M3540idn/ M3655idn developing unit question?

[copiertec]

We have a new account we are taking over and they have a handful of M3540idn and M3655idn copiers. The prior vendor was using generic toners and a handful of the copiers have shading due to the use of the generic toners, the majority of the machines have less then 50k on the developing units and need to be replaced. Can we vacuum out the developing units with the generic toners and replace them with OEM toners being they have 50k or less? Or is it just best to replace the developing units?

[sparkycivic]

It's been a hot minute since I've had to vacuum out a developer and never tried on this model, but I'd say that it is well worth the effort to test the method. Even if you don't get it all out, it won't take many pages to flush the remaining junk.

[Scott]

I agree with Sparky, at least give it a try you have nothing to lose

[diedux]

Hi,
No need to change the DV unit. Just clean old stuff and pump OEM toner.
Had few cases where the charge roller had to be replaced also. Especially when the device feeds on generic toner for 2-3 years.

BR.

[blackcat4866]

If the customer is patient, I would just install genuine cartrdges, then let the generic toner get consumed normally. Otherwise, yes vacuum out the developing unit (no need to change the developing unit). I believe it's U130 that fills the developing unit. Be prepared for it to consume 1/2 the new cartridge to fill the developing unit.

=^..^=

[Ropariva]

If you are going to vac out the dev unit, first put the machine into “developer” mode. If you don’t do this you will just get a toner sensor error when you put the empty dev unit back in.
So.....put it into dev mode, switch off, vac out the dev and refit. Important! Fit a new toner cartridge! Turn machine back on and it will run for up to 15 minutes adding toner.

Job done.

[copiertec]

I know both machines take the same developing unit (DV-3100), but different toner cartridge's, which means its the same toner essentially. I went out there today and installed a new developing unit on one of the copiers with OEM toner. I am going to try to get as much of the generic toner out of the over-toned developing unit and start to swap it out on all the machines that are effected by the use generic toners.

[Scott]

To those not effected I would let them run and just pass out OEM toner in hopes that the issue just fades away

[copiertec]

To those not effected I would let them run and just pass out OEM toner in hopes that the issue just fades away

Thanks Scott. It's kind of a mess as some of the machines are printing too light and some over toned (2-M3540idn under toned and 2-M3655idn over toned). I did install some OEM toners to these units to see what difference it makes in the following weeks.
This is what gets me, these units are already cheap to run in the long term, but, company xyz, decides it's a great idea to use generic consumables to save even more money, knowing that your fliting with disaster down the road with blown out developing units, increased service calls and eventually the client being pissed off and searching out another company for service, which has benefitted our company.

[Scott]

Thanks Scott. It's kind of a mess as some of the machines are printing too light and some over toned (2-M3540idn under toned and 2-M3655idn over toned). I did install some OEM toners to these units to see what difference it makes in the following weeks.
This is what gets me, these units are already cheap to run in the long term, but, company xyz, decides it's a great idea to use generic consumables to save even more money, knowing that your fliting with disaster down the road with blown out developing units, increased service calls and eventually the client being pissed off and searching out another company for service, which has benefitted our company.

Couldn't agree more