Question about Lincoln 225 S AC welder

admin

I have an opportunity to buy one real cheap from someone who knows nothing about repairing them. He bought it used a few years ago and it worked fine then but he hasn't used it since and it no longer works. I know nothing about fixing them either but am not afraid to dig in. What could be wrong and any idea of the expense to fix? I've read that they're pretty basic machines so my guess is that it's something minor but I don't have a clue on how to find it other than checking for internal rust and cleaning that.
Reply:What is "real cheap?"  I only ask because I've seen them for sale for around $100 in good condition.  It's hard to say what's wrong, could be something as simple as the power switch, but who knows.
Reply:In working used condition they sell for $50-$150.  Make sure it's really really cheap if broken.Cheap like, "I'll give you a 12 pack to haul it away for me."Not much to go wrong.  Could be the switch or something else simple.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:The most common thing I've seen in them is the selector switch not making good contact with the terminals. Loose/broken wires. on/off switch malfunction/burned. The transformer is the main (expensive) item if it is burned then the welder is scrap but it usually takes quite a bit of abuse to burn one. I recently gave one to one of my son-in-laws. It had about 50 foot leads on it and a long supply cable. The wire in & out was worth more than the machine. I've seen them around here for $50 to $75 used but working with the standard short leads. Might be worth the price of admission just for the education.---Meltedmetal
Reply:I've been watching the ads for a good while and the price around here is never lower than $175 in working condition. Usually $200 - $300. He's asking $25.How can you tell if the transformer is hosed? What troubleshooting test?
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1I've been watching the ads for a good while and the price around here is never lower than $175 in working condition. Usually $200 - $300. He's asking $25.How can you tell if the transformer is hosed? What troubleshooting test?
Reply:If the non-working one doesn't pan out and you really want one, I'd be willing to help you get one.  Depending on how far you live, I travel around the state for work and could pick up an el-cheapo around here and meet you somewhere when it works out.
Reply:I payed $15.00 for a non working 225, a quick cleanup of the selector switch and it ran perfectly. If the fan doesn't come on when you flip it on it might be a problem with the switch. I believe the fan is wired to the switch, I would start at the switch and work my way back to the 220 plug. MAKE SURE IT'S UNPLUGGED FIRST.
Reply:Originally Posted by BigTBIf the non-working one doesn't pan out and you really want one, I'd be willing to help you get one.  Depending on how far you live, I travel around the state for work and could pick up an el-cheapo around here and meet you somewhere when it works out.
Reply:Here's a pic, older unit. Attached Images
Reply:I can see one very serious problem from here.  .......ITS NOT LOADED IN THE BACK OF YOUR TRUCK!!!
Reply:LOL. Yep. I sent him a text and left voice mail. I hope he answers.
Reply:Hey that is just like the one I bought. I used the info in this great thread to get it going. It works fine.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...der&highlight=Good luck.
Reply:If I were 10 tears younger I would buy Lincoln 225 welders for resale.I see them for 50 to 200 bucks around here.Good basic welders.Keep the switches clean and oil the fan motor bushings Bought my 225 in 1964 for 93 bucks new.The early models had longer heavier welding leads,The input cord was a crowfoot range type A helmet came with new welders.
Reply:Sometimes corrosion on the wire inside the stinger along with a little rust on the jaws of the stinger will make them appear to not work.My brother loaned his to a neighbor, he came back and said it didn't work?By the time they got done "troubleshooting", it was found that he had a bad connection in his outlet.Lincoln Buzz Boxes are pretty basic!
Reply:Well, the seller never called back and the post is gone from Craigslist. Bummer. I really don't NEED one right now but for $25 I could hardly resist. Oh well, I'll keep doing like everyone else does - checking the "welder" listings on CL for no reason other than just to see what's out there.But thanks for all the replies. If another non-working one for $25 shows up I'll know how to deal with it.