HP 4M printing vertical band

[Gene Goldenfeld]

My 4M just started printing a light, thin vertical band down the
center (in portrait). However, a sheet fed in and stopped just as the
back end was entering the printer, i.e. half printed, is clean. Is
this indication of the fuser going bad, or...? If the fuser, is it
worth getting a maintenance kit, or just the part? I bought this
printer used about 10 years ago, have gone thru 2+ toner cartridges,
but never had to change the fuser. Thanks,

Gene

 

[Gene Goldenfeld]

My 4M just started printing a light, thin vertical band down the
center (in portrait). However, a sheet fed in and stopped just as the
back end was entering the printer, i.e. half printed, is clean. Is
this indication of the fuser going bad, or...? If the fuser, is it
worth getting a maintenance kit, or just the part? I bought this
printer used about 10 years ago, have gone thru 2+ toner cartridges,
but never had to change the fuser. Thanks,

I'm puzzled at the lack of response here and at the HP forum. Am I not
explaining the problem clearly, or is this an unusual one? Thanks.

Gene

 

[Gene Goldenfeld]

My 4M just started printing a light, thin vertical band down the
center (in portrait). However, a sheet fed in and stopped just as the
back end was entering the printer, i.e. half printed, is clean. Is
this indication of the fuser going bad, or...? If the fuser, is it
worth getting a maintenance kit, or just the part? I bought this
printer used about 10 years ago, have gone thru 2+ toner cartridges,
but never had to change the fuser. Thanks,

Gene

I took out the fuser and there is a black band. Also, on the printed
page two small dots about 1/4" apart, spaced every 4-3/4" down the
page, the left one about 1/2" in from the left edge. That would most
likely be something different, wouldn't it? I don't see anything on
the fuser over there, but then I can't turn it. Thanks.

Gene

 

[Tony]

My 4M just started printing a light, thin vertical band down the
center (in portrait). However, a sheet fed in and stopped just as the
back end was entering the printer, i.e. half printed, is clean. Is
this indication of the fuser going bad, or...? If the fuser, is it
worth getting a maintenance kit, or just the part? I bought this
printer used about 10 years ago, have gone thru 2+ toner cartridges,
but never had to change the fuser. Thanks,

Gene

Gene
I just saw this, yes it is the fuser as you have determined. The distance
between the dots does not correspond with the circumference of any roller in
the printer, are you sure it is 4 3/4 inches vertically between recurring dots?
The first check you did called a half test with the paper stopped should tell
you, are the dots on the paper before it reaches the fuser, if not then the
fuser is causing those also.
Tony

 

[Gene Goldenfeld]

Gene
I just saw this, yes it is the fuser as you have determined. The distance
between the dots does not correspond with the circumference of any roller in
the printer, are you sure it is 4 3/4 inches vertically between recurring dots?
The first check you did called a half test with the paper stopped should tell
you, are the dots on the paper before it reaches the fuser, if not then the
fuser is causing those also.
Tony

Hadn't thought of that. No they weren't. Fuser on the way. Thanks.

Gene