stuff for test prints and they come out alright.
the layer problem does seem to sort itself out here and there, i kinda thought it could be a skipping issue, but after tensioning the belts the problem only seemed to be reduced and not eliminated. when i touch them they are nice and firm. the file im using came from thingiverse which could explain some compatibility errors, and while i suspected it could be a slicing problem, i never thought to check the layers in cura.
ill load up the exact same print and see if i can replicate the error.
im printing strait from the pc if that helps any?