HP 6MP is printing with smears

In article <1j91hie.izm1dt3rmowuN%alain@alussinan.org>,
alain DeleteThis @alussinan.org (Alain191) wrote:

> Print a test page to see if this occurs...
>
> Alain

I did, and it occurs. More specifically, I am getting fainter vertical
reprint images of text or blocks of dark higher up on the page...toner
sticking to a drum or not being brushed off? I set the density to lowest
setting with the barely functional HP LaserJet Utility 3.1.1 (in Classic
mode), and it diminishes the problem, but it still exits. Speaking of
which...is there an OS X way of adjusting the laserjet settings found in
the HP software?

In article <1j92jnk.1ux7in319q7lpqN%dempson@actrix.gen.nz>,
dempson DeleteThis @actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) wrote:

> I had to replace the second toner cartridge in my 6MP due to a similar
> issue with repeating echoes of bits of text vertically on the page.

This is essentially what is happening with mine. I used the printer for
about 5-6 years before this became an issue. I haven't used it much in
the meantime, but wish to get it working properly again.

I tried running the HP LaserJet Utility 3.1.1 which is supposed to help
clear toner off the fuser rollers, but it kept quitting in Classic mode.

Any further honing in on what I should do?

Also, can anyone recommend a good cartridge to replace mine with? I see
non-HP ones online, but read somewhere that these may not work well.

Thanks,

Douglas

<baddress.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote:

> My 6MP is printing smudgy gray areas behind printed areas on my pages,
> and smudged bits of words in streaks along a line around the words.
>
> The toner cartridge is the original that came with the printer around
> ten years ago. It has only printed 1581 pages. I have removed it
> occasionally to rotate the cartridge and redistribute the toner inside.
> I may have tipped it on end at one point, accidentally, but I can't
> remember for sure.
>
> I'm guessing that due to the age of the cartridge, it needs replacing,
> or does it just need some kind of cleaning. The text quality being
> printed still looks entirely fine otherwise. I'm hoping this still has
> some life in it.

The manual has a troubleshooting section with pictures showing typical
imaging problems, which may help narrow it down.

It could be the drum, which is inside the toner cartridge, or the toner
may have degraded with age and isn't adhering properly.

It could also be a problem with the fuser, which results in the toner
not sticking to the paper. That is a separate component and probably not
worth the trouble to repair it.

I had to replace the second toner cartridge in my 6MP due to a similar
issue with repeating echoes of bits of text vertically on the page. The
third cartridge has been fine.

My printer is still going strong after 12 years. I don't know how many
pages it has printed as the page counter stopped working, but it claims
to have done almost 10000.

--
David Empson
dempson.RemoveThis@actrix.gen.nz

<baddress RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote:

> In article <1j91hie.izm1dt3rmowuN%alain@alussinan.org>,
> alain RemoveThis @alussinan.org (Alain191) wrote:
>
> > Print a test page to see if this occurs...
> >
> > Alain
>
> I did, and it occurs. More specifically, I am getting fainter vertical
> reprint images of text or blocks of dark higher up on the page...toner
> sticking to a drum or not being brushed off?

Fhis semms to be the explanation, your cart is old, 10 years have you
told, this may be the cause of yours problems. But advice of experts w'd
be better than my advice.

Alain

> I set the density to lowest
> setting with the barely functional HP LaserJet Utility 3.1.1 (in Classic
> mode), and it diminishes the problem, but it still exits. Speaking of
> which...is there an OS X way of adjusting the laserjet settings found in
> the HP software?
>
> In article <1j92jnk.1ux7in319q7lpqN%dempson@actrix.gen.nz>,
> dempson RemoveThis @actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) wrote:
>
> > I had to replace the second toner cartridge in my 6MP due to a similar
> > issue with repeating echoes of bits of text vertically on the page.
>
> This is essentially what is happening with mine. I used the printer for
> about 5-6 years before this became an issue. I haven't used it much in
> the meantime, but wish to get it working properly again.
>
> I tried running the HP LaserJet Utility 3.1.1 which is supposed to help
> clear toner off the fuser rollers, but it kept quitting in Classic mode.
>
> Any further honing in on what I should do?
>
> Also, can anyone recommend a good cartridge to replace mine with? I see
> non-HP ones online, but read somewhere that these may not work well.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Douglas