Subject: Ricoh AF 1013

Question: A customer nicked the drum. Copies look good except for a line from the nick. I'm going out to replace the drum and blade. I have the manual, but what settings need to be done with a new drum? Thanks in advance. Answer: I've only ever replaced the whole PCU; however, there is a plate on the gear that acts as a flag the first time the unit rotates to let the machine know it is a new unit. If you were able to pull the plate out it will signal a reset. Be advised, however, that when the machine resets it also does a developer initialization. If it contains used developer you could possibly end up with an overtoned condition. Answer: Save yourself the problems that will come with taking the unit apart and rebuilding it. Replace the whole unit. Been there done that, save yourself the headache. Question: I already have the drum and blade. When I was there the first time it looked very easy to replace just the drum. Can I just replace the drum for now since they had the whole unit replaced 6 months ago? Are there any adjustments needed if I do this? Thanks again. Answer: I would just swap the drum and try, if it's too dark, run SP 2802 to reinitialize the developer. Answer: The drum and blade can't be genuine as Ricoh only does the entire unit. Question: I replaced the drum and blade. Copies are a little light now. Anything I can do to darken? Please no smart ass answers telling me to replace the PCU with genuine Ricoh. I have rebuilt many Aficio PCU's with aftermarket drums with no issues. If you can't help, just don't reply; if you can, THANK YOU! Answer: Should have gone with the whole cartridge. Live and learn they say. Answer: Increase the developer bias to darken, but obviously you should have replaced the whole unit. The extra trip alone just ate up any meager savings you had over the $115 whole PCU.

Subject: Toshiba es452 jams

Question: I need some ideas here. This machine never jammed while I was there and if it weren't for the jam history I would think the customer is lying about it jamming. I cannot find anything wrong. New rollers, sensors and clutches working, paper seems ok. Still, I cannot go more than a couple of days without jams. Here's a rundown of the jam history: Date Code Meter 11/09 EB50 649791 11/08 EB50 649776 11/08 EB50 649767 11/08 E480 649749 11/08 E550 649743 11/08 E550 649732 11/08 E400 649714 11/08 EB50 649679 11/08 EA70 649657 Prior to 11/08 you have to go back to the 4th for the last jam, so the problem really just started. Even after I left today the customer called and said it is still jamming. Maybe someone else can see a pattern here that I am missing. I'm not too concerned with the jam door opening during a copy run, but the EB50 seems to be the underlying problem. I don't see how it can be multi-feeding as the code seems to indicate, so I am at a loss. Any ideas? Answer: Based on the error history you posted it seems like it's happening every 20 to 30 pages on average. You didn't mention based on the error history the source it was jamming from. What does the 12 digit error information in the right hand column of the error history page say? Is the jam occurring from the same source and under the same conditions every time? I've seen that type of jamming happening more from the LCF than the drawers. Also how is the copier configured? Question: All the jams in history were out of tray one, LT, sort mode, single sided. No jams out of the other paper sources logged since about two months ago. At that time LD size in tray 3 (copier has 4 trays) was jamming because the developer unit was bogging down the system and the extra run time for the ledger would cause timing issues. Replacing the developer unit solved that issue. Prior to 11/08 there were a few document feeder jams and a couple of intermittent finisher coded jams all the way back to the beginning of October. Answer: I know some of these ideas might seem simplistic so don't take offense. Have you tried switching out the paper pick up assembly with one of the other working drawers and or the drawer itself? Have you asked the customer to see if they could duplicate the problem for you while you're standing there? From all your answers to others' posts I'm sure you are all over this as you sound like a VERY qualified Toshiba tech. Answer: This sounds crazy, have you checked the metal front door cheater? And little switch beside it. Question: Thanks guys, don't assume I'm too smart not to miss something. I appreciate the ideas and/or reminders. I haven't swapped feed assemblies yet, nor did I pay much attention to the front door switch or actuator. I'm going back out there tomorrow afternoon so if you think of anything else post it and I will check it out. Question: Your suggestion paid off. Just finished the call and I swapped the paper feed assembly from the top tray with the one for the bottom tray. Seemed to work fine, so I replaced the bad assembly with one from a parts machine at the shop and ran about 300 copies through it with not a single jam. At this point I assume the feed clutch on the assembly was sticking, overshooting the next page to be copied. I figured instead of wasting time trying to narrow it down I'd just replace the whole assembly. It works, is working, and I thank you for putting me on the right track. I need that sometimes. :) Answer: I had a problem with the transfer door switch. It was out of place and would only cause jams when duplexing. Answer: I have noticed if the letter size is on top cassette, it jams the paper more often so I move the letter size to lower paper cassette. Good luck. Tips appearing in this section are reprinted courtesy of Smarka! The Copier Tech’s Info Source. Tips are randomly selected from submissions emailed to Smarka! Smarka! and ENX Magazine make no guarantees as to the accuracy of tips presented here. Email your tips to Tips@smarka.com . All tips become public domain.