175HD trigger intermittent!

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I have a Weld-Pak 175HD that I bought about 6 or 7 months ago.  I have only put one small roll of wire through this machine (I was TDY for several months).  Anyways, I'm back and was trying to use my machine yesterday.  I noticed before I left and now, that when I squeeze the trigger, it's intermittent.  The wire feed and welding process is constantly kicking on and off.  I have to squeeze the trigger really hard to make it weld for more than a few seconds.  I took the gun apart tonight and noticed that the trigger doesn't have much play at all where it makes the contacts.  Is this a common problem or has anybody ever seen this before?  Any ideas for an easy fix?  Thanks!Matt in OKCLincoln 175HD
Reply:I just recently purchased the same welder.  I am on my second roll of wire and I'm having the same problem.  If I hold the trigger at the end closest to the welding side it helps.  I use the word "helps" conservatively.  I would like to know the trick, also.  If you figure it out, let me know.MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press
Reply:That's exactly what I have to do.  I have to squeeze really tight at the welding end of the trigger.  I'm thinking that I can take the gun apart and modify the trigger a bit.  I'll check it out this weekend sometime.Matt in OKCLincoln 175HD
Reply:It needs a "Trigger Job".  I have done it to a few.  Make the gun so its comfortable to use.  I had to add a piece to the switch on my new plasma gun because it kep shutting off when I was using it.  I also bought a new 200 amp tweeco gun. All I had to do with that one is bend the contacts a little.  Now it has a hair trigger.  I love it.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Well I seem to have fixed it!  I took the gun apart.  You take the little rings off of each end of the gun.  I had to use channel locks to twist them about 60 degrees or so, then they slide straight off.  Then the gun splits into two halves.  In each half, is a little silver contact.  I bent each one down just a hair towards the trigger.  Once you take it apart, you'll see how it works.  It's really simple.  Anyways, I put it back together and it works like a champ now!Matt in OKCLincoln 175HD
Reply:That was pretty easy to fix.  Thanks for the info.MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press
Reply:Originally Posted by molongneckThat was pretty easy to fix.  Thanks for the info.
Reply:Mine worked fine for a while, then back to having problems.  Called a friend and he came over to look at it.  One quick look and he relized the tensioner was a little lose.  Tightened it up, tried it, worked like a new one.MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press
Reply:good to here gun is easy to fix mine has fell off the welding cart and some times when i release the trigger it keeps going till i give it a little love tap and it stops I will take mine apart tommorrow but its also 3 yrs old so it just started doing it after 3 yrs and 5 drops heheheheh hey all
Reply:It's not that complex after you get it apart.  Should be an easy fix for you, i hope.MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press
Reply:get rid of the gun and get an alpha or tweco.  Its very cheesy.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:I'm new to welding, so I must ask, what is the benefit of an alpha or tweco?MolongneckLincoln 175HD MigWard's Powr-Kraft 230 ARCHypertherm Powermax 45Harris O/A TorchMakita 2414NB Chop SawMakita 9557PB 4 1/2" Angle GrinderClarke BT 1002 6" Brench GrinderRyobi DP 120 12" Drill Press