Fixer Fuser Film

[Downforce Graphics Inc]

I need to replace the fixer film that slips over the upper fuser roller of a Ricoh 3131 I need some advice,

I understand there is grease that is used does it have to be specific grease or is there a subsitute that I can use?

Thanks in advance.

[Fearless V K]

Never worked on one of these, but I just looked at the manual. Looks like a pain in the @ss. Talks about some special jigs that are required, etc. Didn't see any notes regarding grease but did find this note...

When replacing the fuser roller, apply some silicon oil between the sealing surface of the heat roller and the bearing.

If you do need to grease anything, Ricoh uses Barrierta grease which is very expensive, but most high heat resistant greases will work.

As for the jigs, you may be able to fashion something crude using duct tape and chicken wire (joking).

Hopefully a more experienced tech on this machine will chime in with some better advise.

[schooltech]

I also have not worked on one of these, but of the hundreds of HP printers, with fuser sleeves, I use a product called Uniflor from Nye. It is about thirty bucks and lasts quite a long time, from both the dispenser and from staying on the heating element and guides. I believe it is a bit different from regular high-temp greases in that it is a bit slippery, rather than be extremely sticky. But, I guess any high-temp grease will work. I think the initial setting is what is important, from my experience with the HP printers anyway, but this high-temp lube is what I've been using for awhile.

Barrierta grease should work fine, but it is really expensive. The problem with some of the greases is that they can really smell up an office. The barrierta grease and the stuff I use does not give off any odor, or at least any odor that is very detectable.

[KopyKat]

You're in for a treat! This is no Ricoh...its really a Toshita 310(that's no typo). It really isn't that hard if you follow the instructions. The tool helps a lot to release the pressure but you can sqeeze the end if you have big hands. And they really do MEAN IT when they say the holders for the pressure springs are fragile, I swear sometimes I would just look at one and it would break! (See attachment) As for the grease I used the standard high temp grease and silicon oil when I had to work on these.

My best advice is to get a good spacious work area and take your time on the first one. The first is always the worst. We used to rebuild these units in the shop and do the 'drop and run'.

It has been over two years since I've wrestled one of these bastids and believe me I count my blessings every single day.

You might get more good advice by posting in the Toshiba forum as a Toshiba 310/Ricoh 3131.

Good Luck and Stay Calm.

[Downforce Graphics Inc]

I need to replace the fixer film that slips over the upper fuser roller of a Ricoh 3131 I need some advice,

I understand there is grease that is used does it have to be specific grease or is there a subsitute that I can use?

Thanks in advance.

OK I installed the belt Thanks for all the great advice it took about an hour.
But now I have a new Problem!! The paper jams at the fuser unit any ideas?? Thanks again

[KopyKat]

OK I installed the belt Thanks for all the great advice it took about an hour.
But now I have a new Problem!! The paper jams at the fuser unit any ideas?? Thanks again

Was it working before the fuser rebuild? If so you didn't put something back together correctly. Can you turn the knob and see that the belt and rollers are turning? Is there good pressure between the belt and the lower roller? Do you by chance have any leftover parts? (It really needs all the parts)

What is the jam code? Where does it jam, at the entrance or exit? If it stops before entering the fuser, your fuser is probably not turning. Check the dirve gears meshing correctly or the one-way clutch gear on the rear of the unit may be installed incorrectly. If it jams at the exit or crunches the copy check that weird little clip-on separation guide at the exit side. Make sure it is in correctly or you will be getting more practice on replacing the fuser belt again.