Idealarc sp200 shorting out?

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I have had my sp200 for 15 years with no problems at all, but now it seems to be shorted out? It trips the circuit breaker in my electrical box whenever I pull the trigger. It does it even if I taker the wire out of the feeder and just pull the trigger. It makes a loud buzz for about 2-3 seconds, and then pops the breaker. The gauge on the front reads about 22-24 volts while it is buzzing. Anyone have any idea or suggestion as to what it may be? Local dealer told me that it is outdated, discontinued, and probably not worth fixing, but this is the first problem I've had and it welds awesome for what my needs are. Thanks in advance for any help. Al.
Reply:May be a shorted input contactor or lead from the IC (2CR) to the T1 power transformer that is shorting to the chassis.  Have you opened it up to take a look yet?  Don't forget to unplug the unit first.  Look for evidence of chaffed conductors and/or burned insulation in and around the IC.  May be a shorted T1 power transformer as well.If you don't have one already, this should be the manual for your unit http://content.lincolnelectric.com//...r/im/IM312.pdf that may help you sort things out.  If necessary and you're comfortable in doing so, do a 'process of elimination' by disconnecting components from the IC on one at a time making sure to protect the conductor(s) from shorting out when the trigger is pulled.Hopefully someone here will have more specific insight soon into your dilema.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:May also be a shorted diode D1, D2, D3 or D4 in the rectifier assembly which shouldn't be that difficult of a repair if that's what it proves to be.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!