Subject: Ricoh 3045 Ghost Image
Question: The first 3 copies look good but then the copy starts getting extra images. It becomes increasingly worse from there. I changed out the drum blade and transfer blade, but I still have ghost images. I also cleaned the charge roller and transfer belt. The copier has 265K on it.
Answer: The problem has to be in the fuser. Either the HR is shot or you have aftermarket toner.
Question: Thanks for the tip, but the heat roller looks good. I’m not sure about which toner they’re using.
Answer: If the problem still remains, you may try cleaning the laser unit, particularly the LD unit. There are two white labels on the LD unit—remove it and blow air inside to clean any toner that goes in, then put back the labels. Good luck.
Answer: Did you swap fusing units with another model (eg 1027)?
Answer: Swap a 3045 fuser with a 1027? That isn’t gonna happen.
Answer: Sorry, my brain is not working correctly! I thought 3025; it’s been a heavy weekend, if you must know!
Answer: The drum might be out of position, check it out!
Answer: There is a bulletin to upgrade firmware. It changes background and fuser cleaning.
Question: It was the UFR. Looks can be deceiving.
Subject: Ricoh MP1515 Half Page
Question: Customer called for printing only the top half of a page, (half of 8½ x 11). I checked cassette settings (set at 8½ x 11) and the transfer roller contact to drum. I also replaced drum unit because the replace message was on. It still only prints 5½ x 8 even in enlargement or reduction. The registration at the top is perfect. The scanner makes the entire sweep of 11”. It prints a blank counter page as well (with no print).
Answer: Is the laser blocked? It could be internal to the unit also.
Question: No, I checked the machine for something like that. Anybody, anybody?
Answer: What about internal prints, are they the same?
Answer: Check if the development roller or/and toner agitator is turning. They might be blocked due to worn developer gears.
Question: It’s a new image unit and copy quality is great (for a half image); no noises and NO INTERNAL PRINT (this version only prints out counter page and test pages are all half print).
Answer: Does the problem happen when it goes through the feeder also? Is the setting for paper size correct? You stated it is, but are you sure? I’ve seen this problem with multiple machines, with the setting set at 8½ x 11, not 11 x 8½. Just asking.
Question: Yes it does the same thing through the feeder, and I changed the paper size and used legal too. But it only prints the first 5½”. Is there an all reset?
Answer: If half blank copies and internals are completely blank try replacing the laser assembly.
Answer: Did you check the paper size actuator? Perhaps try a reset procedure? Can you copy with by pass? And do you have the same problem with duplex?
Question: It says 8½ x 11 on display, and I’ve tried other sizes, including legal paper, but the image was 5½”.
Answer: Yes, there is an all default to factory settings. You have to set many settings though. If you have a spare main pwb, replace it. If you need one, I have a couple of parts machines. Good Luck. This one intrigues.
Answer: When you interrupt the copy process, when the page is nearly not left the drum, is there image on the drum or not?
Question: The image on the drum is only half of a letter size.
Answer: I would take it apart (in the shop) and blow it out. Glass, feeder, etc. out. Sounds like a short that interrupts the copy sequence.
Answer: Take A4 paper from your office, go to the customer, put this machine on A4 and try. Do you still have the same problem?
Answer: I still think something is blocking the laser. Especially if the PCU has been changed. Changing the PCU should take care of any shorts that would prevent the image from forming on the drum. Plus if only half the image is on the drum of course it is not a transfer problem.
Answer: Can you print a smc data report (log in data)? It is SP5990-4.
Answer: It has to be the laser unit.
Answer: We have seen this before. Ours was caused by the right side door. On the top of the door on the inside toward the front is a hook that attaches the latch to the door. The very top of it breaks off and prevents the door from being held tight and the transfer roller pulls away from the drum enough so the image does not transfer to the paper. We replaced the right door and the problem was solved. Good luck.
Answer: He does not have a full image on the drum so the door has nothing to do with it.
Question: Yep, I held the door in with my hand and applied pressure to the door. I am picking it up by Friday; I have a feeling it’s a board problem.
Answer: All aboard!
Answer: My vote, board problem.
