need some help with sa 200 questions

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first i have a 69 sa 200  and dont  think i can run my grinder on it.  i did plug it in but my machine doesnt idle up when i hit the switch on the grinder.  do i need a exciter put on??? if so what am i looking at in cost and can i install myself?  next ....im not sure if my temp gauge is working.  how can i check and make sure??  the gauge doesnt move much so im not sure.   is the anode bad going to the block??  last is the muffler.  im wanting to replace and just want to put a straight  stainless on it.  i believe it had the original on it cause its long and tapered from the manifold up and increases in size then tapers back down.  whats the easiest way to get it out since it seems to be very rusted i would hate for it to break while getting it out.  any help would be greatly appreciated.  if you have answers or advice please pm me.  your help and wisdom is greatly appreciated..
Reply:OK, not sure why no one answered your questions, but your machine comes stock with vacuum idle. When you strike an arc and it idles up to weld the vacuum idler is what does this. Unless you have a Grind-Eze it will not idle up with the grinder. The Grind-Eze is a separate, after market item. I'm sure there are folks that can tell you where to buy them, I can't. There should be a chain with a cotter pin attached to it hanging from your vacuum idler. Pin it in one of the holes to idle up for the grinder, un-pin when your finished. You can also convert to electric idler for $450.00+. The heat gauge probably needs replaced or has a bad connection. Could be the anode/sending unit. The SA 200 comes from the factory without a muffler. There are those that claim installing a muffler causes burnt valves from back pressure. Many people add them, many people don't. Find one you like and put it on there if you want to, your call. The AWS Forum answers many questions about SA 200s too. http://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/forum_show.plScroll down to "Gear" and open it. There is a post there that has a website to order mufflers and unless I'm mistaken the Grind-Eze is mentioned in several posts too, and there are many questions answered there as well as here, with a little research. Good luck!Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:hey buddy thx for the info.  greatly appreciated.  i figured they came with out mufflers just wasnt sure.  as far as pinning the vac idler does it matter on the wholes??
Reply:Which ever hole idles to suit you and run the grinder. There are a couple of options, try them all.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:gotcha thx.  what about the thermostat?
Reply:or gauge actually it just doesnt move much.  i checked on that other website but i didnt get much info on the gauge or thermo
Reply:The engine should run from 160 degrees to 190 degrees. If the gauge isn't working look at connections. Theres really not much to go wrong with them. It's either the gauge, the sending unit or the wire connecting them. There are several threads here dealing with both the thermostat and the heat gauge. Use the "Search" function on the bar above the threads to find them. Look in the "Lincoln" section of the forum if the search function defeats you. I'm not good at key word searches and usually just look thru the forums. AWS Forum under the "gear" has lots of info for the SA 200 too. http://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/forum_show.pl   Good Luck!Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:dg09us,First, if you're going to own an SA200 then go here http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...ualsearch.aspx and get the correct Operator's Manual based on your units Code#Then put http://billswelderrepair.com/home.html, http://www.weldmart.com/default.htm,  http://www.stumpfweldingsupplies.com/index.html and http://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/board_show.pl?bid=44 in your favorites list for parts and valuable information.  Kaye and Bill at Bill's Welder Repair are awesome for telephone technical support and I'm sure the others are as well.And go here http://www.weldmart.com/SA200%20CATA...EST%20FORM.htm to request your free CD on the SA200 from Weldmart (I think gizzardgutz has one).  No SA200 owner should be without one.Now as for your exciter question, the exciter is what generates the DC voltage used by the welder to generate welding output as well as the power for your auxiliary outlet.  So, your unit already has one.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:thx again giz and duane.  i do have those websites as favorites but just had some trouble researching.  not really familiar with the forums.  thx again to both of you.
Reply:I noticed that when i use my grinder on my 69 it doesnt idle back up.  Does this have to do with the vacuum?