Ricoh MP301

[AndyPerkins]

Does anyone know if the 1515/MP161 pcu fits the MP301? A different part number is shown in the manual.

Cheers

[Richariri]

Re: Ricoh MP301

Does anyone know if the 1515/MP161 pcu fits the MP301? A different part number is shown in the manual.

Cheers

Hello Andy,

I have tried my best to see if they are the same PCU, and at first glance they do seem identical. The same colour wires line up with the socket (this doesn't mean they aren't crossed inside the PCU) and all the parts, holes and pins seem to be identical with one exception. There is a filter on the top of the 301 PCU which isn't on the 161.

I didn't dare try swapping the PCU's as our MP301 is brand new and getting setup for install. I am providing some photographs to help you decide if you're willing to risk it.

Please be aware that I have no idea if they are interchangeable and have just compared the PCU's physically. You will be better off waiting for an answer from some of the more experienced techs on this forum.

Hope This Helps,

Richard.

Edit: In all images the PCU on the right is an MP301 and the left is the MP161. Ignore pic 3, my phone doesn't seem to have a macro option.

[rthonpm]

Re: Ricoh MP301

My gut feeling is there's very little difference between them. I'm thinking of the old 270 PCU and the 1027 PCU where the only difference seemed to be an extra pin on the side of the 1027 version. Overall, we're just going to have to wait for someone to try breaking one to know for certain.

[Richariri]

Re: Ricoh MP301

someone's just pointed out to me that the 161 171 201 all use the same toner bottles. The 301 however has a new type toner bottle.

This could mean that the 301's now use a new toner type that may not be compatible with the 161, thus meaning you could have a high failure rate if fitting a Type 1515 PCU into an MP301

[jermyth]

Re: Ricoh MP301

Yes a 1515 will fit in a MP301, but you will need to cut a pin in the front on the machine so it can finish going in.
Sorry I don't have one here to post a picture.

[slimslob]

Re: Ricoh MP301

someone's just pointed out to me that the 161 171 201 all use the same toner bottles. The 301 however has a new type toner bottle.

This could mean that the 301's now use a new toner type that may not be compatible with the 161, thus meaning you could have a high failure rate if fitting a Type 1515 PCU into an MP301

Look on the label of the toner bottles. There is a small box with a two or three digit number. That number is the formula code. If they are the same, the toner is the same except for the bottle.

[AndyPerkins]

Re: Ricoh MP301

Thanks for your replies guys. We've decided to order a 301 pcu rather than risk the 1515 pcu.

[Gift]

Re: Ricoh MP301

1515 worked for us (twice) so far (after removing a pin to make it fit) - no long therm experience though...

[halacka@impromat.sk]

Re: Ricoh MP301

You can use PCU 1515 or 301 to MP301 . I tested it with toner MP301 and PCU 1515 , it works no problems.

[Klydon]

Re: Ricoh MP301

Just giving this a bump to see if anyone else has first hand experience on using MP201-MP171 drums in a MP301, what needs to be changed to allow that to happen and how things have been going with 301's that have a 201 drum in them.

This is something we have been looking at doing, but have not wanted to take the plunge with quite yet as we are unsure exactly what needs to be done and also what the possible consequences might be.

[TonerMunkeh]

Re: Ricoh MP301

When looking at the front of the PCU there are two self-tapping screws that cover the toner recycling chute. Remove those, then the assembly to the right with the lug holes in can be removed. Swap this from the original 301 PCU to the new 1515 PCU and it will fit. I've fitted one to a 301 about 2 months ago and haven't heard of any image quality problems. If there are any due to different toner compositions, they won't take long to go away as those PCU's don't really hold that much toner anyway.