Insane copy quality problem, not hardware - Sample Included

[JasonW]

This is the craziest copy quality problem I've ever experienced. The copier is a KM-4035.

The exact same "tire tread / wave" background pattern appears in the EXACT same size and pattern regardless of paper size. I printed several internal print reports from the copier on letter, legal, and ledger paper and the pattern is the exact same size. Its _always_ on the lead edge of the paper. Whenever I print 5 pages, the first page is always the worst, and pages 2-5 still have the same ugly background at the beginning of the print.

I have replaced the fuser rollers, charge wire assembly, transfer roller, developer unit, and tested three different drums. All show the exact same problem.

What really confuses me is that if i print 3 letter, 3 letter-R, 3 legal, 3 ledger, i can stack the pages ontop of each other and the problem is always the exact same size and pattern on the first 5 inches of the pages then clears up a lot less noticeable after that.

[stcdispatcher]

Try cleaning the laser unit glass with a dry soft towel and this should take care of the problem.

[Jimbo1]

It's the transfer roller. Clean or replace and make sure your firmware is up to date.

[JasonW]

Brand new transfer roller.... shouldn't be that.

Its not the optics at all, it appears on all print jobs and even when i print the counter reports.

So confused

[bsm2]

spots

laser unit most likely

[blackcat4866]

You might take a look at the fuser temperature. The fuser roller is the right size to give you ~5" of pattern. If the temperature is took high it will collect toner from each print, then re-print it on the leading edge of the first page.

[copytechman]

Have u stopped a print b4 it hits the fuser to verify that it's coming from the drum area? That should narrow it down some!

Regards!
A.

[JasonW]

Ill stop the print to make sure its not fuser related.. I think you may be right about the fuser.

Its always the same 5inch pattern, starting at the lead edge, regardless of paper size. When i print 11x17, the first 5inches are bad then it clears up significantly better immediately after 5".

The only things it could possibly be are Fuser, Drum, Charge, Developer, & Transfer roller right? I know its not the optics b/c it happens on print jobs. Firmware is up to date.

[kjg]

I have seen this exact problem on a 4035.
Is this machine in a cool office or is it rather humid where it is? I don't believe the drum temperature is stable. I know these do not have drum heaters but if the drums are cold or the conditions are humid,the can pose this type of problem. try running 50 to 100 pages through machine in duplex mode and see of problem clears up especially on second side. I believe you should see improvement. I it clears up, look at environment change.

Keep us up to date.

I hate humidity in the south.....

[kjg]

Also, I noticed repeating drum marks. Try a drum you have tested in another machine that you know is working.

[KyoceraChris]

i've had that same issue before, i cleaned the corona grid and still had the problem. Then i preformed a drum refresh and it took care of the issue. Mind you i dident replace any parts..

[aodtech]

It looks like you're getting a variety of suggestions for each consumable. There was a firmware update a while back that took care of this problem. I have had the same exact problem with a 4035 and firmware fixed it.

[Craigdumass]

I think its your dimm

[dyodyo]

hi there! my friend,this kind of copy is not due to laser. because if its from the laser unit, it will give you light copy. you said jasonW you replaced drum, dev unit, transfer roller, fusing section and charge assy but still the same prob. try looking at the high voltage board. maybe the contact is corroded, clean that contact and put some contact grease.

hope this will help. good luck buddy!

[n25an]

the answer

ok... look... run a copy... then change the charger...
run the copy again...

if you see the marks...

take out the drum and find the marks...

if you see the marks on the drum that correspond to the tire tracks...

replace the drum...

thats it... bad charger or bad drum...

if you have done all of that then the problem is that your fuser has the marks burnt into it...