Full Version: HP 4550 printing streaks - Help !
From: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#1]
5 Dec 2005
To: ALL
I am using regular ink cartridges in my HP 4550 and it has now decided to print streaks down the sides of my printout. The more I print the wider the streaks. Of course I have lost the manual to it and the HP website says to replace everything under the sun.
I just hope I don't have to replace parts as I can't afford it right now and don't know where to get them any way.
EDITED: 5 Dec 2005 by DGL
From: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#2]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#1] 6 Dec 2005
Sunny,
Never mind, you corrected it.
Dave
EDITED: 5 Dec 2005 by DANDL48
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#1] 6 Dec 2005
Rebecca,
Even though I use an HP 4550, I don't know much about trouble-shooting. Haven't had problems with it (yet?).
I do know that one of the suggestions for curing streaks is to remove the toner cartridge, open the flap that exposes the roller and using a clean cloth, wipe the entire length of the roller completely clean of toner.
Using the gear (cog?) on the toner cartridge, roll it to a new section and repeat until all the toner is removed. Since you're rolling the cartridge, it won't be entirely clean of toner, but what you're trying to do is remove any buildup of toner that may have accumulated in one area.
Do this to all four toner cartridges and see if that helps.
EDITED: 5 Dec 2005 by DGL
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#4]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#1] 6 Dec 2005
Judging from my old HP laser printer, it may be damage to the green transfer roller. That is a bummer and usually not salvageable. It could also be the developer roller which is why I finally gave up on the old unit. A new unit was cheaper than replacing the antique developer cartridge.
On my Konica, I had the reverse problem, a white streak down the center. That was caused by a tiny piece of packing material lying on the laser output window. Be sure the laser light path is clear of any obstructions. Dust will build up at the ends more than the center for numerous reasons.
From: Upacreek [#5]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#1] 6 Dec 2005
It could be just a simple problem with your toner cartridge failing instead of something else in the machine.
I used to see this problem a lot when the company started ordering recycled toner. We'd pull a "new" cartridge out of the box and instantly get streaks. Odd thing, I saw it more with the 4550's then any other model.
If you have an old or replacement toner cartridge, try swapping that and see if the streaks go away.
Michel
From: sunny (SUNSHINE) [#6]
5 Dec 2005
To: Upacreek [#5] 6 Dec 2005
Believe it or not, I am still using the original toner cartridges that came with the machine when I bought it in 2000 or 2001 (can remember for sure).
I have done tons of printing and they are all still good.
I will take the toner cartridges out tomorrow and see if there is anything there.
Guess it is back to the HP site to get info on that. Wish I could find that darn book.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE) [#6] 5 Dec 2005
Is the streaking happening to all colors?
One test, is to run a CMYK pattern (bars of color) to see if one of the colors is streaky or much less dense on the page.
From: sunny (SUNSHINE) [#8]
5 Dec 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7] 5 Dec 2005
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9]
5 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE) [#8] 6 Dec 2005
From: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#10]
6 Dec 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9] 6 Dec 2005
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#11]
6 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#10] 6 Dec 2005
Rebecca,
Another thing you may want to do is clean off your transfer belt. Over time there will be some accumulation of toner that gets on the belt. Once that gets on your paper, then run through the fuser, you could end up with grey streaks.
Do a google search for HP 4550 transfer belt and you will see what part I am talking about. This is actually a consumable of this printer that needs to be replaced on occasion. Frequency of replacement varies with use, but wouldn't be annually, or even bi-annual, for most of us.
As a last resort, Jack Franklin of Alpha Supply has a great deal of experience with these printers. He may have some additional thoughts for you.
EDITED: 6 Dec 2005 by DATAKES
From: sunny (SUNSHINE) [#12]
6 Dec 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#11] 6 Dec 2005
Thanks Dave. I will look at that too.
In my old HP4, I could fix anything. Durn thing didn't die - I finally donated it to the school.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
6 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#10] 6 Dec 2005
Rebecca,
Just a wild guess, but since the streaks are always grey, it could be a problem with the black toner cartridge.
Short of taking the printer into a repair facility, replacing the black cartridge would be one of the least expensive experiments to run.
I only have a similar experience with an HP4m to base that opinion on. I ran a cartridge in the printer for about 4 years. When the cartridge began to "give up", other than producing prints with low opacity, the pages came out streaky with "soot" all over the page.
New cartridge = Perfect prints.
EDITED: 6 Dec 2005 by DGL
From: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#14]
6 Dec 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 6 Dec 2005
I will check the black toner cartridge too as much as I can. I just can't afford a new one right now and I would have find some place to buy one and have it shipped in.
I have been slowly doing my printing that I had to do on the inkjet - even though it isn't the quality I wanted.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#15]
6 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#14] 6 Dec 2005
I understand.
The other reason I suspect the black cartridge is going away, black is the most-used color. Not only for printing B&W images, but crucial in the creation of darker shades of all colors.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#16]
6 Dec 2005
To: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#14] 6 Dec 2005
David probably hit it with that new information you gave. There may be some garbage mixed with the toner on the roller of the black cart causing lumps. The lump of toner on the roller will catch and make the powder shed as it tries to return into the cart.
Clean off all toner on the roller with something like a business card, especially where it goes back into the cart. That may do it for you.