Old Lincoln ac-225

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Hello friends,I have an old ac-225 that my father had and he gave it to me.  I have run a couple of beads with it and it seems to run beautifully.  Now some might say to leave something that works alone.  I have a couple of general questions though.This welder has sat relatively unused (or used lightly) at the ranch for 10? 15? years.  Dad has a much bigger engine driven machine that he used all the time.  Under Ideal circumstances, the ac-225 probably doesnt need much maintenance (I'm guessing).  But is there something I should check or replace on a machine that has sat in the heat of Arizona for many years.  Obviously I would replace things like cracked leads/power cord - that kind of thing.  But other than opening up the case and cleaning out all the black widow webs, can any of you think of something else I might check.I also am under the impression that the newer models of the ac-225 have a small fan for cooling.  I dont think mine has one...or...since I dont hear it when I turn the machine on, it may have one that is shot.  I'll open up the unit to find out.I just wonder if anyone has any feeling on giving an old machine some TLC.Thanks!
Reply:Those machines are pretty bullet proof.  Open it up blow it out and check your fan, other than that start welding, and have fun.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Thanks Hammack.  I appreciate it.
Reply:I have a newer one, and it does have a fan that comes on when the unit is turned on.Yours either (stating the obivous here):   1)  has no fan,  2)  has a broken fan,   or 3) has a fan that comes on when the machine reaches a predetermined temperature.If you are going to open the case to blow it out, you'll find out shortly.***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:OK.  Here's the juice.  I opened it up and cleaned out all of the cobwebs, and an amazing amount of dust that had turned into a kind of "cake".  Everything looks to be in good order accept the fan.  It does have one that appears to have frozen up.  The ground and electrode leads also need replacing as the housings are split where the cables pass throught the front.  How they didnt short when I tried the unit out, I dont know...This machine is from 1970.  (I found the dated wiring guide on the inside of the case).  Is it worth it to replace an old fan, cables, etc. on an old machine or am I better off buying a new one?  Were the old ac-225s better built? I have tried the welder to see if it works and it puts out a beautiful weld.
Reply:You can probably fix it for $10 in parts.  There's really nothing else that can break.  It's worth it.
Reply:It it had to set for years there's no better place than Arizona. Dust is always better than rust. First take the fan out and see if the shaft bushings just need cleaned and oiled. If it needs more I'm sure that you could get a fan fron Lincoln or add a universal cooling fan. As long as the transformer is good anything else on it could be fixed cheaper than buying a new welder.
Reply:I would fix it ,they are great machines and a pleasure to use,you could compare them to an old slant 6 chrysler,they aint nothing special but will run forever.call lincoln ,they may just send you a fan at know charge.its worth a try.
Reply:Fix the fan and weld away. Great welding machines IMHO,and better built than the new ones.Clarke 130EN C25Lincoln 225 AC Stick(1968)Smith O/A RigHF 4X6 Red BandsawBlack & Decker Pro Chopsaw16 Speed Drill PressSpeedglas XL HelmetHarbor Freight Stuff
Reply:Originally Posted by tommyj3Fix the fan and weld away. Great welding machines IMHO,and better built than the new ones.
Reply:Put a dab of grease on the sliding contact points... That will make the selector switch turn so much easier...