Laserjet 4V blotches

[charlie-w]

I was hoping someone could stear me in the right direction with a problem I'm having.

I have recently begun using a Laserjet 4V printer that has been in storage for a while. I loaded a new toner cartridge (which I think is a few years old) and I've been getting black blotches on the pages. They don't appear at the same place on different pages, but all pages have them. I've downloaded and run HP's cleaning utility, but it doesn't appear to help.

Could it just be that the toner cartridge is old, and I should try a new one, or is it something else?

I've attached 2 jpegs of what the pages look like.

Thanks!

-Charlie

[Bildo]

Check the fuser and see if rollers are smooth and clean, if not replace. Then check to see if your transfer roller is hard or has paper wrapped around it etc, do not touch it with your bare hands use gloves. Also look at the fuser imaging drum and check for defects.

[charlie-w]

Bilbo-
Thanks for the tips!

I'm not really familiar with this printer, but I've looked at the maintenance kit instructions on the site here. Do I have to remove the fuser assembly to check it as you suggested?

[LT2000]

Before you poke around in the printer, I know that problem well... We call it fish eye.

It is cause by the mag sleeve in the toner cartridge.

The simplest solution is to get a new cartridge.

The cost effective sollution is to open the cartridge and clean the mag sleeve with a mag sleeve cleaning cloth, or replace the mag sleeve (if it is scatched or excessively worn), or replace the entire mag roller.

This will solve the problem, however I suggest blowing out the printer with compressed air (to remove toner and paper dust) before using the printer. Also you may clean the fuser with selsol solution to remove any baked on toner. However baked on toner will cause double imaging, not fish eye.

[charlie-w]

I was leaning towards replacing the toner cartridge, since the one I put in has been stored in the basement for at least 4-5 years. It was still in the original box, but I was afraid the age might be a problem. I just wanted another opinion before I went out and dropped $120 on a new toner cartridge. Do you think that's the best thing to try first?

[LT2000]

The toner cartridge is the problem.

Nothing else will fix the problem.

I suggest buying a remanufactured cartridge.

[JeffH]

The 4v and 4mv did have issues with the fuser. The defect would normally be in the center of the printed page.

If the toner has been in storage that long, then yes, its most likely the culprit.

Replace the toner first.