High Frequency problem TIG 300-300

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Hi , I have a mid 1980's Idealarc TIG 300-300. I use it on a production job to weld 1/8" 304 stainless. Sometimes the High Freq. does not want to start. I adjusted the spark gap to .010  and cleaned the power contactor points as per the manual.I use a heliarc # 20 water cooled torch.I have the factory pedal which works well.The control panel is set to DC- , Spark Start Only, Soft Start Off, Spark Intensity around #5, Amps around 120. Sometimes it takes 10- 20 seconds for High Freq to start. Everytime I press the foot pedal the contactor closes, argon flows from the torch and the High Frequency points arc  bright and even. Could it be a problem with the hose or the torch?I am a machinist and do not a a great deal of  experience with TIG. Thanks in advance for your help.
Reply:Sounds like you may have a bad torch or it has a loose connection somewhere. Also My 300/300 states that the HF gap should be set a .040" you may have it set too tight. Hope this helps!!!
Reply:I'm having the same problem.  How and did you correct this?  I replaced the relay on the back side of the panel, cleaned the contacts on the rheostat, cleaned and gapped the points to .010 and checked the "start-off-continuous switch for faults.  I'm getting about 5 % faults.Steve
Reply:I was not sure if the problem was with the torch or cable. Every few weeks I need the machine for some weldments I make for a customer. I bought a new torch & cable and the machine has been working perfectly ever since. Good luck.
Reply:Thank you for the reply.  I'll try a different torch set.  Didn't think of that.Steve