lincoln sa 200

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Hi guys does anyone know what it would cost to rebuild the generator on a sa 200 would cost? I may be able to buy one but it seems to lack a little power and fine adjustment that the other one we own has. I would appreciate the help.
Reply:sorry mods
Reply:check out  www.billswelderrepair.com
Reply:Hi Big Worm!If you're looking to make the SA-200 operate properly, there are other options well short of a complete generator rebuild.  Normally folks try to find out what's wrong, and repair or replace the faulty component.  The cause of low weld output could be as simple as worn brushes, or improperly adjusted engine RPM.  It could also be much worse.  You just can't know until the machine is checked out.It's also quite possible that the machine is working well.  The problem may be as simple as bad weld cables or poor connections.  It's also not all that uncommon to have an SA-200 with the polarity reversed.  That condition can be easily fixed with another DC power source.If the price is right, and the seller agrees, it may pay to have a local repair tech check it out and give you some idea of what may be wrong before you buy it.Good luck,Bob
Reply:Hey Bob what do you mean about the polarity being reversed? Its a DC machine. The comparison I can make is that if I set this one @ 120 amps and I set the other one @ 120 amps the one thats for sale welds cooler than the other. Not much but its noticable.
Reply:I didn't have a good feel for the extent of the problem, but when rebuild was mentioned, I thought it would have been far more serious.These machines can put out positive on the negative stud and vice-versa.  It can happen if someone tries to start the engine using the generator as a motor.  If not done right, it can cause this condition.If the machines have a barely noticeable difference, I would point out that no two SA-200 machines will weld exactly the same.  It's probably due to things like manufacturing tolerances of the components, the engine RPM setting and the factory rack setting.  All of these things have a tolerance and may be set slightly different for each machine.It sounds to me like the machine is probably fine, but you could have the machine load bank tested to be sure it meets factory specifications.Good luck,Bob
Reply:Ok Bob that sounds good and would/should be cheaper than rebuild if its just an engine speed or some other small problem
Reply:Originally Posted by BobCI didn't have a good feel for the extent of the problem, but when rebuild was mentioned, I thought it would have been far more serious.These machines can put out positive on the negative stud and vice-versa.  It can happen if someone tries to start the engine using the generator as a motor.  If not done right, it can cause this condition.If the machines have a barely noticeable difference, I would point out that no two SA-200 machines will weld exactly the same.  It's probably due to things like manufacturing tolerances of the components, the engine RPM setting and the factory rack setting.  All of these things have a tolerance and may be set slightly different for each machine.It sounds to me like the machine is probably fine, but you could have the machine load bank tested to be sure it meets factory specifications.Good luck,Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by scubaholichow do you start it using the generator as a motor
Reply:Turn the running one up on the 240 range and about 80 and the non running one all the way down, min and 0. Hook groung to ground and rod holder to rod holder. Be careful though, you can burn up the exciter arm. I've don e this several time in cold weather after draining the battery. you can also use a electric machine that puts out at least 200 amps. pos to pos and neg to neg. remember, if u use a electric machine, to put it on dc.
Reply:Thanks banshee35, I'll have to add that to my SA-200 notes.Bob
Reply:thanks ill remember that
Reply:you can leave it on 190 range and put it on 100 and it works that way too, on the running machine that is.
Reply:I have used a lot of SA 200s and can tell you that they do vary from one to another. I used to run a '72 (oldest machine the company had) and would run 3/16 Jet with it. Several of the Classics would bog way down and one would just die. Try cleaning the exciter and see what happens. The real way to check it is to check your 120 volt power (the old ones were DC, not sure on the newer ones). You adjust that to the correct range using engine RPM (governor adjustment), because that keeps you from frying grinders and such, then you use the fine current adjust for your welding current. Keep in mind they all vary a little (and that's not just engine drives, shop machines and other brands do as well.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.