Lincoln Ranger 8 does not weld

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I have a Ranger 8 that has been sitting for a long time without use, machine is about 10 years old and has only about 30 hours on it.  Last used about 4 years ago on a large welding project, worked fine.  I serviced the engine (Kohler 20), fresh gas, runs great.  AC outlets put out 110V, comes off idle & runs drop light & power drill.  But the thing will not weld.  Welding cables have been serviced, clean junctions at machine & working ends.  Does not give any indication of an arc.  Took off the side panels, everything looks clean, no obvious corrosion, frayed/broken wires etc.  Brushes & slip rings look fine.  Wire #254 from the electrode post up to the control board is not corroded, looks fine.  Selector switch contacts look clean, I've run both switches back & forth through their ranges several times.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might go about troubleshooting this thing?  I have a wiring diagram, but haven't a clue where to begin.  Other than load it in the truck & haul 50 miles to the Lincoln service folks (which is not really my style...)Thanks!Nick
Reply:Go to your owners manual and find the trouble shooting guide. Look for the square that matches your problem, then read the other two boxes next to it.One quick test. place polarity switch in AC. And use an ohm meter, to test for a complete circuit form one weld terminal to the other one. Then test from terminal to case.With nothing connected, does the engine slow down if you turn the output up from low to high. ( this is caused by a short in the welding circuit. Diodes maybe).For more help please post code number and engine on your welder. That way we can look at the same diagram you have.The 115 volt power and the weld power all use the same control and excitation circuits.So if the 115 volts can be turned up and down by the control knob, most of your welder is working. You will need to find the open or short in the weld circuit.
Reply:Welcome to the forum Nick. Seeing as the unit is producing proper auxiliary output, that confirms the field flashing circuit and stator output is functioning properly and although you've checked everything you have, there's an open somewhere in the weld output circuit.To track it down, check for AC OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) at the input side of the output rectifier and go in either direction from there as needed.If no AC OCV there, work backwards to the range selector switch and on to the stator weld output lead at the reactor input.If you find AC OCV at the output rectifier input, check for DC OCV it at its output.  If none there, you've got open diodes or corroded connections.If DC voltage there, its on to the polarity switch and then the output studs themselves rechecking all the connections for corrosion.I see ccawgc beat me to it. 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:Good to see we are on the same page