sa 200 sparks in generator?

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While I was welding close to the sa 200 today, I noticed sparks just inside the generator housing.  I was still able to weld, but noticed sparking while burning a rod.  This thing is new to me. Is it brushes possibly?
Reply:I would take the cover off and look to see what's causing the problem. Could it be the brushes? Yes. Could be many different things too.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:If the sparks are coming from here (arrow) then yes, it's the brushes gizzardgutz refers to.  Could also be coming from a loose lead connection at one of the brush holders which would be one of the many different things he mentioned too.Last edited by duaneb55; 01-28-2010 at 09:26 PM.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thank you gizzard and duane for the responses.  Having a look at it today.
Reply:Yes, it is the brushes.  The sparks are coming from the two at the 2 o'clock position.  Can I get away with replacing just the two or is it a good idea to replace all the brushes ?
Reply:Theoretically they should all be replaced at one time. Realistically , if you can buy just the two, replace them. Dress the surface they run on too. Either buy the stone used for it at the LWS or use fine grit emory cloth (400). Replacing them all costs more, but makes cleaning the armature easier. It usually makes a huge difference in the weld quality too.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:Double post???Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:Well, pulled all the brushes and put them all back in.  I think the rust in the holder was keeping the one from making good contact.  Hopefully the springs will now be able to push them.  Struck an arc and checked, no flashing !  Probably still outta replace all with new but need $$ first.  Thanks gizzard and duane for replies.
Reply:It's always nice to fix something for nothing, except a little maintenance. Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:Mine had that problem when I got it - the holders were totally corroded and it wouldn't weld at all. If your brushes look okay and have plenty of meat left they should be fine.Lincoln SA200, HH135, Lencospot, HF80 Inverter, Rockwell 11x35 lathe, HF drill mill, Kama 554 tractor w/ FEL & BH, Belarus 250AS, lot's of Chinese tools
Reply:Yup, stuck brushes will definately throw some sparks.  Good to hear you got it squared away.I posted these before but here's a set I changed on an SA200 a while back.  The ones on the right were stuck due to rusty holders while the ones on the left were carrying the whole load.You can see where the brushes eroded from the arcing.Sure got his money's worth from these!New set was $80 at the LWS.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:They may be burning like that as your rack is way out of polarity, Stick it in high idle and turn the rack until no sparking is present, also you will want to "Seat" you new brushes by using the white comstone back and forth on your comutator.