Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

[r00tb33r]

Our office LD325 was printing full-length black tracks on all pages, so I pulled the old drum and saw black bands of fused toner on it. I ordered and received a new (genuine) drum unit, installed it, however the display still flashes a "replace photoconductor unit" warning and pages are coming out blank when I try to copy.

1. I did not expect to have to reset the drum counter manually, it was supposed to sense the new unit.
2. I don't know how to enter the service menu on LD325, please tell me.
3. Why are the pages printing blank?

Insight is appreciated. Thank you!

[sturmtrooper]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

Our office LD325 was printing full-length black tracks on all pages, so I pulled the old drum and saw black bands of fused toner on it. I ordered and received a new (genuine) drum unit, installed it, however the display still flashes a "replace photoconductor unit" warning and pages are coming out blank when I try to copy.

1. I did not expect to have to reset the drum counter manually, it was supposed to sense the new unit.
2. I don't know how to enter the service menu on LD325, please tell me.
3. Why are the pages printing blank?

Insight is appreciated. Thank you!

IT's saying replace photo conductor because it does not detect the unit inside the machine. It's possible that it is not going in all the way or that connector at the back of the machine is damaged. It might also be packed with debris.

The pages are probably coming out blank because there is no charge in the development roller if the unit isn't seated correctly.

Clean out the whole drum cavity and try again.

[mikadonovan]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

After getting the machine to recognize the new unit, run sp2801 (developer initialization)

[r00tb33r]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

After getting the machine to recognize the new unit, run sp2801 (developer initialization)

What is "SP" and how do I enter these? Is that from the maintenance menu?

[copyaction]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

If you bought a replacement Ricoh 2510 drum unit it probably has no developer in it.
we typically replace these with type 1027 PCUs but they are only automatically sensed in a the 1027 and 2027 series machines.
what is a the part number of what you installed?

you will have to run developer initializtion to clear the replace photoconductir message, but that will not cause blank copies right out of the box. (But having no developer will)

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

It will only sense the new unit if you are replacing with a new Type 1027 PCU (Photo Conductor Unit). There is no new PCU flag on an LD325 PCU. You have to run SP 7804 to reset the PM counter and SP 2801 to initialize the developer. If you do not know how to enter SP mode, you should not be working on the machine. Call an authorized dealer.

[r00tb33r]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

If you do not know how to enter SP mode, you should not be working on the machine. Call an authorized dealer.

Elitism. Classy. Or instead of typing that out you could have just said to enter 107 on the main screen and hold down CLEAR.

It will only sense the new unit if you are replacing with a new Type 1027 PCU (Photo Conductor Unit). There is no new PCU flag on an LD325 PCU. You have to run SP 7804 to reset the PM counter and SP 2801 to initialize the developer.

I have done both. After executing 2801 the machine froze with printer key and wrench indicator lit up red. After power cycle the replace PCU message was gone, but the machine still prints blank pages with the new drum.

I agree with above posted logic that blank pages mean no charge on drum to pull toner particles. Drum units have an RJ-type 6 pin connector on them. Both look clean. I cleaned the jack cavity in the machine with a Q-tip. The old drum still prints, but with the black stripes (it's visibly worn!). The new one still only prints blank pages.

Did I receive a defective drum or am I missing something?

[LNorris]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

those units do not come loaded with developer Lanier LD325 Black Drum Unit - Genuine Ricoh Drum Cartridge - Does Not Include Developer

[copyaction]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

those units do not come loaded with developer Lanier LD325 Black Drum Unit - Genuine Ricoh Drum Cartridge - Does Not Include Developer

I already clearly explained that to him

[r00tb33r]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

(But having no developer will)

those units do not come loaded with developer Lanier LD325 Black Drum Unit - Genuine Ricoh Drum Cartridge - Does Not Include Developer

I already clearly explained that to him

Yep. Probably the culprit.

Do I have to take it (it, the drum unit) apart to load it up with developer?

[copyaction]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

Yep. Probably the culprit.

Do I have to take it (it, the drum unit) apart to load it up with developer?

I am afraid so. And you will have to run developer initialization after to set it up and clear the replace photoconductor message.

really much easier and cheaper to use the Type 1027 PCU in these.

[mikadonovan]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

If you do not know how to enter SP mode, you should not be working on the machine. Call an authorized dealer.

May sound elitist to you, but pretty good advice.

Yep. Do I have to take it (it, the drum unit) apart to load it up with developer?

Sigh. Even master technicians have to refer to the service manual sometimes. Sounds like you may need to invest in one given your unwillingness to contact your local Ricoh service provider.

[r00tb33r]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

I am afraid so. And you will have to run developer initialization after to set it up and clear the replace photoconductor message.

really much easier and cheaper to use the Type 1027 PCU in these.

Will do next time.

Given our volume it will be within a year probably.

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

I agree with above posted logic that blank pages mean no charge on drum to pull toner particles.

Incorrect. Laser systems use a write to no charge system. If there was no charge on the drum the pages would come out all black. Actually they would jam at fusing exit because there would be no lead edge void. Blank pages can mean either no developer on the development roller, no toner in the developer that is on the development roller or no laser exposure. The first two conditions can be the result of stripped or rounded out gears at the back of the development unit or a missing or rounded out development drive coupling. I have also seen the pin that the idler gear on the development unit turns on broken.

No laser exposure can happen if the laser shield glass is coated with dust or toner. An actual problem with the laser unit itself would result in an error code.

[r00tb33r]

Re: Ricoh LD325 copying blank pages after drum replacement

Happy ending. Bought and received developer, took apart the drum unit and poured it in around the delivery screws. Did not need the service manual. Reset the counter and initialized developer successfully. Machine makes good, clean prints now.

Thanks for all the help, and please don't just tell people to contact an authorized service provider. Share the info!