Ink lines accross page

[topcomputing]

Am hoping someone can advise me. I have an old HP Laserjet 6P/6MP printer which has been very faithful to me for years. I have had many new cartridges in this time (all genuine C3903A cartridges).

I bought a new C3903A cartridge (Factory Sealed) off Ebay last week. When I print anything from it I get 4 horizontal lines accross the page, however when I revert back to my old C3903A cartridge, the page prints absolutely clear of smear lines (see photos of lines with new cartridge and the clear page using the old cartridge).

The seller says it is a common problem (I have never had this problem before on 15 years) and I need to do some cleaning. However my point is that as soon as I revert back to the 'old' toner cartridge, everything is fine again.

With Toner LinesWithout Toner Lines

Bit confused here, so any comments would be welcome.

Thank you!

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

It's a known problem when toner cartridges are unused for years. Maybe it will go away after more pages printed but probably not because the damage on the drum might be permanent because of years being unused.

[topcomputing]

Thank you Valsimot for coming back so quickly. I did wonder if that may have been the issue. 

[MeanPrintMachin]

Hi, I had this problem a while back.  I ran a printer clean, and ran it through a few sheets and it stopped doing it. Perhaps give that a try.  I actually have a similar issue as we speak with another printer im trying to solve, it runs fine in the office next doors printers but it get lines pretty similar to that pic you posted in the machine i actually need it in our office. 

[Printing4Lyfe]

I would go through the motions of maintenance to be honest. 

My experience with this is limited but i have had it happen once or twice on exactly the same printer. Usually a print clean, head clean, and assuming the drum is not damaged as suggested above, it should clear after a few pages.  If it doesn't it may well be a faulty/damaged cartridge.