Clark EN125 Mig Welder Help!

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Hello, I"m new to welding and this forum. I recently picked up a used Clark EN125 mig welder. It started out working well, but then the other day I picked it up and I can't get it to Arc. When I pull the trigger, the wire feeds but it won't arc. I pulled the gun apart and everything looks ok, but that probably doesn't mean much. Please help me trouble shoot this problem. I don't have any idea where to even start. Thanks in advance.
Reply:Open her up and look for a burnt diode on the rectifierTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:First thing I would check is your connection and it's getting proper current.  Use a multimeter.  Confirm the machine is getting proper power then check your ground.  Make sure the clamp is properly connected to the lead and the place on the metal is clean enough to make a proper ground.  Ground problems are the most common culprit.  If you still can't get it it arc post what you find in your next try with details and I bet someone can help with more experience than myself.
Reply:Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I'm so new to this that I have to ask for some clarification. Sorry I know this is probably really basic for you guys. Originally Posted by GambleOpen her up and look for a burnt diode on the rectifier
Reply:The multimeter will have a VAC setting. Use that setting and see if each leg is at 120 volts.  Then check under the 2 round caps where the plug wire enters the machine is getting the same voltage.  This will eliminate the possibility of a short in the cord.  To get to and test diodes requires you take off the outer case of the machine.  You will see what looks like a quarter covered in black plastic with 2 wires coming out of it.  There are some YouTube vids on testing diodes that can explain it better than I can.
Reply:Not sure if the EN125 is the same, but here's the rectifier assembly out of an EN130.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clarke-130EN...-/170527448803I sole an EN130 to a guy, and he burned it up in a couple days.  Far exceeded the low duty cycle, and shut it off just after welding. On my advice, he opened it up and found the burned diodes.By the way, that ebay seller "USAweld", is HTP.  Good folks to know if you need MIG gun replacement parts or something like this.  http://www.usaweld.com/default.aspLast edited by Oldendum; 03-04-2016 at 05:05 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by zippymbrThe multimeter will have a VAC setting. Use that setting and see if each leg is at 120 volts.  Then check under the 2 round caps where the plug wire enters the machine is getting the same voltage.  This will eliminate the possibility of a short in the cord.  To get to and test diodes requires you take off the outer case of the machine.  You will see what looks like a quarter covered in black plastic with 2 wires coming out of it.  There are some YouTube vids on testing diodes that can explain it better than I can.
Reply:Each leg coming in to a 220V welder is at 120, it will zap you for sure.  Just don't touch it with bare hands.  That's what the probe is for.  Once you make sure the welder is getting power to the diode/rectifier and the ground is getting a solid connection and it still does not work then the rectifier is prob dead.  Before you go replacing parts I would have a mechanically inclined friend give it a look.  It's always amazing what an extra pair of eyes can find.