[CQ] Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

[Evan]

Hi all,

I'm working on a Toshiba eStudio 351C with about 650k on it. Service history is unknown, so anything is possible. I have an issue with black printing light or not at all on portions of the page as shown on the test print below. Other colors appear fine. As you can see, the pattern is consistent, so I assume it is a mechanical issue with something that is rotating. Can anyone help diagnose the problem?

Thanks,
Evan

black.jpgcyan.jpgmagenta.jpgyellow.jpg

[JustManuals]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

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[emujo]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

If it's not a low level of devolper in the K IU, then it could be a problem with the laser unit (much rarer, but I have seen wierd patterns produced by it),,Emujo

[Evan]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

If it's not a low level of devolper in the K IU, then it could be a problem with the laser unit (much rarer, but I have seen wierd patterns produced by it),,Emujo

Is developer level something that I can check myself physically, on the panel or web interface?

When you say "developer in the K IU", I assume K means black, but what is IU? Imaging Unit?

I haven't purchased the service manuals yet from JustManuals, but it's on my list.

[didi2005]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

As what emujo mentioned, it seems that the K-developer unit is run out of developer...
U need to check the K-developer material and also the magnetic roller...

[Mr Spock]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

If you are unsure as to what these are then I suggest you call a tech. These machines can be very particular about what does and doesnot work.

[canonbundy]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Power OFF > hold down 9 and START > Power ON (still holding 9 and Start) > (List Mode should be displayed) > Enter 103 Start (this will print out the P.M. Report). Also 106 Start will print out the Error Codes.

[RRodgers]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

If you are unsure as to what these are then I suggest you call a tech. These machines can be very particular about what does and doesnot work.

Any tech (worth his salt on here or one that you have paid) would tell you dev. As suggested by Canonbundy check the PM life of the K IU (black Imaging Unit) I'd be willing to bet it's past due. If it's not, or not near then you have another problem that needs to be address and you NEED TO CALL A TECH to fix it.

[Evan]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Thanks for all the advice, especially CanonBundy. I should be able to get the reports today. I'm not a technician, but I work in engineering, and have a good amount of computer hardware experience and automotive mechanical experience. I'm able to follow instructions and figure out a lot on my own, especially when the service manuals are available. Much like taking your car to a mechanic, the more you're able to determine yourself, or at least know what is possibly and/or likely, the less chance there is being ripped off or letting someone go down the wrong path.

[canonbundy]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Thanks for the Plug Evan but like the other experienced guys are saying, the Developer unit has dumped it's Developer (migrated to the Waste Toner Bottle), the Developer (in laymans terms) is basically 'Iron Filings' which is a Carrier for the Toner and over time & useage the 'Filings' lose their ability to Carry, consequently Toner Dust and Carrier scatter through the machine settling on the High Voltage Charge Unit & Contacts etc. also the same applies to the Developer Unit Contacts and because 'Iron Filings' are involved, a Short Circuit is created causing the aforesaid Developer Dumping.
A great deal of care then has to be taken in removing, cleaning Units and replacing worn and charge burnt components then some final setup procedures which need to be excecuted so that even the Machine knows what's going on - in short, replacing the Developer Material will only result in the same problem i.e. dumping your money into the Waste Toner Bottle in a very short time.
My advice to you Evan, contact your local Toshiba Tech, it should take approx 2 hrs and $200 - $300 and no more headaches.

P.S. do know much about Ferraris?

[Evan]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

The initial technician's diagnosis was that the machine needed a transfer belt. Thanks to your feedback here, I asserted that it might be a developer issue. The machine is in an executive suite that is accessible during normal business hours and they just reported that they stopped by when nobody was around a couple days ago and determined that it is not a problem with the developer level, but with the developer assembly. They had a used one on hand that they were able to use to test with. So much for getting off cheap.

I've attached PM report and error code history per canonbundy's instructions if anyone wants to take a look.

I understand everyone advising that I call a technician, but I prefer to know as much as I can when I'm hiring someone. I know that at some point I may have to just trust what the tech tells me, but being able to verify the diagnosis is a good way to avoid paying for something that isn't needed.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

All too often mechanically-minded individuals, while just looking around cause additional problems, costing additional money. A color copier is nothing to play around with, unless you've got another several thousand dollars to replace it, that is.

Making an informed decision is one thing. "saving money" by digging in yourself just doesn't work out most of the time. It's just not as simple as it looks.

How many of you techs have found a scraped up drum sitting on the table light shocked from sitting there who-knows how long? "You mean I damaged the drum just by leaving it out on the table?" Yes that ... and the scratches. "But how would I know?" You wouldn't. That's the point.

Do you really think that's the only possible user error? =^..^=

[Evan]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Yes, I'm aware that it is possible I could do more harm than good by sticking my untrained nose in places it may not belong. This machine was purchased used for a $1,000. I have ordered repairs on a number of machines in the past and have an idea of the potential costs. The tech wasn't conveying much confidence, so I chose to look into it myself.

I understand your point, but I am not one to look at every piece of equipment as a magical black box, never to be opened without proper supervision. That's why I came here. I attempted to provide as much information as I could and asked for advice. "Calling a tech" is certainly valid and good advice, but I was looking for an idea of what the possibilities are or what is the most likely culprit.

I figured this was a relatively quick and easy way to gather some information without having a different company come out to take a look.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Within those guidelines, sure. It makes sense. =^..^=

[Mr Spock]

Re: Need help diagnosing black image quality issue on eStudio 351c

Based on what you posted.
1. You have a developer issue. This will need a minimum of a developer change. possible a developer unit change. It will need to have the drum and drum ground checked as well as developer unit bias checked. If and that is a big IF the numbers are correct then most of the rest of the machine should be in decent condition.
2. You will probably need the machine cleaned. This alone can take 1-2 hours to do correctly. They will need to check the revolver unit for correct spacing to drum and correct drive mesh on the gears.
3. You will need to have the adf unit checked. This is showing several different error codes that could be cleared with a cleaning. If that does not fix it then either feed rollers need to be replaced or the "ruby" sensors will need to be replaced. (This is a known issue with the doc feeder)
4. In my opinion this machine is not worth a lot. It is labor intensive. The parts are not cheap but they are reasonable. The key is that this is NOT a color machine. It is a black and white machine that makes an occasional business color copy/print. At most you should only do about 15% color and the rest black and white.
5. This is a reasonable attempt to give you some advice based on the description and reports that you posted. These may or may not apply without seeing the machine. Just so you understand I have been factory trained on this since it's release.