idealarc 250 pointer

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when i got my machine the pointer moved freely left and right , it wasn't hooked to anything.  i looked inside and there is a forked arm that moves when the dial is cranked.  i got it put back in the slots , but when i crank it , it binds up and gets stuck, sucking the faceplate in some.  is something bent ? or am i doing something wrong.  i would love to fix this pointer to have it functional again. thanks Attached ImagesLast edited by thinktwicez71; 11-18-2010 at 04:42 PM."I'd Rather die on my feet , than live on my knee's"64' Lincoln Sa 200 Redface Code 5496 - Sold 72' Lincoln Idealarc 250 (Roundtop) MillerMatic Vintage
Reply:it says in the manual to every 12 months  , or at first sign of a binding current pointer, to turn off the input power, remove the case , wipe the pointer guidebar clean and grease with graphite grease. could that be why it's binding that there is no grease on it ? or would it more likely be because the pointer bar might be bent ? does the grease go on the fork looking part in the picture ?"I'd Rather die on my feet , than live on my knee's"64' Lincoln Sa 200 Redface Code 5496 - Sold 72' Lincoln Idealarc 250 (Roundtop) MillerMatic Vintage
Reply:The arm in the picture is bent. I have seen a few like this. Happens quite often I guess although I don't quite understand how or why.
Reply:I take that back, it makes more sense now... Usually when the pointer starts binding up a little someone will just crank harder rather than fixing the problem. Cranking harder causes the arm to bend or bend worse than it was. Take the arm off and straighten it out and you should be good to go again.
Reply:Can you please explain how to get the arm off ? I had the covers off and was looking around but nothing jumped out at me as far as it being obvious.  Also how are you supposed to get the diamond pointer back in the slot of the arm the proper way ? Thanks"I'd Rather die on my feet , than live on my knee's"64' Lincoln Sa 200 Redface Code 5496 - Sold 72' Lincoln Idealarc 250 (Roundtop) MillerMatic Vintage
Reply:2 things get bent. the arm and the pivot pin. The best way I have found to repair these, is to remove the complete front panel. Unbolt the weld leads from the terminal ans dismount the line switch. remove the plate at the polarity switch. Unbolt the polarity switch and swing the front cover off the handle. Square up the pin and straighten or replace the arm.Grease it up and make sure it moves freely before putting it back together.In your picture you will see a larger square hole at the end of the slot. That is where the pointer is installed into the slot. If you reuse the old arm, Tack weld a small bar across the end of the open fork. The new arms use a closed slot.