Laserjet 1200 printer. Machine Gun

[Redpil]

I have found what I think is my problem on the forum except I cannot gain access to the answer

Won't print & sounds like machine gun!

‎12-30-2014 07:00 PM

Product: HP Laserjet 1200 Series

Can anyone tell me how to access the answer or provide the answer.

Much appreciated.

[Repairatrooper]

Likely causes are either a cartridge with a drum unit that is too tight or the fuser drive assembly is failing. Does it make the noise even on startup or just when printing? If you have a spare cartridge try that first. If the problem still exists you will likely need to remove the right cover and examine the fuser drive pendulum, if you see gears that are visibly worn or there is  lot of plastic dust on that side then that is probably the issue.

[Redpil]

Thank you very much for the reply.

I am not a technician but I can tell you what I know.

When I turn power on the printer is quiet for a few seconds then begins the rat,tat,tat sound.  This is rapid and continuous until I switch the power off.

The printer does not print.

The noise occurs when the printer cartridge is in or out.

I have stripped off the right, left, front, top and back covers to expose the mechanics.

Three pieces of hard plastic fell out.  Two are grey and I think are “tabs” or bits of.  One is “black” cylindrical and about 13 mm long, 4 mm in diameter with a hole straight through the middle.

Facing the machine, the right side has the gear mechanism.  I have examined this side and the gears appear intact with no obvious teeth missing.  There is no obvious “dust.” 

I have removed the metal plate holding the “central” drive wheel to expose all the others.  I have checked them individually and checked for free movement as seems purposeful.

All has then been reassembled.

Covers replaced, power applied and … of she goes again the rat, tat, tat sound.  So I have fixed nothing!

Now your comments. Likely causes are either a cartridge with a drum unit that is too tight or the fuser drive assembly is failing. Does it make the noise even on start-up or just when printing?

This bit.  I am guessing that the cartridge is not the problem (problem occurs with or without the cartridge) so that means the fuser drive assembly – but I do not know what this is.

 If you have a spare cartridge try that first. If the problem still exists you will likely need to remove the right cover and examine the fuser drive pendulum,

I guess I have already observed the fuser drive pendulum in my first endeavours without knowing what it was.

if you see gears that are visibly worn or there is  lot of plastic dust on that side then that is probably the issue.

Since neither of these appear then could it be the gears are “out of mesh.”

The problem arose when I had a paper jam.  I do not remember exactly but I would either have pulled the paper out forward or backward.  In the process I will have manually rotated the “mechanism.”  Has this misaligned the gears.  If so -again I have no reference to know where the “start” point is.

Thank you once again for your suggestions – they are appreciated.  If it is all beyond the novice then I will have to find a shop and see what they say…

Best wishes

Philip

[east2100]

Base on your word "The problem arose when I had a paper jam.  I do not remember exactly but I would either have pulled the paper out forward or backward.  In the process I will have manually rotated the “mechanism.”" you probably have three points to check.

1. The couple gear may be broken needed to be replaced.

2. The shaft may be twisted and out of its shape, you can try to twist it back to its way or just replace it. You will have to take the front door off and all the plastic covers out to get to it.

3. There's something dropped into under the paper tray and you'll need to take it out to examine that.

If you find nothing there after your dis-assembly then it should be the shaft out of its shape.

[Redpil]

Hello 

Thank you VERY much for your reply.

I do not have time to deal with the issue now but will have another go at the weekend.

In the mean time.  I do appreciate the help

Regards

Philip