Anyone have a foot pedal go bad?

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Hey guys my Lincoln 870 amptrol seems to be on the fritz, just wondered if its common for these to go out and if there is something to repair in them?Its riveted together so I thought I would ask the experts here before I drill it out and the LWS opens on Mon.I have a torch mounted contacter to use for a while but it dosent allow for variable current so I would like to get the pedal up and running.Are these a common failure item?TIASrLincoln Squarewave 255Miller Coolmate IIISpeedway 320Lots of melted mess so far
Reply:I have seen broken wires, loose gears, and mechanical misalignments.  I do not know if these were common. Once you determine your foot pedal is broken, what have you to lose by carefully opening it up?  It is already broken, it can't get much worse.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:On many foot pedals there are two components an on/off switch and a potentiometer for variable amp control.  As stated it could be a mechanical problem, which you should be able to see.  An electrical problem would require an Ohmmeter to check.  Disconnect it from the welder and open it up.  Check the on/off switch to see if it’s working.  And then the potentiometer it has 3 connections.  You can check to see if it’s working by checking across the two outside connections to see if the pot is open or shorted.  Most seem to be a value of 5,000 to 10,ooo ohms total.  Then go from one outside to the center connection and move the foot pedal to see if it changes.  This should show from 0 ohms to max total ohms or the reverse depending on how it moves.  Pots can wear out or get dust inside to cause them to go bad.  You can buy a multimeter (ohm meter) at Home Depot, radioshack,  Harbor frieght cheap.Hope this helpsTom Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by Sr SQIts riveted together .............
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterOn many foot pedals there are two components an on/off switch and a potentiometer for variable amp control.  As stated it could be a mechanical problem, which you should be able to see.  An electrical problem would require an Ohmmeter to check.  Disconnect it from the welder and open it up.  Check the on/off switch to see if it’s working.  And then the potentiometer it has 3 connections.  You can check to see if it’s working by checking across the two outside connections to see if the pot is open or shorted.  Most seem to be a value of 5,000 to 10,ooo ohms total.  Then go from one outside to the center connection and move the foot pedal to see if it changes.  This should show from 0 ohms to max total ohms or the reverse depending on how it moves.  Pots can wear out or get dust inside to cause them to go bad.  You can buy a multimeter (ohm meter) at Home Depot, radioshack,  Harbor frieght cheap.Hope this helpsTom
Reply:Well guys the WW rules again Turns out it the cable had a broken wire, after using the tips you all posted up I was able to get it apart and test the connections.Replaced the wire and I'm back i business again.Thanks againSrLincoln Squarewave 255Miller Coolmate IIISpeedway 320Lots of melted mess so far
Reply:Glad that I could be of help.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Great jobThe old feel good DIY shows its self again.have funTom