Cleaning the rollers is only a temp solution and of no use when you have old, worn, slick rollers and separation pads. Granted, the 3100 is only 1 1/2 yrs old, but I bought new parts off the net for only $28 for both machines.
I just paid $140 to have the rollers and separation pad on one HP III replaced and I don't want to be taken like that anymore. He charged $85 an hour (minimum 1 hour chg) for labor and was there no more than 15 min. I only charge $75/hr for licensed structural engineers! He charged $20 for the separation pad (I paid $3) and $35 for the rollers (I paid $13). I don't find that markup acceptable at all!
All I'm asking for is the chance to repair my own equipment. However, HP (and many more companies) feel that only trained technicians should be allowed service manuals. Replacing these parts is probably one of the easiest repairs and I'll figure it out, but next time it may be something a lot more difficult. Schematics and a troubleshooting guide is all I'm asking for.
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