idealarc sp 200 problem

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Hello all I'm new here, found the website after a search,Here’s the problem with my ideal arc sp 200 circa 1981,About 3 years ago the welder caught fire/smoking I put the smoke out with an extinguisher and just keep welding, it still worked fine till yesterday. Well it has stopped working I removed the side panel to take a look, maybe just a fuse I hoped? any way I found one of the transformer burnt up, it is the smaller one directly under the cooling fan and left of the monster transformer, behind the capacitor bank. All of the transformers cooling fins are melted together or loose, so I would assume this is the problem!The wire feeds fine, gas is flowing and the contactors are all clicking away when the trigger is pulled, so to me all that is missing is the power from this transformer? I love this old welder and the idea of junking it over a transformer is detestable, I need advice and a part number for the transformer, and where to even find one. Thanks,Josh
Reply:First thing to do, go to lincolnelectric.com, with your model and serial numbers you can download the manual, which will have a schematic and parts list. Very helpful when dealing with partsmen, either if email, phone, or in person.Don't be afraid of emailing Lincoln direct, either.  I've gotten a lot of help and a lot of questions answered by them over the years.
Reply:Update on the problem for all who care, I got a chance to dive into the problem today. Using the schematic, found that the problem was the mag amp controller not a transformer. I called Lincoln about a new part, the service tech said they were discontinued, but he said I could bypass it and loose my fine amp control, So I bypassed it as he said and I'm back to welding again. My only control is my coarse amp but who cares my ole faithful machine is back welding again, plus the mag amp controller has been shorted out for 3 years so how well was it been working anyway!Lincoln Electric sure makes A+ machines  the welder is 30 years old,  shorted out / caught fire and still worked for 3 years, and is now in a bypass mode and still laid a beautiful bead. Lincoln's customer service is A+++ too, picked up first ring and fixed my problem without a minutes hesitation. You know I think I'll mount an extinguisher on the machine just in case!