LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

[axyun]

Ruled out cartridge. Stopped in mid cycle with front part in fuser. The part of image that has entered the fuser is compromised and the part that has not entered yet appears to be good quality print. Is this a heating element problem that can be adjusted or should fuser unit or fixing film unit be changed. Your help is appreciated very much.Frank/ActionPhotocopy

[HP:guy]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Yes replace the fixing film if possible. If not the whole fuser.

[axyun]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Thanks HP Guy.Are you saying just the film sleeve or the whole fixing film unit?Frank

[blackcat4866]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Don't rule out a fuser drive issue. It's a lot more common on the LJ 4345MFP. If the fixing film is not properly lubricated the drag from the fuser can load the main motor, causing the drum drive to jitter.

I'd start by cleaning and re-greasing the fixing film heater, then examine the fuser drive coupler (aka: swing plate).
(The LJ 4345 and the LJ 4350 engines are very similar.) =^..^=

[Iowatech]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Depending on where this unit is, if you have time, you might want to open up the laser unit and at least give it a good blast of air. I've seen the polygon mirror and laser optics get contaminated, which causes something like this.
But that usually starts with the left side of the prints becoming lighter, and the machines I've seen this on are usually in a kind of harsh environment, so maybe not.
On a lighter note, what's the condition of the transfer roller? It is pretty easy to replace.

[wseyller]

Hmm I think that explains why I have seen swing plate gears wearing out earlier than they should on 4350s. Its a big teardown to get those out.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[axyun]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Thanks Gene. I believe it is a fuser unit problem as the print is very good before entering fuser. Frank

[axyun]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Thanks David. I will look into that though there was no grinding noise that you usually get from the swing plate gear. I will swap out fuser to rule it out or verify that it is cause of problem. Then trouble shoot old fuser unit afterward. Frank

[HP:guy]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Thanks HP Guy.Are you saying just the film sleeve or the whole fixing film unit?Frank

It's going to depend on what you see when you split the fuser. The film is the cheapest fix but if there are signs of wear then you might want to replace the whole fuser.

[fshead]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

i would just swap in a good known fuser if possible..
if the grease is the issue the problem will show up jams and blurry or fuzzy print..
dirty laser optics cause lite print..contaminated transfer roller too
poor cartridge contacts too

[axyun]

Re: LJ4300 print is light and not sharp

Thank you for all the useful information. I will post results when call is completed tomorrow or Thurs. Frank