Clean internals of an HP LaserJet 4M+ printer

[vitoprimo]

Folks, I need to replace the exit rollers on a 9 year old HP LaserJet 4M+ printer. I purchased the exit rollers and I've got instructions to replace the existing ones.

I want to blow out the paper feed mechanisms while I've got the printer open. Must I use real compressed air (literally filtered air stored in a pressurized canister) or can I use the "compressed gas" that places like WalMart and OfficeDepot sell? I was under the impression that the "compressed gas" products were for external use only and not suitable for the internals of precision devices like laser printers.

 

[lenjack]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think they're the same.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

The canned air you buy at Walmart wouldn't damage anything in a laserjet. Just keep the can upright and don't allow the liquid part of the gas to escape. The freezing liquid could damage something, and the moisture it leaves behind wouldn't be good either.

Frankly, though, I never use any kind of blown air or gas to clean a laser. A dustbuster or vaccum with a crevice tool and slightly some damp paper towels (only to wipe down the paper path) is all you need. You could do more harm than good stirring up the loose toner. If you do blow it out, do it outside. You don't want breath that toner dust inside.