HP 7310 Print Drifting Right with Each Page

[clwill]

If I print 10 copies, each one moves further right on the page. It's
like the right margin is shrinking with each copy.

Eventually, it gets a "cartridge jam" error, and stops
printing. I then open the cartridge door, and the cartridge thing is
stuck all the way to the left. I move the cartridges over to
"home" on the right, close the top, and clear the error. It
does some resetting machinations, then prints fine... for a few more
prints. It gradually moves further right, the process repeats.

I contacted HP and the guy got all tied up in the "cartridge
jam" error. Kept giving me ways to clear that. I tried to point
out that was not the problem, just a symptom, and that I know how to
clear the error. But he wouldn't listen.

Is this a worn belt on the cartridge carriage or something? Something
just really dirty inside? Any help?

Thanks

 

[Bob Headrick]

If I print 10 copies, each one moves further right on the page. It's
like the right margin is shrinking with each copy.

[snip]

Is this a worn belt on the cartridge carriage or something? Something
just really dirty inside? Any help?

This is caused by a dirty encoder strip. Clean it gently and carefully as
shown at:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...cc=us&objectID=bpd50646&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

Follow the directions carefully. Do not use any solvents or cleaners as
this can remove the encoder markings that are critical to operation of the
printer. Also make sure to heed the comment about only cleaning in a right
to left direction.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[clwill]

Well... went from bad to worse last night, began making painful noises
with each pass of the cartridges, finally getting cartridge jam
errors. Resetting would get it to work for another few pages, then
back to this. This one sick puppy.

Good news is that Costco has them with a $130 rebate -- I paid only
$299 for a replacement. Probably only about $50 more than it would
have cost to fix it, and I have it working right now with no down
time.