My risograph has broken and I need help to fix it.

Until yesterday, my model GR 1700 machine was working well.  Within
the space of about 2 to 300 copies, it developed a problem.  Here is
my description of what is wrong:

On copy 1, the registration of the print is fine (or not, sometimes
copy one is bad).  On copy two, the image is 3 mm further down the
page than it should be.  Copy 3 fine, 4 bad, etc.  This is not always
the case tho, the registration, when out is out 3 mm.  But the order
of when it is out changes.  At times, it will do several good or bad
in a row.

Sometimes the pattern presents as good bad bad, or good good good bad.

I have so far readjusted most settings on the machine, including the
first phase paper pickup as well as the timing of the second phase.  I
didn't find any problems with them, and playing with them did not
correct the problem.

I have tried different paper and drums, as well as all the different
speeds on the machine and the problem does not change.  The only thing
I have noticed, is after a period of inactivity or several hours,
usually the first 100 copies or so don't have the problem.

I require someone that can help me fix this over the phone.  I am
located in the middle of no where, so I can't take the machine in, and
I need it working fast.  Preferably yet this weekend.  I will take
your answer if you are person that can fix it, or you can arrange for
me to talk to a person who can fix it.

I don't think this is a simple problem, but I base that only on not
being able to find it described in the service manuals.  My guy
feeling is that there must be something very very simple to fixing
this.

If you need clarification on the problem before you can answer, let me
know.  I know $25 isn't much for the actual solution, I'm setting the
price there thinking I will end up paying whoever you find me to fix
it more money.  If you can fix it yourself, I will gladly pay more for
the actual working solution.

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Request for Question Clarification by feilong-ga on 28 Apr 2004 14:10 PDT

Hi,

Based on your description, a friend of mine told me that your feeder
may be the problem. According to him, the feeder (a piece of rubber
that grips the material into the machine) tend to become brittle
especially in old machines or become less sticky due to dust
accumulation on the rubber. My friend told me that you may be able to
solve this by cleaning the rubber piece with alcohol and brush or by
changing it with a new one. Please let me know if the suggestion
worked so I can post an answer. Thank you.

-Feilong

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Clarification of Question by thebillgade-ga on 28 Apr 2004 15:17 PDT

Ok, I have found the problem.  Turns out there is a one way spring in
the timing rollers that needed to be oiled.  But after that was fixed,
it did start feeding multiple sheets - and your solution fixed that. 
So do go ahead and post it as an answer.

Thanks...
Bill

Hi Bill,

First of all I'd like to thank you for allowing me to post an answer.
I consulted your question to a friend of mine who is in the copy
business for many years. He said that the solution he suggested can't
be found in the machine's manual because it is a type of problem that
needs technical support from the manufacturer or someone who is
knowledgeable in this type of machine. His suggestion came from your
description "...the first 100 copies or so don't have the problem".
This gave him the clue that the problem is caused by the feeder.
Actually he also mentioned oiling the rollers because your machine is
an old model and these may need oiling. I did not mention it anymore
because he emphasized that the problem is in the feeding mechanism. I
then relayed his suggestion to you and I'm glad it worked. Again,
thank you very much for informing me and for visiting us and I hope
you become a frequent and happy user of Google Answers.

Best regards,
Feilong

I would have thought this was an answer that would stump Google
answers, but yet, there it is.  Good work.

Under your feed roller is piece of plastic film.  It separates the
paper. Remove your paper feed and under the feed you will see a small
square type box.  On this is the plastic film.  It is self sticking. 
This may be your problem.  Danbob