OK folks, I'm finally ready to divulge my secret formula for rejuvenating Z3100-Z3200 belts.
I have been watching the results for almost a year now.
ARMORALL ORIGINAL PROTECTANT WIPES are what I've been using. One of the belts on an older printer was dropping little black drops on prints and I inspected the belt really carefully and saw oxidation and drying of the rubber.
Here is the process:
Get This:
Green Label Micro Vacuum Attachment KitCarefully vacuum the belt, scrubbing the dried stuff off both sides. Use a flashlight and do the same to the belt pulley. Get everything as clean as possible.
Fold a sheet of copier paper and get it folded over to protect the encoder strip.
Wipe on the Armorall liberally applying to both sides. Leave it on to dry. Go over any areas that seem crusty or discolored.
You will see immediate results. The belt will seem new.
Lubricate the carriage rail. Don't over lubricate or under lubricate. I run a bead the length of the rail then wipe it lightly with a soft cloth like an old t-shirt material.
Unbelievable results. The printer will run quieter and as smooth as silk.
The treatment lasts about 3-4 months depending on how badly degraded your belt is.
I just did another coating and it came back as new - worked beautifully.
OK - You heard it here OFFICIALLY, first.
When people talk about it, remind them of who figured this out, and it was first published here on Lula.
I asked my good friend Mark McCormick (MHMG) if there would be any problem with contamination, etc. Being a car guy and familiar with the product, he said no.
I told my other friend John Dean (Deanwork) about it but he must have forgotten I wanted to wait to be sure everything is cool with the process and mentioned it so I'm now "publishing"
Save your belt using this process. Let us know how long you've been able to "stretch" belt usage.
Hallelujah !!! The Dreaded Shredded belt is put off until much later.
Best -
Mark