Subject: Lanier LD 425C (Ricoh MPC2500) Black Toner Empty Question: The machine keeps saying “black toner empty.” I’ve tried 3 different bottles and no help. It tries to load, then keeps coming up “Load Black Toner,” “empty,” etc. I checked to make sure the gear on the back of the toner bottle is turning and yes it is turning. Is there a usual culprit to look for to fix this? A little stumped here... Don’t want to tear into the machine before I get a little recon on this bad boy. Thanks! Answer: It’s the pump inside the machine behind the drum unit. It’s really easy to get to. Just pull the drums and transfer belt. I think about two screws. I have had three fail. Answer: Saw this same thing just last week. I agree, it’s the pump. Part # B223-3201. Recommend Precision Wholesale 800-733-7333. Question: Thanks guys, is it pretty easy to replace? Never did one yet... Answer: Yes, really easy. Two screws and remove the hose. That’s it. Not like the old series. They were such a pain in the a$$. Answer: I just had this last week. I replaced the developer for $64 and it’s still working great. Answer: Also check the feed tube from the bottle to the pump I have seen it get clogged. I just use a long pipe cleaner from a craft store and run it up the hose from the bottom. Question: Thanks everyone for all your help. I’m going out with a new pump as soon as it comes in. Plus I’ll be checking all the other stuff too. Subject: Don’t Laugh, Konica 1212 Question: I have one that started about a 2” stripe down the middle like the cleaning blade quit cleaning. When I checked it, I had to wipe the toner off of the drum and noticed it didn’t come off too easy. It looked like a flipped blade, but the blade didn’t flip. It looks like a cleaning blade failure; I was just looking for other ideas since I didn’t see a problem causing it. After cleaning, the machine ran fine for a few days and then the band returned. Thanks. Yes, I know it’s old. But they’re a small church and they like it. Answer: Cleaning blade should take care of it. Answer: I’m not laughing, but, they sometimes do band on the drum as you describe and it may need to be wiped off. Apply some setting powder on the drum and blade when you’ve wiped it off. When you replace the drum blade, check the cardboard filter next to the fuser (it sits in the top of the machine) and you’ll probably find this is clogged up with dust and toner. I’ve found that if you clean this it stops this problem from coming back. Beware that sometimes they fall to bits when you take them out, but even if you don’t replace them it doesn’t seem to cause any issues. Cheers. Question: Thanks to both of you. I had counted on just a cleaning blade and I will check the filter when I go back. Thanks again. Answer: Let me guess, low volume machine? I have seen this on low volume machines. I would replace the drum and the blade if the drum is more than three years old. That is, if parts are still available? Good luck. Answer: Don’t forget about the blanking prevention lamps. They could be dirty and that’s why it takes a couple of days to show up. Question: I had checked and cleaned them at the time. I didn’t see anything on them. Thanks though. Answer: No laughing matter Doug, I still have three of those babies out. The blade would be the culprit, possibly drum also. Good luck. Subject: Ricoh Aficio 2075 SC354 code Question: This code appears after a copy is ejected. Machine goes into a “please wait” for 5 secs, then throws the code. No issues with CQ. I have replaced the DV HVT and the DV unit. I am thinking of replacing the BCU board next. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Pardon my dyslexia. It’s an SC345 code, not 354. Answer: Development output could be abnormal. Check for a damaged harness by the flywheel. If the development bias output is abnormal, tighten the drum shaft screw. Answer: Thanks. I will check that out. Subject: Brother MFC-8860DN Question: Message says “Replace PF 1 kit.” What is this? Answer: It needs a paper feed kit for the tray 1. Tips appearing in this section are reprinted courtesy of Smarka! The Copier Tech’s Info Source. Tips are randomly selected from submissions emailed to Smarka! Smarka! and ENX Magazine make no guarantees as to the accuracy of tips presented here. Email your tips to Tips@smarka.com. All tips become public domain.