General AC TIG Problems

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I'm new to the forum and a bit new to TIG welding. I hope someone out there can help me with a general question. I have a new Lincoln INVERTEC V311-T AC/DC welding unit with torch cooler. DC seems to work fine, but when I try welding in AC mode, the arc will only last about a second and then stop. No warnings or errors on the control panel. It this due to incorrect settings or is there something wrong with the machine?Any advice would really be appreciated.Oh, by  the way I am using 1/8" tungsten and am trying to weld 1/4" aluminum.
Reply:Check the high frequency setting. Sounds like it is set to "Start" and not "Continuous".Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Hi - I own an Invertec 205 and fidddle parameters, including hidden menu ones, all the time. Sometimes results are, to put it mildly, other than expected. I find that a parameter reset often cures any odd behaviour I have caused in the welder. I feel that such a reset to factory defaults for all parameters is the first thing you should do. If the welder still does not weld to expectations then the faultfinding can start. Your manual will tell you how to do reset to factory parameters. Its easy on my model, and I suspect it will be similarly simple on your Invertec.