sa200 worth rebuilding????

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hi im new here but have read a lot of post on this site and i thank all of you because it has helped me many times!!!   any how, i have a 70s era sa200 and it is using about 1 1/2 to 2 qurats of oil an hour (using straight 50wt and an oil additive!!!!) i have already done a valve job on the machine and it runs great and welds great it just smokes like a freight train! lol    i noticed the exciter has a slite wobble to it (dont know if that is a sign that the armature bering is going out or not) and the auto idel does not work. despite all of this i think the machine is woth rebuilding.                   i know i can rebuild the engin for 500$ might as well replace the armature bering while im in there to 20$-30$ (if anyone could shed some light on that procedure too that would be nice) an auto idel kit is around 200$.  so i know im looking at right at 1000$.  i am an agg/industrial mechanic and i do some welding. things dont pick up i might pick up pipe welding. the machine would be perfict for that but is a little to big for what i do right now.   my main worrie is the buissnes end (armature,eciter,ect). i know my machine welds good but just cause it welds fine dosnt mean ther isnt a problem. ecspecialy on a 30 year old machine.sorry for being so long but your comments would be appriceatedthanks for all the helpRyan
Reply:well I have seen this happen a couple of times , if you do a valve job do rings as well , I did a valve job on a l-134 jeep that run fine but then started burning oil pulled it down and valves being re done changed the preasure in cylinders and broke the rings , mind you this engine had lots of hours on it , I put in new rings and ta da still going, as for the other stuff stumpf welding supply (618)566-4733 these folks are real good on parts for the sa 200s , I have delt with them and very happy with results
Reply:Welcome to the forum aggmechanic.Worth rebuilding?  You betcha!  But this time go all the way.  If you can't justify the expense just let me know and I'll come haul it away for ya.Good luck!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:thanks fellas apriciate the input! juust orderd a rebuild kit from moter inc. about to tear the machine down. just have one more question how do you replace the armuture bering? perttey sure its self explanatory but havent ever split a welder. thanks for the help!also i know the acc reciptical is 120 dcv will it hurt the welder to run a ac rated grinder (4in dewalt grinder)ryanps aint exactly an english major so excuse the spelling
Reply:DO NOT plug that grinder in! ILL give you a number for my mech. Dude is realy good about helpn over the phone. Randy-  623 326 7502Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:If it was mine I would do it no ???? asked. I am my own labor and what not. Price a new 200D $12,000you do the math.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."