TITLE
    ImageWriter II: Common Causes of Paper Jams (1/95)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		16945
1/3/95
1/3/95
TOPIC



    I am having problems with the paper feed on numerous Imagewriter II printers. I have done everything I can think of including cleaning the platen and under the platen, fanning the paper, and checking the paper guide and print head. But these printers still continually jam. Is there anything you could suggest that might alleviate this problem?

DISCUSSION


    The two most common causes of paper jamming in early white ImageWriter II
    printer's were caused by the old style mechanical paper out sensors, and the
    older style paper guides which had a stainless steel ribbon shield instead of
    the amber colored plastic. If either of these are present then they should be
    upgraded. The optical paper out sensor kit is available as part number
    076-0250, and the paper guide is part number 949-0029.

    Other possibilities are that the platen has been configured for single sheets
    which creates a feed rate slightly different than the tractor feed. This can
    lead to the paper jumping off of the tractor mechanism. To test for this
    problem remove the tractor feed paper from the printer and then try inserting a
    single piece of paper into the printer under the platen. There should be very
    little resistance. If there is resistance then check to make sure that the
    platen is configured for tractor feed paper, that there are no labels or
    adhesive residue stuck to the black paper guide, and that the optical paper
    guide has been installed and the old metal paper-out sensor plate removed.

    If the problem still persists then try temporarily removing the paper guide and
    then printing several pages. If the problem disappears then the paper guide is
    adjusted too close to the platen. Insert 4 sheets of paper into the printer to
    use as a spacer when reinstalling the paper guide, then retest. Inspect the
    tractor mechanism for signs of damage and replace if necessary.


    Support Information Services

Document Information
Product Area: Printers
Category: ImageWriters
Sub Category: ImageWriter II and II/L

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