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HP Recommended
hp m551
Microsoft Windows NT

There is a random hairline streak 3 -1/16" from the left edge.  I have changed all of the cartridges as well as the transfer unit.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

The transfer belt has a wiper blade inside by the metal plate you see when you remove the belt. As the belt moves from the right side to the left that blade removes excess toner that did not transfer to the paper and an auger system within the belt moves that toner to the waste bottle located next to the toners on the left side. If that blade develops a defect then toner marks get on the belt as it moves over the blade as some of the excess toner from the auger system gets onto the belt.  It is usually purple in color and that would be the color of the streak you are getting. If that is the case the only way to repair is to replace the transfer belt and they are pricey. If the line is in one of the 4 colors then it is possible you have an issue with that color toner cartridge and if you remove the toner you will probably see a line around the drum where the defect appears on the belt. Most of the time the issue unfortunately is the transfer belt and if it is about the only thing you can try is to move the belt about 2 inches in the reverse direction by hand and you will now see the excess toner appear from under that metal plate. Clean that excess toner and then move the belt in the correct direction for about 4 inches and look at the backside to see if the line is now starting to show up again. This procedure only works in maybe 5% of cases like yours but I guess it is worth a try.

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Perform a half test.  Put a sheet of paper on the side manual tray and open the paper cassette in front.  Do a self test from the menu on the printer and when the back edge of the paper enters the printer, quickly open the side door to stop the printing. Look at the paper that has not gone thru the fuser. If the defect is present it is still one of the toners or the transfer kit. If the defect is not present, then the fuser may have an issue.

HP Recommended

Thank you for answering. 

 

Did the half test which showed streak before going to fuser.

 

The original streak was probably started from printing envelopes. The envelopes are self sealing, having a pull away strip under the back flap. It protrudes 1/16 to 1/8" from edge of flap. It is a C6 size envelope.  With multiple printings, the streak became about 1/4" wide, due to variations in feed and width of strip. 

 

These marks show up on the transfer unit so they are cleaned off.   Then run a "Page Clean."  The streaks are on the page again and can be seen on the transfer kit again. Also cleaned the roller by TK, which has the same markings. This is happening without printing any documents.

 

How is the TK getting those marks??

 

What else can be cleaned or replaced?

HP Recommended

The transfer belt has a wiper blade inside by the metal plate you see when you remove the belt. As the belt moves from the right side to the left that blade removes excess toner that did not transfer to the paper and an auger system within the belt moves that toner to the waste bottle located next to the toners on the left side. If that blade develops a defect then toner marks get on the belt as it moves over the blade as some of the excess toner from the auger system gets onto the belt.  It is usually purple in color and that would be the color of the streak you are getting. If that is the case the only way to repair is to replace the transfer belt and they are pricey. If the line is in one of the 4 colors then it is possible you have an issue with that color toner cartridge and if you remove the toner you will probably see a line around the drum where the defect appears on the belt. Most of the time the issue unfortunately is the transfer belt and if it is about the only thing you can try is to move the belt about 2 inches in the reverse direction by hand and you will now see the excess toner appear from under that metal plate. Clean that excess toner and then move the belt in the correct direction for about 4 inches and look at the backside to see if the line is now starting to show up again. This procedure only works in maybe 5% of cases like yours but I guess it is worth a try.

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