Gas powered Welder trouble shoot

[sdt354]

If there is anyone that has experiance fixing welders or can get me off on the right foot, I'd appreciate it greatly.

I have a Lincoln Model # AC-225/DC-210/6. It puts out plenty of power to the 120 and 240 volt outlets. But, no welding arc. It has a CV tap for a mig gun. I'm wondering if there is a switch to go CV to stick I'm not seeing?
I'm getting 68-76 volts across the work cable studs when turning the fine voltage dial. I need a set of cables, but don't want to spring if I can't get an arc to strike. I used cheap jumper cables to check for spark. Nothing. It sure would help me out if I could use this machine. The 15hp B&S engine runs great. At worst I've got a 6k generator on wheels.
Steve-o

 

[Lew L]

Hi SDt,
The fine voltage controle must be truned all the way to high to get AC.
See if you can borrow a ground cable and a mig gun and try. Make sure all connections are tight ( inside the machine also) I had a Miller Thunderbolt where the ground connection inside the machine came loose and allowed a large buss bar to touch the main coil----- no the machine wouldn't weld but it would spark.

Put the machine nomenclacture ( Lincoln Model # AC-225/DC-210/6) into Google and you'll get and answer for sure.
also--- is there a set up for CC??
if so I'd try that first.

A good work cable is important in both SMAW and GMAW.

Good luck,
Lew

 

[sdt354]

Thanks Lew. I tried the high setting. I think it's internal. Time to open her up. I did find an operators manual with a schematic. I didn't check voltage at the CV stud, but will.

 

[sdt354]

Well, I found a wiring diagram, pulled the cover off and started my usuall tbl shooting procedure. At the end of the problem. I cleaned contacts up to the reostat, douched everything down with wd-40 and fired her up. She throws an arch now. I put a set od jumper cales on her and whamo. I got juice in A/C and both DC modes. The CV setting is hot too. I'm phyc'd. I'll be puchasing a couple of lenghts of #2 wire tomorrow and an electrode holder and grounding clamp. This old welder gets good ratings. 100% duty cycle at 200 amps. I'm hoping I can get a TIG torch set up on it. I like when things get fixed without new parts. It's been a while, but I used to weld a lot at work. Any welders out there?
Steve-o