Tech Tips – Bizhub C253

Question: Hi. I have a strange problem. After a stabilization sequence the first B/W copy out has the first 3 inches missing or very faint. Every copy after that is fine. I have replaced the Black IU and the transfer belt but the problem still exists. Now the customer is complaining it happens during normal operation intermittently but on arrival I can run 2,000 plus copies without the problem. If I do an image stabilization or turn power off and on the first copy has the void or smudging first 3 inches then works again. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks.

Answer: Does the problem only show itself on B/W pages? Or if the void shows on color pages, does it affect all 4 colors? If the problem seems isolated to the black image unit, be aware that this equipment uses a separate K IU drive unit from the other IUs. My initial thought would be the K developing unit clutch on the K drive unit. (CL5) I have had several high meter machines of this family show excessive wear on the inner drive bushing of the K IU drive unit. Usually this begins as a very annoying noise, and eventually the bushing fails and you lose the K IU drive completely. But usually, this is not an intermittent problem like you are experiencing. This drive unit is a time-consuming bear to get out, but it is do-able. Another thought is the HVU. Good luck and keep us posted.

Answer: Not sure if this tech bulletin is for your issue. Have you determined if it does it on the first color page out?
TAUS0808247EN      Revision No.   0     Publisher      Company BUS     GroupGr BUS_Service_Workgroup
Contents     Subject Light image at the lead edge.     Open Date 2008-11-24     Doc. Language English
Doc. Priority     Product Name     bizhub C253     bizhub C203     bizhub C353
Option     Description       PROBLEM: Light image over the first 95 mm (from the lead edge). The image density changes abruptly on all colors at that location on the page.
Solution      CAUSE: Failed mechanical control board.      SOLUTION: Replace PWB-MC (p/n A02E-H001-06).
Special note: Solution contributed by Mark Sweigard, Phillips Office Products.      Attached Files
Details     Problem code1 Image repro failure (density or coloration related)     Problem code2 E02: Image density too low: light (black/color)     Type     Info. Type1 Hardware     Info. Type2     Info. Type3     OS     Application     Network     Feature     Location     Printer     Others

Question: On rechecking all the info it is indeed happening on the first color copy/print as well. Thank you everyone and for posting the bulletin. I take it I may need to reload the firmware on the new board? My Minolta passwords still allow me to order parts but since the new website I can no longer access firmware for downloads.

Answer: I had this EXACT same issue on a Bizhub 353. After hours of replacing and troubleshooting I found that the contact on the frame side that touches the TX belt was loose. There is a small spring that popped out of place and was causing intermittent contact. My first copy was light and had a haze to it, and after that all subsequent copies were good. The contact is on the rear frame side just below the fusing unit. Hope this helps.

Answer: One other way to isolate this is to run individual color test pages, which can be done in service mode. That way, if the problem follows only a particular unit, you’ll know which one. If it’s the transfer belt, it will do it on every color, I believe.

Subject: Konica 7155 Minolta Di551 Drum Life

Question: I was just wondering how much life I can get out of a drum on one of these machines if I really push it. I know the factory yield is 500,000 but I have a machine that’s getting traded out soon that’s due for a drum and PM, and I don’t really want to put the drum in it if I don’t have to. Thanks.

Answer: All depends on customer and copy quality. Usually these go downhill fast when getting close. If you can get it cleaned up good and keep copy quality going you should be fine for a short while at least.

Answer: I have a Di7255 with 700K on the drum and quality looks great.

Answer: They can go over but they run dirty.

Answer: I have found that if you vacuum out every time you service one of these, or on a regular basis, these will run clean and not drop toner onto T/S corona. If you don’t vacuum out the paper dust it will contaminate the developer and cause it to run dirty.  Also, change the soft switch settings to use less toner.

Subject: Canon IR 2022

Question: What is a “System Error E7” fuser film sensor?  Thanks.

Answer: There’s a patch on the fuser film and an eye that sees the patch rolling by. It could be dirty or the patch is worn off. Good luck.

Answer: More likely, the belt is worn away, moving the patch from sensor. You can change the belt but the fuser is not that expensive in my book.

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