[CQ] DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

[steveclv]

So I have a DC250 and a DC242. The 250 has a ROS problem discussed elsewhere but I'm now working on the DC242

When printing test pattern 14 on each of the 4 colors, they are all perfect except for black.

lines.jpg

So the first suggestion is that this is a drum problem. So I take the black drum from the DC250 which prints a perfect pattern and put it in the DC242 and it produces exactly the same print.

I have replaced all 4 1st BTR rollers.

Could this be a developer problem? If so how do I inspect the developer housing and roller?

Thanks for any suggestions...

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Further to my last post, is it possible to take the black developer housing from the DC250 and put it in the DC242? Do I need to do anything in MAX setup if I do?

I'm not sure just changing the developer would be sufficient and as it's expensive I'm thinking of changing the whole tank - but swapping tanks will confirm my amateur diagnosis, if it's possible.

Thanks

[Veedle]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

It looks like you need to clean the ROS window.
You can do this by taking out the drum/dev draw
and cleaning it from underneath.

[Flash]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

You should be able to swop the developer units for a few copies. It looks like a developer problem.

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Thanks

I cleaned the outside of the ROS window but it made no difference and I swapped the developer tank between my DC242 and DC250 and it made no difference to either machine - the DC 250 gave me perfect print with the 242's developer tank.

I think I am going to have to clean the ROS itself which I understand is a pretty major dismantle job

[Veedle]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

It definitely looks like a ROS problem.
Taking the top off and cleaning the ROS
should only be a half hour job.

[Exok]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

If you are going to remove the ROS assemblies just take care with reconnecting the ribbon cables when you reinstall them. If they are not fully seated or slightly skewed you will have additional problems. This warning was given to me the one and only time I had to remove a ROS from this family of copiers. My reinstall went without a problem.

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Thanks!

I just need to track down the pdf instructions - I hope it's 30 minutes

[InterfaceP]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Did you use the same charge cortron on the K drum?

ROS deletions can take on several appearances, but typically they look more like a shadow when it's inside (cant see it without removing) on one of the mirrors. A more defined deletion is usually the developer or the ROS window (that you can see from underneath)

Furthermore before you strip the printer, check the deletion lamp. It looks like a LED strip, and they run along the ROS windows.

To check the Developer: remove the plastic cover and rotate the developer roll down. DO NOT ROTATE UP, AND DO NOT REMOVE THE METAL LEVELER!

With a flash light check for a nice even amount of developer along the roll as you turn.

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Thanks!

Different Corotrons

I found the deletion LED strips - do they just need a wipe clean?

[InterfaceP]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Yes, If you see an excessive amount of toner on the underside of the ROS it's probably dirty. Make sure you replace the Ozone Filter behind Tray 5, it will help keep the ROS clean.

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Yes, I need to order the ozone filter - did I read somewhere that you can buy just the element cheaper rather than the whole filter housing?

Also where is the CC filter located as I think I need to change that too?

Thanks again

Steve

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Hopefully someone is online with any more ideas

Today I stripped down my DC250 which also has what I believe to be a ROS issue - this is my backup machine so I thought better to try and work on this before attacking my DC242 which is my day to day machine.

The DC250 has perfect copies except for Cyan which has a white band on it on test pattern 14. I had seen blue toner contamination on the ROS window.

So I stripped the machine down - quite easy with the instructions and the ribbon cables weren't a problem, just fiddly.

Anyway, I cleaned the ROS windows and opened them up but they looked pretty clean - reassembled everything.

The white line is still there and I seem to have added another, probably from contaminating inside the ROS which I can strip again and clean easily having done the job once.

But that white line is still there and hasn't changed one iota - the interesting thing is that the new line is sharp and in focus but the old line is all soft and fuzzy. I stopped the printer and checked the image on the IBT and it's that way on the image.

So it looks as though ROS contamination causes sharp in focus lines - but what on earth can be causing missing toner that is all soft and fuzzy?? Developer maybe?

Thanks for any further suggestions!

Steve

[Veedle]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

A soft edge line deletion is usually caused by a foreign body in the developer - just take the top cover off the dev tank and you will see if there is s problem.
A defined line deletion is usually a ROS problem - can be the tiniest piece of dust on one of the mirrors or lens.
You can test the ROS after cleaning it by leaving the IIT in the open position (it will just come up with a scanner error but will still print) and running a test page.
Ofcourse both can be caused by drums, but I presume you can isolate that.
It is also good to make sure all filters are replaced to keep the airflow right.

[steveclv]

Re: DC242 - black lines but not drum. Ideas?

Thanks - I'll redo the ROS and also take the top of the Cyan developer and check. I have another bag of developer if necessary.