Having a problem with my syncrowave 250

admin

I was out in the garage tonight working on an aluminum sheet metal intake manifold for my volkswagen buggy. everything was going smoth, welding the 1/2'' thick flanges on stopped for a second cause the neighbor came buy to ask a question so i shut the machine off for about 30 seconds, fire it back up, hit the pedal and somethings not right, the arc seemed weak and wouldnt make a puddle. also no matter how hard id "gas it" on the pedal i would get the same weak arc.so i leave it alone for a couple hours thinking it maybe it got hot (which i doubt, wasnt even welding very long) but still the same thing.now the next kicker is, i go to switch it to DC to try to tig some steel, im gently handling the torch like always and the gas cap just crumbles into about 6 pieces.Weird, not sure what's going on, really hoping one of you guys can help.Thanks a bunch
Reply:Originally Posted by turbodonI was out in the garage tonight working on an aluminum sheet metal intake manifold for my volkswagen buggy. everything was going smoth, welding the 1/2'' thick flanges on stopped for a second cause the neighbor came buy to ask a question so i shut the machine off for about 30 seconds, fire it back up, hit the pedal and somethings not right, the arc seemed weak and wouldnt make a puddle. also no matter how hard id "gas it" on the pedal i would get the same weak arc.so i leave it alone for a couple hours thinking it maybe it got hot (which i doubt, wasnt even welding very long) but still the same thing.now the next kicker is, i go to switch it to DC to try to tig some steel, im gently handling the torch like always and the gas cap just crumbles into about 6 pieces.Weird, not sure what's going on, really hoping one of you guys can help.Thanks a bunch
Reply:Turbodon,You haven't given NEARLY enough info about your machine for anyone to be of much help.Without knowing anything about your setup, here's a couple things you might try:Power down the entire system, all the way back to the fuse panel for your welding circuit.Bring everything back up one by one (may have dropped a leg on your circuit)If that doesn't work, try disconnecting the torch and hook up a set of stick leads.  Try stick welding in AC and DC. If you get power there, the problem is most likely in the torch.By order of likelihood:Bad torch (broken conductor in the lead)Bad pot in the foot pedalWork lead has come loose.Bad input powerOperator headspace and timingMachine crapped out.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Yeah sounds like you might have a BAD BREAKER that happened to me one time..Just replaced the breaker......Not saying that's your problem but that's a place to look  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:well i checked all the basic stuff but still no good, so took it in for repair.only $40 to diagnose, so not too badhopefully its something cheap n easythanks guys
Reply:Originally Posted by turbodonwell i checked all the basic stuff but still no good, so took it in for repair.only $40 to diagnose, so not too badhopefully its something cheap n easythanks guys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadyer comment hit a nerve about diagnosis fees...my bmw fuel pump crapped out(153k miles) .. i suspected it because it cranked   fine..so i took it in to bmw and said  the problem was in the fuel   pump and filter.. the service guy said there was a $125 diagnosis fee.  iasked him if he would go double or nothng on my diagnosis and he said no.. turned out it needed a fuel pump and filter..sorry for the ramble.
Reply:Originally Posted by turbodonwell i checked all the basic stuff but still no good, so took it in for repair.only $40 to diagnose, so not too badhopefully its something cheap n easy
Reply:Well it took the shop some time to diagnose the problem but what they are saying is that it needs a new "board" and that the repair is about $880 before tax.So I'm pretty bummed about this. cant justify spending 900 on a welder i only bought for $1200So, what I most likely will do is go pick it up and take it somewhere for a second opinion before i drop that much coin.I also need to look into somewhere where i could potentially buy a board and put it in myself if that's what it comes down to.
Reply:Originally Posted by turbodonWell it took the shop some time to diagnose the problem but what they are saying is that it needs a new "board" and that the repair is about $880 before tax.So I'm pretty bummed about this. cant justify spending 900 on a welder i only bought for $1200So, what I most likely will do is go pick it up and take it somewhere for a second opinion before i drop that much coin.I also need to look into somewhere where i could potentially buy a board and put it in myself if that's what it comes down to.