SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

[aprilynm]

This issue only happens on every other page or so; it does not happen on every page. It happens only on the first three lines of text somewhere between 1" and 1.5" from the top. The affected pages appear to have a scuff - but when you look closely you can tell there is actual text in the margin. The text on the lines with the scuff/ghosting also are "broken" - the top half of the letters do not line up exactly with the bottom half of the letters.

Any thoughts on what this could be?

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

When you say at the top of the page, do you mean long edge feed or short edge feed?

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

Should have included that!

The top from the drawer - short edge

The side from bypass - long edge

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

If you stop the print before the page gets to the fuser (after it's exited the PCU/transfer area) is the ghosting there? My guess is something in the fuser, but this is a good way to narrow it down.

Can you post a pic of what it looks like?

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

I don't know how to stop the print there. If you can give me instructions, I will follow carefully!

print3.jpg

print1.jpgprint2.jpg



The first is a page from the bypass tray. The second and third are from drawer 1. You can see the full size and you can see the ghosting in the margin in the zoomed in shot.

I am so grateful that you are trying to help me! The tech Ricoh "sent" decided he couldn't get parts and didn't know how to work on this anyway. I really need help!

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

This definitely seems like a fuser issue from what I can see. On the C830dn I believe the fuser is just a single unit, so if that ends up being the problem, it's a very easy fix (though somewhat expensive).

To stop the print, it will take some timing practice, but basically what you want to do is start a copy or print, then open up the side door when you think the paper has gotten past the PCU/transfer section but not quite reached the fuser yet. Ideally you want to stop the paper when the part that usually gets that ghosting is past the transfer roller but hasn't quite entered the fuser yet... that way if the ghosting is there, you know it's caused by something in the PCU/transfer/separation area, but if it's not on the page yet, then it's being caused at the fuser.

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

If you touch the print on the page, does it come off on your finger? If so that would indicate a problem with the fuser as well (not fusing the toner to the paper).

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

Print doesn't rub off. Going to order a fuser.

THANK YOU. When the fuser is installed, I'll let you know if the problem is resolved.

[BLADE]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

Id guess its not the fuser, but you never know

[Mark Bbb]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

Looks like a staple went through. You might calculate the distance (interval) between 2 marks, so you can judge whether it's the itb or fusing.

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

Print doesn't rub off. Going to order a fuser.

THANK YOU. When the fuser is installed, I'll let you know if the problem is resolved.

You might want to try stopping the page first, to verify that it's the fuser before ordering. If the marks are on the page before the page reaches the fuser, it's most likely the image transfer belt (ITB).

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

New fuser came today. I installed it. That was not the problem. Still have the same scuff marks on my prints.

Best to try PCU or Transfer Unit next?

And is it safe to put the old fuser back in? It still had more than 80% of it's life left!

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

I missed page 2! I have ordered ITB.

Will update after installing.

Thanks!!!!!!

[freginold]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

From everything you've said/tried so far, the new ITB unit will most likely fix the problem.

[aprilynm]

Re: SP C830dn smudges/ghosting in margin

New ITB was the fix! Thanks, fellas. I know where to go now when I need help. You guys were my heroes!