Fuser problem "Unprinted" line across page?

[anlu]

Hi

We have a 5225 that has been working fine for many years.

A while ago a line appeared across the paper which almost looks like it lacks toner. It shows up on all colours but on the photo I have used black in order to illustrate it better.

I have tried to see if the belt or fuser have any damages but no luck. 

My guess is the fuser, can anyone help me verify that or point me in another direction? I have tried to attach an image showing the problem but it doesn't seem to work(?)

[Valsimot]

It doesn't look like a fuse issue to me, but the attached sample is confusing.

You can do a stop test, send one page with image to be printed when you see paper coming out from the printer, open toner door, that will make a printer to stop.

Remove fuser and inspect printed image before and after fuser, if you see an unprinted line before fuser then fuser is fine.

[anlu]

Thanks for great advice Valsimot!

You were correct in your assumption that it begins before fuser.

My next guess then is the belt?

Regarding the sample, the picture is of an all black print on an A4 and across one of short sides there is a white line going

through the entire print. I've attached a scan of a printed page. Disregarding specks from scanner etc. you see the line near the top of the page.

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

The belt is used for all 4 colours. Is the white line present when you print in other colours yellow or magenta?

If yes then it's probably belt, if not ( only in black) then you might have a defective black toner.

[anlu]

Yep in all colours.

Cool, I will try and replace the belt.

Thanks!

[Valsimot]

Clean it first, it's free.

Remove the belt, the part of the belt that goes inside of the bells can be easily disassembled and cleaned.  There is a rubber cleaning blade, you probably have some dirt or something o that blade causing the defect.

[anlu]

Oh well, I bought a new belt... put it in aaaaand no difference... 

I really can't see how the line can get there.

Some kind of roll in the should be the problem as it is continuous across the page I should be able to see the problem on the part causing it. (well in my minds logic anyway)

Back to work I guess. 

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

I know have to explain to the bosses why we still have this error... 😞 🙂 

[Valsimot]

You have run stop test to confirm that the line is present on the image before the fuser?

How clean is the interior of the printer, some dirt or dirt buildup can cause that line?

[anlu]

Yes, I have run a stop test and the line is present before fuser.

I have been looking at all the parts I can see and cleaned all I can that is safe to clean

And as the problem is located so specifically  and consistently to one area it "should" be "easy" to see any build up or damaged part... 

Hmm it could of course be from a toner cartridge drum even if the print is of only one colour, dirt somewhere there could affect the image on the ITB....Maybe?

😀Edit: As I was writing this post I ran to and from the printer looking at parts, looking at the diagrams in the service manual I have and also used a can of COMPRESSED AIR here and there... and then sent a couple of prints through... LINE IS GONE.... So lessons learned: 

• Listen to Valsimot when he says clean!
• Clean even if you think you have
• Clean again
• Question yourself, again and again

So we bought a new ITB, that was not such a bid deal, it was not to expensive and the old one had been chugging along since the machine was new.

Thanks for your fast and accurate help Valsimot!

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

[Valsimot]

Are you having an unprinted line in all colours on only in black?

If only in black it could be defective toner cartridge or some dirt in black laser optics.

If in all colours that it's belt related.