Red face does it again!

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I have a 1961 Canadian built SA200 and needed to weld some hooks on my backhoe stabilizer's so I could chain them together to keep them from folding up when I took the backhoe off. Hadn't used the welder since last year so wasn't sure if it was going to require a bunch of fiddling around to get it started. Started my generator and hooked up a battery charger to the welder. Waited about 40 minutes and tried to start the welder. Cranked it for about 6 seconds with no choke so I wouldn't flood it. Didn't fire so I pulled the choke. Cranked about 3 seconds and heard it fire. Battery seemed to be losing a little power but I tried again and it started right up in about 3 seconds. I need to adjust the idler a little but it came down to idle and just purred. It has a muffler so is fairly quiet but you have to love those Continental engines. 60 years old and runs as good as it was new. The welder end isn't too shabby either. Nice smooth arc that is hard to beat even with new machines with all their fancy controls.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveI have a 1961 Canadian built SA200 and needed to weld some hooks on my backhoe stabilizer's so I could chain them together to keep them from folding up when I took the backhoe off. Hadn't used the welder since last year so wasn't sure if it was going to require a bunch of fiddling around to get it started. Started my generator and hooked up a battery charger to the welder. Waited about 40 minutes and tried to start the welder. Cranked it for about 6 seconds with no choke so I wouldn't flood it. Didn't fire so I pulled the choke. Cranked about 3 seconds and heard it fire. Battery seemed to be losing a little power but I tried again and it started right up in about 3 seconds. I need to adjust the idler a little but it came down to idle and just purred. It has a muffler so is fairly quiet but you have to love those Continental engines. 60 years old and runs as good as it was new. The welder end isn't too shabby either. Nice smooth arc that is hard to beat even with new machines with all their fancy controls.
Reply:Some would scoff a bit at my SA200 because it has a muffler on it. The machines without mufflers are unmistakable, you could be 1/2 a block away and instantly recognize the sound of an SA200 with a Continental. I got mine for $500 and another $800 for a new carb and rebuilt mag. The $500 was because it didn't run. Knew it needed a carb but the mag seal leaked and filled the mag with oil. $1300 was still a great price for good running red face. I could probably double my money but it's sure nice to have a good welder when you need it.
Reply:Folks. If you're having trouble with the mags on these old girls any small aircraft mechanic can set them up for you easy. Every piston cessna and Piper have two and are frequently needing fiddling. Check airnav.com for your local A/P
Reply:My SA200s were both blackfaces. I only paid $1000 for the pair with cables. I probably spent a couple of days cleaning them up and tuning the engines. Cleaned the fuel tanks, rebuilt the carbs and unstuck one valve. I resold one for $2200 to recover my costs and the other is out on “permanent loan” with a good friend who uses it at his gold mining operation. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:Originally Posted by Lis2323My SA200s were both blackfaces. I only paid $1000 for the pair with cables. I probably spent a couple of days cleaning them up and tuning the engines. Cleaned the fuel tanks, rebuilt the carbs and unstuck one valve. I resold one for $2200 to recover my costs and the other is out on “permanent loan” with a good friend who uses it at his gold mining operation. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Have heard of some SA200's burning oil but still going at 20,000 hours! Lis2323's machines are green light machines. Not as desirable as the red face but still good machines.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveHave heard of some SA200's burning oil but still going at 20,000 hours! Lis2323's machines are green light machines. Not as desirable as the red face but still good machines.