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Blurry Output on a HP LaserJet 6L?

OK I know - why bother - but I do and I pulled out an old HP 6L printer for which I have several brand new unused cartridges - but despite changing the cartridge for a brand new one - the output remains blurry - small characters in colour pdf's are the worst but the test print is also affected. Searching on the web, I found someone promising 'cleaning kit' to fix the problem of such output by claening the 'optics and scanner lens', but am I simply wasting money? The printer was stored in a dusty enviroment and if its just a question of cleaning ? but what, where and how ? I'm fairly sure it's not the power supply - the mechanicals all work fine. So the 'blow out' looks best bet - but where exactly ? where exactly is the lens/mirror situated ? I've had a look for them but can't see anything obvious :-(

Public Comments

1. I would not recommend using sandpaper on any of the optics, especially the one mentioned above. Below are some of the troubleshooting tips direct out of the service manual. Distorted image: - Make certain the printer is not facing the sunlight. - The paper may not meet HP’s paper specifications. Select different paper. - Clean the Laser/Scanner Assembly by blowing compressed air in the slot on the bottom of the assembly. - Make sure the two Laser/Scanner connectors are firmly seated. - Replace the Laser/Scanner unit. - Replace the DC Controller. Image formation defects are many times the result of toner cartridge problems. If there is any doubt, always replace the toner cartridge before troubleshooting image defects. Use the following check list to ensure that the toner cartridge is still operable. - Ensure that the toner cartridge is seated properly in the cavity. - Inspect the toner cartridge for remaining toner. - Check the expiration date of the toner cartridge (stamped on the cartridge box). - Check the toner cartridge to see if it has been disassembled or refilled. - Blurred areas on the page may indicate that the drum has been exposed to light for too long. This causes permanent damage to the photosensitive drum. Replace the cartridge. It is possible that the toner cartridges are just too old and the drum surfaces are not printing the images clearly anymore. Possibly blowing it out as mentioned above will help. I wouldn't bother with the "cleaning kit" you found. If you really want to take it apart to try to check out the insides for yourself, let me know and I can send you the instructions. Best of luck. >>>>>>>>>> Additional: In this printer the DC controller & power supply are one and the same, just two different names. Even though the mechanics of the printer are working there is a section of the DC controller that is the hi-voltage power supply which can go bad and cause print quality problems. Also know that toner/drum cartridges also have a shelf life. If they were sitting around for a long time and were not stored in a cool place, they could also be the potential for your problem. As to where the laser unit is. It is located above the toner cartridge. There should be a narrow slot of maybe a 1/4" wide by about 8" long. This is where you want to try to blow out. Usually toner dust will contaminate the exit window on the laser unit causing problems (usually missing or light print), but I don't think this is causing your problem. If you'd like the manual, e-mail me and I can e-mail it to you. Best of luck.
2. Unless you are printer engineer I don't think you will be able to get at the scanner. Most engineers call this printer the toaster. it is very much like the HP 1100 and they are a pig to work on. The 6L is a great print until they go wrong and it you have a spare just swap them. If the scanner is at fault you normally get grey print but a blurry print could be the drum but you have changed that so I would go for a fault in the power supply