1989 SA-200 won't drop to low idle.

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I recently replaced the faceplate and rheostat on my machine and sanded and painted all the panels. When I got everything back together, it fired up without any problems as usual, but it didn't drop to low idle. I have checked the wiring against what the manual suggests going to my idle selection switch and it appears to be correct. I can manually lower the idle by pushing back on the idle solenoid, but once I let go it idles back up. I am hoping somebody may be able to give me an idea what to check next. Thanks for any help.BrettUSAF SSgt - Explosives ExpertHobart Handler 187Hobart Airforce 4001989 Lincoln SA-200 Classic I
Reply:OK, first, I am not one of the experts here, but I seem to remember something about the idler control board grounding through the mounting screws, if you painted the panel maybe it's not making a good ground. Good luck.SA 200 RED FACESA-200 BLACKFACEanother BLACKFACEMILLERMATIC 35SMILLER 251 W/SPOOLGUNMILLER AC/DC BUZZ BOX
Reply:You're absolutely correct on the ground issue truckbiz.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:Well I went back and filed the screw holes a bit and that wasn't it (although it makes perfect sense). In the troubleshooting steps it said to hook power straight up to the idler solenoid and make sure if functions....................well it didn't at first, it barely moved and when it did it was very slow. I applied power over and over and finally it began working correctly. I hooked it back up to the PC board and all is well. The machine runs a little smoother arc also, maybe because I replaced the rheostat (I don't know). Thanks for the info guys. Now I think I might start looking for a new solenoid because this one is probably on its way out.BrettUSAF SSgt - Explosives ExpertHobart Handler 187Hobart Airforce 4001989 Lincoln SA-200 Classic I
Reply:Glad to hear you got it working but I would say the solenoid plunger and bore are probably just rusty.Being a wound coil device, it typically either works electrically or it doesn't.  The mechanical symptom you described sounds like binding due to rust/dirt.I'd try a little WD-40, PB Blaster or penetrant of your choice before spending $$ on a new one.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Glad to hear you got it working but I would say the solenoid plunger and bore are probably just rusty.Being a wound coil device, it typically either works electrically or it doesn't.  The mechanical symptom you described sounds like binding due to rust/dirt.I'd try a little WD-40, PB Blaster or penetrant of your choice before spending $$ on a new one.
Reply:Ok, so I have found a new problem. Once I got the machine's auto idler to work correctly, I thought all was well. I attempted to weld last night with  the idler in the auto position and it wouldn't strike an arc or idle up. So I put the switch in the high idle position and it welded like a dream. I looked over the trouble shooting guide again and it said to plug a grinder into the aux power port, so I did and turned the grinder on and it idled up like it should. So what would prevent the auto idler to function only while welding? I'm slightly lost on this one.BrettUSAF SSgt - Explosives ExpertHobart Handler 187Hobart Airforce 4001989 Lincoln SA-200 Classic I
Reply:If the idle is too low then the machine won't idle up when you strike an arc. Try increasing the idle just a bit to see if that is the problem.http://www.facebook.com/groups/sa200weldersCurrent machines:Hobart G600 Powered by 1967 Chrysler LH-318 (Project)Hobart GF-250(Traded)68 Redface81 Blackface