PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: A print is made with a known-good,
broken-in toner cartridge. The print is smeared or smudged
in one spot or in a vertical column on the page approximately
80 to 90 millimeters (3 to 3 1/2 inches) from the left edge of
the page.
CAUSE: 1. The thermoprotector on the fuser assembly may
not be positioned improperly on the top fuser roller (see
Figure 2-29 on page 2.44 of the LaserWriter Technical Procedures
for proper thermoprotector positioning). Over time the toner
builds up and because of the heat of the fuser assembly fuses to the
thermoprotector. The mass of fused toner increases until it contacts
the paper as it is entering the fuser smearing the print.
2. The four screws mounting the feeder guide may be
unevenly adjusted causing the feeder guide to bend.
3. The feeder guide may be bent.
4. The paper may be charged with static.
CURE: 1. Check the thermoprotector for improper positioning
against the upper fuser roller and toner build-up (refer to the
LaserWriter Technical Procedures. Figure 16, item 4, on
page 6.32 gives location and Figure 2-29 on page 2.44 for proper
thermoprotector positioning). If the thermoprotector does not
exhibit these symptoms, go to step 2. If it does, perform the
following:
Use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) copier cleaner/solvent
solution (locally purchasable) to clean the thermoprotector.
Do not replace the thermoprotector to solve the problem.
2. Completely tighten (DO NOT STRIP) all four screws
mounting the feeder guide, back them off about a half turn so
that all have approximately equal torque, then recheck for the
problem. (refer to the LaserWriter Technical Procedures,
Figure 2, item 2, on page 6.9 for location). If the problem
remains, go to step 3.
3. Replace the feeder guide. Tighten the screws as
described in step 2.
4. Fan the paper to help reduce any static charge that it
may have accumulated.
If the above cure doesn't fix the problem, refer to the
LaserWriter Tech Procedures to obtain the general troubleshooting
procedure for this product.