Sharp copier

[Doyle]

I’m completely stumped. I’m working on a Sharp 3571 that sporadically will “stretch” letters as you can see in the attached photo. This can happen when copying from an original, printing from a pc and/or when scanning to a pc. The machine is in a lawyer’s office that uses word perfect and pdf files (not sure if the file type is relevant but thought I would include that just in case). I’ve replaced the black drum assembly and the entire drum drive assembly including motors. Used sim mode to test the scanner and various motors. Trans belt appears in very good condition. What could cause this problem? Most confusing part is that it will do this while printing directly from computer, copying a hard copy and scanning.
Update: I took a Kyocera 308ci for a loaner to the customer. So far no distortions but I wasn’t able to test it thoroughly.

[Hansen88]

I’m completely stumped. I’m working on a Sharp 3571 that sporadically will “stretch” letters as you can see in the attached photo. This can happen when copying from an original, printing from a pc and/or when scanning to a pc. The machine is in a lawyer’s office that uses word perfect and pdf files (not sure if the file type is relevant but thought I would include that just in case). I’ve replaced the black drum assembly and the entire drum drive assembly including motors. Used sim mode to test the scanner and various motors. Trans belt appears in very good condition. What could cause this problem? Most confusing part is that it will do this while printing directly from computer, copying a hard copy and scanning.
Update: I took a Kyocera 308ci for a loaner to the customer. So far no distortions but I wasn’t able to test it thoroughly.

Maybe try a new print driver. To me it does not look like a mechanical machine issue.

[ron67601]

Print driver isn't used when copying. I would think maybe the MFP board.

[ihatefinishers13]

Are YOU 100% sure that it happens when printing? That looks like a clutch issue in the scanner. If it does happen when printing, it's highly unlikely that it's caused by anything mechanical. I would look at the clutch in the DSPF, when looking at the back, the bottom right one. Even just switching those clutches around could help. Also, verify that there are no paper clips or staples on the DSPF Board.

If it ends up somehow happening when printing, I'd also lean towards something with the MFP board, but it could be HDD, eMMC, or the board.

[brokey]

Since the image is written to the hdd, i would start with the hdd.

[blackcat4866]

Sorry, I don't like any of suggestions. The poster observes:
expansions on copies
expansions on prints
expansions on scans to PC

... it is impossible. One of these observations is incorrect.

If factually printing does not show the issue, it must a scanner slide read issue. The original slowing during slide read. (To me this seems like the most likely).
If factually scanning does not show the issue, it must be a mechanical print engine defect, like a fuser that is resisting rotation.
The odds of both of these entirely separate events occurring simultaneously are very very very very unlikely.

Please re-check your observations. I am curious. =^..^=

[ihatefinishers13]

Sorry, I don't like any of suggestions. The poster observes:
expansions on copies
expansions on prints
expansions on scans to PC

... it is impossible. One of these observations is incorrect.

If factually printing does not show the issue, it must a scanner slide read issue. The original slowing during slide read. (To me this seems like the most likely).
If factually scanning does not show the issue, it must be a mechanical print engine defect, like a fuser that is resisting rotation.
The odds of both of these entirely separate events occurring simultaneously are very very very very unlikely.

Please re-check your observations. I am curious. =^..^=

Your first suggestion is essentially what I was saying, I've had that exact clutch go bad and cause the paper to delay just enough when the clutch slips periodically, and it also used to make a "thoomp" sound when it happened.

[Hart]

>printing from a pc and/or when scanning to a pc
So it's two different problems right ?
If you print a PDF from your USB do you see the same problem ?
Looks like a clutch problem from the DSPF.

[Hansen88]

Print driver isn't used when copying. I would think maybe the MFP board.

Sorry, missed the copying part.

[Doug.P]

In my experience distorted images like this have always been the LSU (Laser Unit)

[ZOOTECH]

Agreed, BUT, scanning to PC doesn’t involve the LSU; seems like as mentioned above, there might be multiple troubles.

[JLSam]

Are YOU 100% sure that it happens when printing? That looks like a clutch issue in the scanner. If it does happen when printing, it's highly unlikely that it's caused by anything mechanical. I would look at the clutch in the DSPF, when looking at the back, the bottom right one. Even just switching those clutches around could help. Also, verify that there are no paper clips or staples on the DSPF Board.

If it ends up somehow happening when printing, I'd also lean towards something with the MFP board, but it could be HDD, eMMC, or the board.

Wasn't going to reply. But I want to add, I am confident that the stretching is in Copy/ Scan mode. I have 100% seen that on the ADF units. From the clutch, to sticky adhesive, to paperclips in the ADF board.

I doubt this is a print.

[ihatefinishers13]

Wasn't going to reply. But I want to add, I am confident that the stretching is in Copy/ Scan mode. I have 100% seen that on the ADF units. From the clutch, to sticky adhesive, to paperclips in the ADF board.

I doubt this is a print.

Paperclips in on the DSPF PWB? nooooooooooo, surely they'd prevent things from getting back there?! :P