HTP replacement guns on Lincoln machines - Problems?

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So, I have (4) Lincoln MIG machines, an SP-125 Plus, SP-135 Plus, SP-170T, and a Power MIG 200. I love these machines and for the last 14+ years of using them I have had no issues, problems, or major repairs. I decided that I finally wanted to replace the gun assembly on the 170T as it had been used more like a hammer than a MIG gun by the previous owner.After looking into my options and reading many reviews I thought that the HTP SP120 T replacement gun would be the best choice. I like the fact that it is 2' longer than the OEM Magnum 100L gun and that it still uses the Tweco style consumables...and the price was nice, too.I received the gun last week and eagerly went to work installing it on the machine. The gun looks good, felt nice in my hand, and looks to be really well made. I was hoping that I would like it well enough to buy 3 more for my other machines.The install seemed to go easy and there were no glaring issues. I fired up the welder and set out to start burning some plate. I started to tack a few pieces of scrap together and  was met with the all familiar lack of shielding gas booger....crap, I must have forgotten to turn the gas on in my excitement. Nope, gas is on, tank is full, regulator is set. Well, maybe the gun needs more purging time....turn the wire speed down, hit the trigger....no gas is coming from the nozzle at all! Having just used this machine the day before I knew everything was working. re-check all connections on the gas line, pressures, etc...still nada. Well, lets check the gun connection on the feeder. Pulled the gun back off the machine and everything appear to be OK until I hold the new gun up to the old gun and realize that the gun connector looks to not be the same length as the original. The HTP gun is bottoming out on the front of my machine and won't allow the connector to engage all the way which causes the gas ports to not line up. I have been in contact with HTP and according to them they have never had any issues with this gun not working on any series of these machines other than the 140, which none of my machines are.Has anybody else had this problem?http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Can you just trim the plastic on the front of the machine to gain that extra 1/8"?My name's not Jim....
Reply:To me it looks like it was mis-machined too short.They should be able to fix you up.
Reply:Those guns look like Binzel's of some sort. On my Thermal-arc Portafeed 17a, my Radnor (Made by Binzel) would not seat all the way in to the #2 Tweco (Same as your Lincoln) of my feeder. The last o-ring just barely sealed up. That's with the outer guide tube loose, so it would not hold the gun bayonet from seating. My New Binzel does not have that issue, and it's only the Radnor on that feeder. The Liner end was longer then most, and I took it to my belt sander gain some clearance.I think I have another Binzel back-end somewhere (#2/4 Tweco) I will take a look at that on to compare to your gun.From the very end of the Liner to the shoulder (Factory Lincoln magnum Pro- #2 Tweco) a overall length of 1.825 That guns seats into my Portafeed fine, along with my C-300, and LF-72- LN25 pro feeders...Last edited by Brand X; 02-06-2012 at 08:12 PM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Send those pictures to Jeff Noland at HTP and tell him what is wrong.  He will Help you with this.  [email protected] Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by mechanic416Send those pictures to Jeff Noland at HTP and tell him what is wrong.  He will Help you with this.  [email protected]
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmCan you just trim the plastic on the front of the machine to gain that extra 1/8"?
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XThose guns look like Binzel's of some sort. On my Thermal-arc Portafeed 17a, my Radnor (Made by Binzel) would not seat all the way in to the #2 Tweco (Same as your Lincoln) of my feeder. The last o-ring just barely sealed up. That's with the outer guide tube loose, so it would not hold the gun bayonet from seating. My New Binzel does not have that issue, and it's only the Radnor on that feeder. The Liner end was longer then most, and I took it to my belt sander gain some clearance.I think I have another Binzel back-end somewhere (#2/4 Tweco) I will take a look at that on to compare to your gun.From the very end of the Liner to the shoulder (Factory Lincoln magnum Pro- #2 Tweco) a overall length of 1.825 That guns seats into my Portafeed fine, along with my C-300, and LF-72- LN25 pro feeders...
Reply:I just ended up getting a real Binzel MB-15 AK in 12ft. The Tweco #11 tips screw in just fine. That's after I bought a whole bunch on Esab/Binzel tips. Cheap $$ either way.. The top is the Radnor, and the bottom is the Real Binzel. Dig that gun (12 ft Tweco #2) Had to belt sand the nozzle because it's recessed too far for me. Still a nice taper even after making it flush. Attached ImagesLast edited by Brand X; 02-06-2012 at 10:25 PM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Can't really picture the drive mounting on the 170t but if it's anything the sp200s you may be able to make it up with the slop in the drive mounting base. You do nice work by the way. Gregg.HammerFile Big Hammer------------------------------Here, let me Google that for you...
Reply:I don't know if this has anything to do with your issue but,  I own a 180c & a wirematic 255s.I bought a tweeko gun for the 255 a while back.  once I installed it on the 255s  I figured that I would put the magnum 250 gun onto the 180c  I had the same exact problem.Great idea Lincoln.. I think he gave you one for a "full size" machine, & not a 170tBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:WeldingMachine....thanks, when I get time I pull the gun off my PowerMIG 200 and see what the connector looks like.I asked Jeff Noland if this gun would fit the 200 and his reply was No. They have found that the PowerMIGs don't have a big enough hole in the front cover to allow the gun to fit.I said, "Really? My PowerMIG has a HUGE hole in the faceplate for the gun."   Attached ImagesLast edited by ZTFab; 02-07-2012 at 11:48 AM.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Looks like the receptacle is recessed by the same amount your new torch plug is too short by. I know you hate to whore up your welder but it looks like if you could open up the hole in the front panel so the plug face contacts the receptacle face, it would solve the mismatch.JoeMiller Syncrowave 200Mac/Miller MW130 MIGKalamazoo bandsawCincinnati Arrow 500 VMCColchester Dominion 15 x 36 lathe with 2 axis DRO
Reply:I'd much rather butcher the gun than my machine(s)....but I'd really rather not have to butcher anything since this gun is supposed to be a direct fit.I'm on the fence about modifying or just sending it back. I guess I was really hoping that HTP would have been more receptive to the problem since their customer service had appeared to be second to none.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Originally Posted by ZTFabI'd much rather butcher the gun than my machine(s)....but I'd really rather not have to butcher anything since this gun is supposed to be a direct fit.I'm on the fence about modifying or just sending it back. I guess I was really hoping that HTP would have been more receptive to the problem since their customer service had appeared to be second to none.
Reply:I was able to get the gas port to engage (barely) by removing the entire plastic gun support.I have been so busy that I haven't bothered with attempting to make a permanent solution....luckily before I did I received an email from Jeff at HTP;Paul,I thought you might like an update on the problems you had with your welding gun.A couple of days later I had another customer call with the same problem.  We also had another customer who purchased the gun that left negative feedback saying the gun did not fit, but never called or returned the gun so it did not put much credit in the negative feedback. The problem was not in the plug with the o-rings but was with the cable connector (hex piece).  The hole which is drilled into it was bored too deep, resulting the problem you encountered. I really appreciate the photos you sent, as when we developed the gun, the SP175/135 machines were still in production, and we could go to the local welding supply and try the guns on the machines (providing they had one in stock).  Now with the different feeder being used in the machines we no longer have that option. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience and I am glad you were able to make the gun work for you.Jeff NolandHTP America, Inc.I told Jeff that I would really like to exchange the gun with one that has been properly machined and he said no problem. As soon as they have the new ones they will ship one out with a call tag for the defective one.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Good to hear that they did the right thing.