Faulty Gauges?

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Howdy Gents:I've got an older Lincoln SP-150 MIG.  When I pull the torch trigger gas comes out in somewhat of a burst initially and then little or no flow after that.I've checked the solenoid, it has resistance, operates fine (I can easily blow through it when energized) and I get a steady 12v power off of the board.I've got a new/full Ar/CO2 tank.  I've taken the hose off the soleniod and I get a steady low-side pressure.So I don't know the inner-workings of the regulator but could it be possible that even though the flow is steady without the solenoid attached that the "quick action" of the solenoid somehow causes the regulator to mess-up?Am I making any sense?  Thanks Gents!
Reply:What does the gauge read while the trigger is pulled? A small initial burst/puff is normal."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:do you have a dial gauge or a floating ball on the low side??if dial does it read high before it starts??-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Low-side guage doesn't move at all when the trigger is pulled.  The initlal "puff" seems like alot and the flow from the torch is nowhere near the flow directly from the regulator.
Reply:... And dial gauges.
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyWhat does the gauge read while the trigger is pulled? A small initial burst/puff is normal.
Reply:Sounds normal to me.Leo
Reply:Originally Posted by KaptainkwSo is your thinking that while the inital puff is normal that the flow after that is too low (restricted)?  The gauage is set for 25 cfh and I've tried higher and lower.
Reply:You can run your mixed gas much lower, say 15cfh if you are inside an area with low air movement.You paying for the gas now remember, if you start to see porosity raise it.
Reply:I use one of these....Ive learned not to rely on what the guages read....http://weldingdirect.com/gasflowchecker.html