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From: kevind@pogo.WV.TEK.COM (Kevin Draz)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: Response:  Slipping ImageWriter
Summary: Use typewriter cleaner
Keywords: imagewriter, platen, cleaning
Message-ID: <8201@pogo.WV.TEK.COM>
Date: 22 Nov 89 17:44:26 GMT
References: <1989Nov21.202317.22255@arnor.uucp>
Reply-To: kevind@pogo.WV.TEK.COM (Kevin Draz)
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Wilsonville,  OR.
Lines: 41

In article <1989Nov21.202317.22255@arnor.uucp> SUHLER@IBM.COM writes:
>I only got one direct response on my question about how to fix a slipping
>ImageWriter platen.  This is from Daniel Mackay, MACKAY@DALAT.BITNET:
>
I thought this would be a pretty well covered subject, so I kept silence.
But here is how we used to do these at the Apple repair shop at the dealer I
worked for (past tense.) The problem is the rubber on the platen oxidizes
with age and inks, and becomes shiny and slick.  This is a VERY common
problem we used to treat on older printers.

(1) Remove the platen from the imagewriter.  This is tricky, however not
difficult, requiring only standard needle nosed pliers and a screwdriver or
two (I can't remember the exact sequence without looking at one).

(2) Using a paper towel, saturate the towel with "Stanford's Typewriter
Cleaner." available from an office supply.  Any good acetone-ketone type
typewriter cleaner would work.   Start at one end of the platen, and rotate
the platen in the cloth, gripping the cloth TIGHT. Work your way down the
platen, occasionally turning the cloth.

NOTE: you may want to wear gloves for this if your skin is sensitive.
Acetone is really harsh and not just a little toxic. The fumes are bad, too.

(3) Repeat (2) once more.  The platen should have lost it's shiny appearance
for an even, matte black.

(4) Replace and reinstall the platen. 

This is also a good time to do a general preventive maintenance, as you have
the machine pretty well apart.  Use the solvent to clean the printhead of
dried, caked ink.  It just snaps in if I recall right for imagewriter I.
Vacuum out excess dust, wipe greasy grit off the carriage rails.
Relubricate with a very light oil suitable for phosphor-bronze bushings.

Your print quality should be greatly improved, and no more slips.


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kevind@pogo.wv.tek.com
Tektronix Color Printers Technical Support