2232c premature fuser failures

[Toner Boy]

Always ripping a line down the middle. Other than removing the center picker (which we havn't tried yet and don't know if it will cause jams) is there any way to make 'em last longer? I assume increasing the oil supply rate might help but can't find where to do it. Any thoughts?

[Ricoh-ono]

There was a special oil supply unit available if it was a high volume machine.

[Fearless V K]

I'm pretty sure there is a fix for that from Ricoh. I'll look for the bulletin if I get a minute.

[cobiray]

Make sure the appropriate media is being used in the machine. I've had issues with customers running heavier than spec stock and having issues with fusers. I'm assuming the heavier stock is absorbing more of the fuser oil and causing the issues. Also make sure they are replacing the oil units when they ask. Waiting until they lock out is harder on the fusers.

[Fearless V K]

Oops, that bulletin was for the B180 series. The high volume oil supply unit was the only solution offered for the 2232.

[rthonpm]

The part number for the high volume oil unit is B1499500. To use this you have to have a monthly average of at least 14,000 clicks a month otherwise the fuser will die from a lack of oil.
Also make sure the customer is using the blue turn handle to remove paper and not just yanking it out of the fuser. That's a good way for people to kill them well before their time.

[Shadow1]

Not an approved fix, but...

If you can't get a High Volume Oil unit, or this is just a 1 off temporary deal for the customer, I have used a paperclip looped over the oil roller engagement lever on the fuser unit and attached to the screw just to the left (as viewed from the front of the machine)

This will cause the fuser to eat oil much faster, and if the customer stops doing whatever caused the problem in the first place you will get oil spots on the leading edge of the first few copies from the strippers.

Since this is a mod to the fuser unit it will obviously only last until the unit is replaced, which in some cases is a good thing. You'll have to tell the customer to keep track of their usage and change out the oil unit at about 1/2 to 1/3 of the normal lifespan

[Toner Boy]

Thanks for the info. I don't think this machine is doing enough volume for the HV oil unit but I'll check into it a bit more.
Maybe changing out the oil units as soon as the replacement message pops up is a good idea since they are probably dry by that time.

[bryand]

If the customer prints on cheap paper (almost all 20lb paper available today) and does high coverage (eg: photos) the paper will stick to the belt and force the fuser fingers into the belt causing damage. Usually after about 20 pages. These machines should not print heavy color coverage unless they use a better quality paper (Hammermill 24lb paper).

[sharkie]

You could always try adjusting sp7905-14 and specify the number of sheets to trigger when the oil near end condition is reached.