sae 400 repair question

admin

I have an opportunity to buy a lincoln sae 400 with a perkins diesel that needs repair. Specifically the guy says the generator exciter is out, is this a big deal? Please keep in mind  , I am mechanically inclined, but know little of welder repair. Is this an expensive or hard to do repair? I can get the welder for about $4500. Motor sounds great, no smoke or leaks that I can find, no bubbles in water, etc.
Reply:It's impossible to say without knowing specifically what is wrong with the exciter.  It could be as simple as a failed oil pressure switch not allowing the exciter to flash, or as bad as a broken exciter bracket causing the exciter stator to shift and rub against the rotor.  This would likely take out both the exciter rotor and stator.If It's an older machine, it may even have a DC exciter.