I want to bring this old SA 200 back to life

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Hey there guys, I just found out my dad has an old SA 200 that he got years ago for free but he never used it because he's not a welder. He never took me serious when I told him I wanted to be a welder until about 2 weeks ago when I welded some brackets up for his buddies 440 Dart GT, and now that he knows this is what I wanna do he said the Sa200 is mine. It has been sitting at my uncles house for about 6 or so years now and its not in the best condition as you can imagine. It needs new leads because the ones on it are dry rotted, maybe a new engine, and definitely some cleaning up. The dials and the front control panel have seen their better days so I imagine I need to replace that to get it to function a little smoother. I see plenty of people on here who use these and my old welding teacher said if I fix it up I can use it for another 30 years or more. So I was just wondering where to find parts for this because I really want to bring it back to like new condition. This thing is like a piece of history because I can only imagine the jobs its been used for and I want it to look like it came off the assembly line.I am not sure of the year of this machine yet. I asked my dad and he didn't know. Whenever I get it to my house I'll do a thorough inspection of it and try to find outUnfortunately before I can even work on it though I have to find a way to get it to my house. Whoever owned it before my dad made a trailer for it and put 16.5 inch tires on it which Im having trouble finding. But I guess my questions are where should I start? (Obviously I need to get it running before I focus on the look of it)What things should I look for on it to make sure its ok? (As in connections and controls. Electronics)Where do I find parts for one?Are there any problems these things Old machines are known to have so I can look out for big problems?How many gallons of gas do these burn up per hour? I know it depends on how I'm running it. But I just would like an estimate if anyone knows.And Ill save the dumbest question for last. Excuse my stupidity please, but what is sticking out of the front? Is that a transformer?Thank you all for looking!!! Attached ImagesLast edited by FarmerJoe; 06-05-2012 at 09:51 PM."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:Sub'd. I know where a SA200 is down the road from me rotting. I am going to ask them about it this week.Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:Well good luck man! Im so excited to have this welder, adn it was FREE! Which is always better."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:That looks like It'll be a pretty nice setup when you get it up and running. You also got a pretty nice vise with it.  I would check the fuel lines, replace them if they are dry rotted, check the oil, then try to start her up. Good luck!!!!
Reply:Some of you guys have all the luck. I'd love to get my hands on one of those. No need for it though, it would just make an awesome project / toy.There are a few guys around here that I'm sure will help you out.
Reply:To Mango: Thank you I will be sure to do that! I didnt even think about those lines. I was too busy lookin at how rotted the leads were haha.And to stiffman: You're telling me. I wanna fix it up as a summer project, and then when I get out of school next year Ill be certified and hopefully I can make some money with it!"If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:Google Stumps and Bills Welder Repair.Bill and Kaye Sellon have forgot more about these machines than most will ever know.Sweet score.
Reply:Originally Posted by Showdog75Google Stumps and Bills Welder Repair.Bill and Kaye Sellon have forgot more about these machines than most will ever know.Sweet score.
Reply:Nice machine for sure.  Can't tell for sure but those look like mobile home wheels.  If there is a dealer in the area they may make you a deal on two used tire/wheel combos
Reply:Originally Posted by kuzineddieNice machine for sure.  Can't tell for sure but those look like mobile home wheels.  If there is a dealer in the area they may make you a deal on two used tire/wheel combos
Reply:Congratulations on the free score.  I don't know if you have seen it already, but there's a lot of information on resuscitating SA 200 machines in the Lincoln sub-forum on this site.  Duaneb55 shares a lot of tech and pictures in his own threads and posts in other people's repair threads as well.  There are probably numerous other guys who can help you as well, I just happen to have seen some of Duane's postings.Here's a link to one of his SA 200 threads I liked reading.Saved Another One From The Scrapman!To see the rest, go to the Lincoln subforum, click on Search this Forum, then use the Search by User Name option on the right and punch in Duaneb55, and select Find Threads Started by User.Good luck with your project.Last edited by el bob; 06-05-2012 at 11:04 PM.
Reply:Thank you! I'll be sure to check out as many of his posts as I canLast edited by FarmerJoe; 06-05-2012 at 11:20 PM."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:The only help I can give is on the tires. Check around at places that deal in military surplus I am fairly certain the the HMMWV has 16.5 tires.If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish
Reply:FJ where are you located? We have a lot of trailer shops near me that have those wheels.A man needs to know his limitations!
Reply:Originally Posted by billsssFJ where are you located? We have a lot of trailer shops near me that have those wheels.
Reply:Check craigslist
Reply:Engine:Oil and filter change. New plugs, points, condensor, distributor cap and wires. Your going to keep this one so money well invested. New fuel filter (if there is one on it). Get rid of old gas. Precaution here as could have condensation in it. New gas is cheap by comparison. Probably want to buy a new battery while your at it. Will really help the cranking. I like the red Optimum. Use them on the tractor and boat.Welder:Clean thoroughly, I use WD40 on all the switch contacts, etc. Hope this helps a bit. Have used this method for more years than I can count and has saved me a ton of pain in the a$$. You're going to keep this for a long time and these are well worth the investment in time and money.Find a car hauler guy and have him get it to your house for you. Again saves a whole bunch of fooling around with tires that you probably don't want in the first place. New 3500 lb axle and new tires definitely.Good luck and give us lots of pictures.GlennSign on East Texas payphone: Calls to God 40 cents......it's a local call...
Reply:Thank you Stampeder! Very helpful. And thats a good idea getting someone to haul it here for me. Since I really want to put a new axle and tires on it anyway. I have planty of 16" and 17" tires with wheels laying around but they are center mount, and this axle has rim mount wheels.And of course I plan on taking lots of pictures! I'm already proud to own this machine and like I said I want to restore it to look as if it came off the assembly line. I would like to find a way to figure out what year it is though..."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:Originally Posted by FarmerJoeI would like to find a way to figure out what year it is though...
Reply:Awesome score man, I bet she fires right up with a little tinkering and expert guidance from this forum. Mobile home tires are pretty easy to come by and last a long time. If you cant just air them both up. Check your local telephone directory under mobile home movers / transport or mobile home setup crews. You can normally buy two mobile home tires mounted on wheels for less than you can buy two unmounted used tires or one new one at the discount tire store not to mention an axle,springs, mounting hardware ect. I would save tire / axle time and money for fixing upgrading your machine. Eventually you will probably be looking to mount her and your other welding tools on a work truck anyway. Save that money now and then hit the old man up for a new 4x4 dually around graduation time.Last edited by weldtex; 06-07-2012 at 03:52 AM.
Reply:The only mobile home place we have said they currently don't have any used wheels so Im just going to try to throw the whole thing on a bigger trailer to bring it home. And thank you Papaharley I'll have to find that document cause I'd like to see how old this thing is. As soon as I get it here I plan on starting it and taking lots and lots of pictures."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:Originally Posted by 225Sub'd. I know where a SA200 is down the road from me rotting. I am going to ask them about it this week.
Reply:Originally Posted by FarmerJoe I'll have to find that document cause I'd like to see how old this thing is.
Reply:Good luck with the rebuild! It would be too cool to start a mobile business with a machine you rebuilt yourself.I rescued a welder out of my brother's barn and had to clean out a mouse nest or two- I wouldn't be too surprised if you find the same thing.Even though the leads are dry rotted maybe you could sell them for scrap to finance the project. I also see a BD vice in the photo, that will come in handy too.
Reply:As far as moving it, see if you can fid a roll bac to move it. I moved lots of welders on trailers when I drove roll back.Learning one rod at a timeThanks for all the support guys. And I really appreciate that link BCRD. As soon as I get my lazy uncle to get off his drunk butt I'm gonna get it, but I'm having to make space for it here at the house.asdf Thats my intent, once I get out of trade school I would love to start a business or even just do work on the side with it, It just makes it that much sweeter that I did it myself."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:Everyone's checklist is different. I normally pull the plugs and pour in some Marvel Mystery oil and let it sit for a day or more. Next I'd attempt to hand crank it without the spark plugs installed. Maybe even do this for a few days before trying to start it. There are several other folks giving some good advice here. Just continue on to starting it.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:have you checked northern on Clinton Hwy,  they sell a lot of trailer parts might be able to use.   As for parts for the SA,  Weldmart.com is who I been getting a lot of my parts form,  and with some searching napa has lot of parts you can use.  there is all kind of part#s you can get form napa just search this site and usually you can find the part #'shttp://billswelderrepair.comhttp://www.weldmart.com/are also some good site for information and if you have a problem and can't figer it out just call them and there good to try to help fix it. as for the year, look and  find the code and look it up on bills web site or LINCOLN ELECTRIC.com. the code is on the face plate and all so stamped on the generator housing