CL4000DN Print defect (spot) that fades away - fusing unit problem?

[jsulliva]

Ricoh CL4000DN just started having the following defect:
When it starts printing, there is a fuzzy/jagged spot at one side (at the edge of the paper) where the print does not appear. Looks sort of like a thumb print or something.
It occurs about every 5.5 inches or 140 cm.
But the spot fades away after a few pages and it prints OK after that if a bunch of pages are printed.
Service manual says it is a defective Fusing Belt (based upon distance between defective spots) and to replace the fusing unit. Printer only has about 20,000 or 25,000 pages total on it.

Just remembered - recently switched to 28# from 24# paper if that matters.

Anyone know of a way to repair (e.g. clean a spot on the belt or something)?
Does the spot fading away have some significance?
Any other suggestions?

Customer does not have a lot of extra money!

Thanks for the help.
John

[dlochhead]

Re: CL4000DN Print defect (spot) that fades away - fusing unit problem?

Hi

Did you every find a solution or did you replace the fuser unit? Have the same problem unless paper is set to "heavy paper 2" when using regular stock.

[jsulliva]

Re: CL4000DN Print defect (spot) that fades away - fusing unit problem?

Nio, I did not really find an answer. The spot seems to have faded away and I no longer notice it. I did not replace the fuser or anything else for that matter. We tend to use heavy paper for the standard e.g. 24 #. We also use 65-67 # card stock. When we do that, we tell the printer its card stock. It seems to adjust the fusing temp so it all works fine. Sorry I don't have better information for you. It may really be that your fuser is getting old and wearing out. Good luck with your problem.