178NW Ghosting after <700 pages

[Ken-Di]

Hi,

In July 2021 I bought an HP MFP 178NW for a particular project which would need more printing than I normally need.  Since then I have printed 693 pages on it, most in the first 12 months.  I recently used the printer for the first time in months and it is now ghosting the print farther down the page.  Having read much about this issue it appears I need to replace the imaging unit.  HP states the imaging unit is good for ~16,000 pages.  I have not even finished the original toner supplied with the printer.  

I have added scans of the printer data and a test print.  The test print is page 2 of 2.  Text for Test1 - 4 were on page 1.  Trust me these look much worse in real life and with a more complex document.

I have remove and inspected the imaging roller at it looks absolutely pristine, as does the rest of the printer internal as you would expect given its limited use.

My questions are therefore:

1. What, other than printing, causes the imaging unit to degrade to a point it needs to be replaced?

2. If I replace the imaging unit now, given I am now only printing a page or two a month, will it need to be replaced again in another 3 years after a few dozen more prints?

This is NOT a satisfactory situation.

Ken

[Valsimot]

1. not using the printer for too long 

2. yes

[Ken-Di]

Thanks Valsimot, not what I want to read, but probably what I expected to learn.

A set of toner cartridges and an imaging drum from HP comes to £358.95 (probably plus delivery). A replacement printer from HP is £280.00 (again probably plus delivery).  So the printer is (essentially) scrap.  At least I know why the printer maintenance section focuses on how to order new toner cartridges and imaging drums from HP with nothing about minimum level of recommended use to maintain the printer.

I've also read quite a bit about non-HP toner cartridges for this printer not being accepted by the printer but given they are pennies compared to HP toner it would be foolish not to try one.  There are so many of these available it is difficult to believe they all don't work.

HP must know these entry level laser printers will be bought (probably) in the main by people like Georg_M and I who are sick of dried out ink nozzles in inkjet printers and decide to invest in a 'proper' printer.  In the apparently comprehensive user manual there is even advice on moving the printer, "When moving the machine, make sure at least two people are holding the machine securely" but nothing about how to actually keep it working.

Sorry about the rant but I am really angry about this.