Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!emory!hubcap!rbrink
From: rbrink@hubcap.clemson.edu (Rick Brink)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Re: Cleaning Imagewriter II platen
Message-ID: <13390@hubcap.clemson.edu>
Date: 4 Mar 91 17:31:03 GMT
References: <62947@bbn.BBN.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Lines: 35

From article <62947@bbn.BBN.COM>, by idowell@bbn.com (Ian Dowell):
> Can anyone give me instructions on how to remove the
> platen on the imagewriter II for cleaning and unjamming?
> The manual isn't helpful on this point.
> 
> Thanks,
> Ian Dowell
> idowell@bbn.com
To clean the platen, removal is not needed.  You can use a mild solvent, some
claim isopropopal alcohol (rubbing) works.  I use typewriter platen cleaner,
it's pretty cheap.  

Remove the printer to a well ventilated area.  Using a coarse, tough paper
towel, apply platen cleaner to the towel, then rub back-and-forth along the
platen.  Don't breath in the vapors, and use gloves if you are concerned 
about exposer to solvents.  And for safty sake, unplug the printer.  Do I 
need to mention not to smoke while doing this?

Using several towels and reapplying the cleaner usually removes the shine 
from the platen in a few minutes.  This treatment may be needed quite often.
As the rubber hardens over time, the solvent will have less and less 
effect.  You eventually have to replace the platen.

Removing the Platen is not easy.  You have to do some major dissambly to get
it off.  It's not worth it unless you're replacing it.  To remove labels 
stuck under the platen, roll a stiff piece of thin cardstock backward through
the paper path.  Labels are a problem on these printers.  Make sure you buy
labels designed for printers, as they have a tackier adheasive than plain
typewriter labels.  And buy only what you need.  Most labels loose stick
as they get old.  Eventually, they just fall off the paper....

Good luck.

I take no responsibility for the fool who explodes in flames because they
have no common sense.  If you don't understand something, don't try it.