Platen Gap Adjustment (Figure 27)374Platen Gap Adjustment (Figure 27)IMPORTANT Only do this procedure if the original equipment shuttle frame assembly or platen has been replaced by a new orrefurbished unit.1. Prepare the printer for maintenance (page 313).2. Remove the ribbon and paper. (Refer to theUser’s Manual.)3. Remove the shuttle cover assembly (page 326).4. Loosen the platen open belt (page 371, steps 2, 3, and 4).5. Rotate the platen stop knob (1) until the white pointer is aligned with “A” on the forms thickness label.6. Raise the forms thickness lever (2) to the fully open position.ATTENTION Do not force the platen against the feeler gauge. Damage to the hammer tips will result.7. Insert a 0.012 inch (0.30 mm) flat feeler gauge (3) straight down between the hammer bank cover plate (4) and ribbonmask (5), within four hammer positions of the left end of the hammer bank.ATTENTION Adjust the platen set screws less than 1/4 turn on one side, then check the other side. Adjustment sensitivity isapproximately 0.03 inch per revolution of the set screw. Also, insert the feeler gauge no more than two inches downfrom the top of the ribbon mask.8. Gently close the forms thickness lever (2). As the platen is closing, gently slide the feeler gauge up and down, keeping itbetween the hammer tips and ribbon mask. If the feel is too tight as the platen closes, adjust the 3/32 inch set screw (6)counterclockwise. If the feel is too loose, adjust the set screw clockwise. With the forms thickness lever closed all the way,the feeler gauge should contact both the tips and the ribbon mask and move with light friction. Shift the gauge slightly toverify.9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 at the right end of the hammer bank.10. After adjusting both sides, check the gap again at both ends. Readjust if necessary.11. When the platen gap is correct at both ends of the platen, adjust the platen open belt (page 371).NOTE: Gap widths other than 0.012 inch (0.30 mm) in the middle and inner sections of the platen are okay, provided the gapat each end of the platen is 0.012 inch (0.30 mm).12. Install the shuttle cover assembly (page 326).13. Install the ribbon. (Refer to theUser’s Manual.)14. Check the hammer phasing adjustment (page 381).15. Return the printer to normal operation (page 314).
