MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

[sandmanmac]

Hi All.
As the title states, copies and scans are skewed whether using ADF or the glass. Printing is fine.
I found one thread started by Laser801 about 3 years ago who had what sounds like the same issue. None of the suggestions offered resolved it, and he's not returned to provide one - if he ever found it?

https://www.copytechnet.com/forums/ricoh-savin-gestetner-lanier/147821-ricoh-mp3353-skewing-copies-only.html

I tried pulling up and pushing down on the scanner to see if it made a difference and it didn't - except possibly make it worse.
I cleaned the 'feet' on the scanner and the rails in case something was stuck there and affecting alignment.
I thought maybe the scanner could have slipped on the wire, but all of the marks line up perfectly.

It's been at this location for several years, and just started last week.

It really doesn't make sense to me, since everything seems ok.
Anyone have any ideas???

[slimslob]

Re: MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

I have seen copy and print skewing caused by lose side fences in the the paper trays but that wouldn't affect scanning. Copping and scanning would have to be something in the optics. Probably something to do with the scanner wires. Either they have stretched differently over the years or one of the scanner wire clamps on the lamp carriage is starting to slip. See Adjusting The Scanner Wire in the service manual. You will need a set of scanner positioning pins or something else the same diameter as the pins. They are the same pins used with the Martini when you had to rewire a scanner.

[copyaction]

Re: MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

Hi All.
As the title states, copies and scans are skewed whether using ADF or the glass. Printing is fine.
I found one thread started by Laser801 about 3 years ago who had what sounds like the same issue. None of the suggestions offered resolved it, and he's not returned to provide one - if he ever found it?
Ricoh MP3353 Skewing on Copies only

I tried pulling up and pushing down on the scanner to see if it made a difference and it didn't - except possibly make it worse.
I cleaned the 'feet' on the scanner and the rails in case something was stuck there and affecting alignment.
I thought maybe the scanner could have slipped on the wire, but all of the marks line up perfectly.

It's been at this location for several years, and just started last week.

It really doesn't make sense to me, since everything seems ok.
Anyone have any ideas???

I seem to remember an issue on the previous models where one of the mirrors was not seated properly where they clip in.

[sandmanmac]

Re: MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

I have seen copy and print skewing caused by lose side fences in the the paper trays but that wouldn't affect scanning. Copping and scanning would have to be something in the optics. Probably something to do with the scanner wires. Either they have stretched differently over the years or one of the scanner wire clamps on the lamp carriage is starting to slip. See Adjusting The Scanner Wire in the service manual. You will need a set of scanner positioning pins or something else the same diameter as the pins. They are the same pins used with the Martini when you had to rewire a scanner.

Thanks, Tim.
Yes I inspected all of the usual causes for skewing inside the machine, but of course, printing is perfectly square so it's definitely something optical that I've not seen before.
I don't have, or have access to, the tools for aligning the scanner, but I did inspect the markings that are on the wire and they are all perfectly aligned which, to me, indicates that there's not a problem in that regard. (??)

I seem to remember an issue on the previous models where one of the mirrors was not seated properly where they clip in.

This is interesting!
While a had good close look at the scanner alignment, I must admit that i didn't check the mirrors, and I had cleaned the optics not too long ago so that sounds promising.
It may be several days before I get back there, but I'll post back with my findings.

Thanks!

[KeviM]

Re: MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

Hi buddy

OK so I had a look at the service manual to see what it says about that problem.

Basically what they saying is check that the scanner hasn't jumped off position from the belt that drives it

Or

The metal frame at the points where the scanner and the main body chassis join may be off alignment. This could be due to rough handling of the ADF.

I would recommend going and reading pages 302 to 312

All the best friend

And let's us know if you correct the fault.

[Gift]

Re: MP3353 Skewing copies / scans

How worse is it and is the entire image skewed or is it skewed like a parallelogram?

In case the machine has no output options you can re-install that scanner support piece that should be put behind the front cover during installation.
With it you make shure the scanner frame sits "OK". If you want it to do the proper way you should loosen all screws that holds the scanner frame together
with the machine frame and scanner support arm -> install the scanner support piece -> re-tighten all screws.

Checking the mirrors also sounds good, especially if the problem might be there since the last cleaning.
Usually a dislocated mirror leads to heavier problems though.