lincoln sa 200 short hood

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hey guys new to this forum. started it today becuase i got an old lincoln from an uncle. it cranks and runs like a top supprisingly becuase it has been setting in a feild for at least 5 years. my problem is the machine will spark but it will not strike an arc. i have put an ohm meter on the exciter and the main armature, they dont seem to have a short in them. i plugged a grinder in and it ran at around half speed. for laughs and giggles i tried to strike an arc with the grinder running, it sparked a little like it was doing before but the grinder did pick up and run at full speed. i do not know the year model, all i know my uncle got it in the mid 70's and he said it was an old machine then. it has been a good welder.
Reply:Would it happen to have a green indicator light on the control panel?Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:No. There is no gauge or light on the front panel.  The starter button choke and kill switch are all on the back by the baterybox. I took some pictures, kinda dark but I will try to get them on here
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Reply:This is all I can get the machine to do. Small sparks
Reply:Sell it to hobo and call it a day. He might even trade you a long hood.Bruce
Reply:If its sat for a while, clean the commutator in the welder. It doesn't take much corrosion to make a bad contact on the low voltage, high current windings. Buff with scotchbrite until shiny. Don't use sandpaper as it can leave abrasive particles in the commutator.There is also a very dangerous procedure of connecting a 12 battery with the proper polarity neg to left brush and pos to right brush lead with jumper cables while the motor is running at proper rpm of approx 1550. Someone else here might know of the procedure. You can always check Bill’s Welder Repair in OKC they have a website will all sorts of documentation.My Gear is:Two Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 211Miller Spectrum 875 PlasmaMiller Spot WelderLincoln SA-200
Reply:I have read about flashing it with a battery. Have been thinking about doing it. I have cleaned it until it is shiny and still nothing but a sparkle. Last time it was running my dad was using it, he took a break and filled it up with gas and it would not weld. He was tired of working on it and sent it to the pasture. Could they loose magnetism in that short of time?
Reply:These old Short Hoods are in a world all of their own. Your at the "Y" in the road with this one.It has more value just as it sits that any other time. As you begin to work your way through it, find and correct issues, change parts and attempt to weld with it the value will go down. You have a 1957 year model. You can list it as a " 1957 Barn Find" and sell it for top dollar with the parts I can see.If your not committed to do a complete restoration then at some point your going to find you have invested more time and money into a 55 year old piece of equipment than you can get out of it.Again..... the "Y" in the road. 1) Commit to a total refurbishment, 2) Try and start a machine that is older than you are and realize it has many issues while destroying parts that are no longer available, or 3) Understand what you have and sell off the hard to find parts.This is an excellent refurbish candidate. Before you get too far, perhaps you should consider taking offers on it in "as is" condition.Keep us posted.Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Thanks hobo, I was worried that that was going to be the case when I got it. I wanted one so I can practice my pipe welding and my uncle fave ne this one. I wish I could get it to weld it is a complete machine only thing missing is the doors. What is an estimate of sending it off and having the welder totally rebuilt. I kinda like the old short hood. My neighbor has two long hoods I may go ask about soon.
Reply:So I went back and rechecked everything and I found that the coils around the exciter are not ohming right. Where is a good place to get these at a reasonable price and with good work. I think that is why it is not welding. I hope
Reply:Originally Posted by classiccountryThanks hobo, I was worried that that was going to be the case when I got it. I wanted one so I can practice my pipe welding and my uncle fave ne this one. I wish I could get it to weld it is a complete machine only thing missing is the doors. What is an estimate of sending it off and having the welder totally rebuilt. I kinda like the old short hood. My neighbor has two long hoods I may go ask about soon.
Reply:Originally Posted by classiccountrySo I went back and rechecked everything and I found that the coils around the exciter are not ohming right. Where is a good place to get these at a reasonable price and with good work. I think that is why it is not welding. I hope
Reply:Hobo instead of continuing to try and talk him into selling you should share your knowledge and possibly some spare parts and help him get this antique running. Help a lad out
Reply:Originally Posted by Showdog75Hobo instead of continuing to try and talk him into selling you should share your knowledge and possibly some spare parts and help him get this antique running. Help a lad out
Reply:Thanks hobo, many people around the house have told me to sell it too lol. I just ordered some exciter coils. I remember my dad welding around the house many years ago with this machine, he loved it because of how smooth it welder just didn't have the money to keep putting in it. I appreciate all the help and advice. If the part fixes it I will start cleaning it all up and probably shoot a new coat of paint on her. I'll keep yal updated and post more pictures if it welds right. I have looked at a lot of diagrams and troubleshooting at bills, sure hope this works. Thanks again!
Reply:Got my exciter field coils in today. Put them in real quick and fired it up. It struck an arc and welded like a dream. Glad that I found out what was wrong first try. When I get it all put back together I will post a picture for yal to see. I was disappointed that it took me a week and four days to get the coils though.