Ranger 8 problem

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I've noticed when I start welding with my Ranger, with the idle switch on auto, it idles up fine when I strike an arc. Then once I get a weld going for about 40 seconds the engine just idles back down. I can stop and strike an arc again and the problem continues with the engine idling back down. Now if I take and flip the idle switch to high it does fine and doesn't do this. I'm not sure what the problem might be. What should I check to find out what the problem is?Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:So after looking at the wiring diagram of the machine, I see one thing that might cause the problem. The auto setting for the idle switch goes through a idler solenoid. Do these ever go bad or start causing problems?Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Hey, I am going to a LWS tommorrow that does repair work and I can check for you. I just bought a Ranger and am curious now.
Reply:The problem could be caused by a number of things from a bad PCB1 control board, bad CT (Current Transformer) that signals the PCB1 when an arc is struck or a load is applied to an AC outlet or a simple poor connection at one of the PCB1 plugs.The Idler Solenoid energizes to bring the engine to an idle and de-energizes to allow the engine to run up to weld/power speed.  The Auto Idler switch supplies 12vdc (+) to the idler solenoid and PCB1 controls its ground so if the engine goes back to an idle while welding with the Auto Idler switch in AUTO, that means PCB1 is grounding the idler solenoid when it shouldn't.  To me, that would mean the signal from the CT is going away or PCB1 is bad.Start with the simple by checking pins 3 (wire 260) & 4 (wire 261) at the CT 4-pin plug on PCB1.  If you have a volt meter, you can check for CT output on wires 260 & 261 with a load on one of the AC outlets or while welding.  Output should be a few volts ac.At approximately 40 seconds welding duration, either the CT signal to PCB1 is lost about 25 seconds into the weld or a PCB1 idler circuit control component is failing.  In AUTO, the idler solenoid activates approximately 15 seconds after the arc stops or the AC load goes away.Hope this somehow helps.Last edited by duaneb55; 01-22-2010 at 11:22 PM.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:That would be much appreciated! I'm going to look and see exactly what all is wired to the switch tomorrow. I'm sure it's nothing major, it's just one of them things that is very annoying when it happens.Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Thanks duaneb55! That's great info!Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Duaneb55 has you going in the right direction as that is pretty much what the guy at the shop said. He also said it could just your battery is weak and not supply enough power to that solenoid. But he was pretty much leaning towards a problem with the PCB. Good luck.
Reply:Thanks for all the help guys.Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Well, here's an update. I traced wires and made sure the connections were all hooked up and made sure everything was good. I finally got to weld with it for over an hour today and it's working just fine! I didn't have a single problem with it! It must have been one of those connections, which one, I can't say for sure. Hopefully it will continue to perform smoothly for years to come.Lincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Originally Posted by terextsWell, here's an update. I traced wires and made sure the connections were all hooked up and made sure everything was good. I finally got to weld with it for over an hour today and it's working just fine! I didn't have a single problem with it! It must have been one of those connections, which one, I can't say for sure. Hopefully it will continue to perform smoothly for years to come.