[Jamming] AR-168 Document feeder jam

[SwisSeV]

The doc. feeder jams consistently between 6 and 8 pages. If I open the top and close it (to reset the jam) it's fine again for another 6-8 pages. Then it jams again. It jams because the solenoid (the one that drops the pickup roller assy) doesn't fire. If I take the cover off and manually press the solenoid right before it jams everything works fine.
I have tried quite a bit to fix this machine and I'm wondering what I should try next. (short of throwing it into the ocean in rage)

I already switched out EVERYTHING in the Doc. feeder, including the cables.
I just finished replacing the MCU PWB (the pwb that the cables from the doc feeder connect)

Just wanted some input before I continue,
Thanks!

[dwarf]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

you have a switch hanging up...wrap the springs tighter...or you may have a worn actuator...

[SwisSeV]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

What switch are you referring to? The actuator was replaced; the whole ADF unit was replaced at this point, and the problem persists. Whatever the problem is, it's not coming from the ADF unit itself.

[dwarf]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

this sounded like a timing problem...as each sheet is fed,the timing is a few pulses off and after several sheets the error is enough to trigger a jam code...if you have replaced all the components but still have the problem, the actuator may not be returning to position quickly enough...could be that the rockers that the actuator sit in are dirty and it doesn't float smoothly...or the spring is weak...what does Sharp have to say about this?...what is the jam code...does it happen if you just run single sheets?...

[dwarf]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

check this out... MFP-TB-026

[walterman]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

Have you removed the spring clutches and cleaned out the gummed up factory grease and lightly relubed? These ADFs were notorious for jamming because of the grease hardening up in the spring clutches.

[blackcat4866]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

The small Sharp DF's are also well known for late image registration and jamming, because the rubber rollers are slipping. Not just the two at pickup. All of them, especially the registration roller. Clean them all with an orange oil based cleaner.

They're not easy to get to, but worth the effort. =^..^=

[SwisSeV]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

okay, I'm back working on this old bastard again.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Remember guys, I replaced the whole DF with a new one that works on another machine.
I did double check the sensors, and they are working.
The actuator is working great, and it's very clean.
This model doesn't give jam codes; am I wrong? sim 22-3 doesn't even exist.
I cleaned the reg. rollers, although they are new and only have test page dust on them

What bugs me is, all I have to do is push the solenoid every 8 pages or so and it works FINE! It just decides not to fire the solenoid and it jams.

[blackcat4866]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

okay, I'm back working on this old bastard again.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Remember guys, I replaced the whole DF with a new one that works on another machine.
I did double check the sensors, and they are working.
The actuator is working great, and it's very clean.
This model doesn't give jam codes; am I wrong? sim 22-3 doesn't even exist.
I cleaned the reg. rollers, although they are new and only have test page dust on them

What bugs me is, all I have to do is push the solenoid every 8 pages or so and it works FINE! It just decides not to fire the solenoid and it jams.

Are you getting the appropriate voltage and ground for the solenoid to operate? Find a way to attach a multimeter and watch for 24vdc (presumably) across the solenoid. =^..^=

[SwisSeV]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

24.5 volts across the solenoid. It has no problem running consistently in simulation.
I'm not sure what's next, since the mcu pwb has already been replaced.

[dwarf]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

is there voltage across the solenoid when it fails to fire?

[subaro]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

10 Original feed solenoid SPUS Original pick up solenoid
11 SPF paper feed solenoid SPFS Original feed solenoid (RSPF only)
12 SPF gate solenoid SGS Controls the document reverse gate. (RSPF only)

There are three solenoids on that adf. look at what they are driving or operating and put small amount of grease on the pivot points. pivots points of the gate and actuator ect.

Also a question. where does the lead edge of the paper is at when it jams. Is it at the exact place or different points?.

[subaro]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

this sounded like a timing problem...as each sheet is fed,the timing is a few pulses off and after several sheets the error is enough to trigger a jam code...if you have replaced all the components but still have the problem, the actuator may not be returning to position quickly enough...could be that the rockers that the actuator sit in are dirty and it doesn't float smoothly...or the spring is weak...what does Sharp have to say about this?...what is the jam code...does it happen if you just run single sheets?...

Have to agree with the above. He mentioned that when he pushes the solenoid it works fine, hence the actuator is being hindered in some way or the spring is weak as mentioned above.

[SwisSeV]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

Again, it behaves the same way with a new DF or the original DF. The new DF works on another machine, so the solutions you are suggesting couldn't possibly be the problem.
Today the solenoid doesn't fire at all. The paper never gets picked up. Now the solenoid doesn't fire in sim either. The rspf motor is still working and is getting normal voltage.
I'm going to replace the power pwb. Looks like a pain to get to...

[SwisSeV]

Re: AR-168 Document feeder jam

Replacing both the power and high voltage pwb didn't help.