Printer repair instructions?

[bferber]

I've searched and searched, but can't find any help on simple printer repair unless you purchase overpriced 'kits'. Right now all I need are instructions on replacing the pick-up roller and separation pad on an HP III and HP 3100. However, I would also like general repair manuals and can't seem to find any.

Can anyone suggest where I can find this info on the web, or if there are any good books around?

[reboot]

The pickup roller should never need replacing.
Buy a bottle of "Rubber-Re-Nu", and use it liberally on the roller.

------------------
Who needs a life?, I have internet!
Cheers, Jim
Jim & Sue's Free Files | Jims Modems

[bferber]

Reboot,

So, where do I find this stuff?

[turkeyfoot]

There are gonna be times when you need to replace the sep pad and p/u roller. For a lasting repair when its either multi-feeding or not feeding replace them both. It keeps those recalls down.I have done it countless times for faxes and printers but am not familiar with the hp 3/3100. The hp inkjet needs to have the feeding cams disassy then r/r rollers then retime cams. But because of the amount of labor we would buy the base feeder instead, just costing slightly more for the cust. Wish I could help. If this is a home project you might have all the time you'll need.

[joshmu]

Skip the Rub-re-nu and replacement rollers. Grab a handful of Q-tips (or a couple lint-free cleaning cloths) and a bottle of alcohol. Clean all the rollers - but try not to wipe the separation pad (it won't damage it, but it could take a while to dry.) Once you're done let it air dry and then print. Call HP's support and they'll tell you the same thing - I know 'cuz I worked there. The rollers should last for 5 years or more. On a side note; If you're printing with a thick card/paper stock you could actually be separating the rollers and that type of damage can mimic bad rollers.

------------------
Josh
joshmu@aracnet.com
*------------------------*
Suggestions Only, Not responsible
for damage caused by following
my Suggestions.
http://www.alladvantage.com/go.asp?refid=EAX491

[bferber]

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.

[PC]

Guys, I used to be a photocopier repair person. A quick and dirty way to clean rubber rollers like the pickup rollers is to use alcohol but the problem is that the rollers will work great until you're out the door. The alcohol really dries up the rubber and makes it even more brittle/slippery. The best thing to use is Simple Green in a 50/50 solution with water. This will clean off the gunk that is preventing the roller from working. Make sure to clean the Simple Green off, too. The other thing that works is to use sandpaper to take off the surface oxidation.

I worked as a printer guy on my very first contract and the LJIII rollers are not easy to do. I had to tear the whole thing apart to get to the pickup roller and, when that's out, the separation pad. It really was designed poorly from a maintainance standpoint. Practice makes it look easy. Contrast that to a LJ5Si that takes 15 seconds to remove the entire set of feed tires (all three - pickup, feed, and double-feed-prevention).

To get manuals, find a certified HP service tech who's willing to give you his old manuals. I couldn't get a set for myself when I worked for an authorised HP service center so don't feel bad if you can't.

[lynchmob]

There are places who sell repair manuals for specific printers but they charge anywhere from $75-$150 for them. Laserpros is one place I recall seeing.
lynch

[Pakrat]

I think PC sum it up nicely... Both can be cause 13 error. The pick up roller usually cause paper feed error ( not p/u paper)or cause problem with registration unit. And the separation pad cause problem with multi feed. The instruction from manual still not list all the steps you have to do. Also it'll take you longer to replaces.