Fixing solenoid

[DrBob]

I own a Harbor Freight 220v Dual Mig Welder model 151. I know, I know. It's a Chinese piece of crap. Last weekend, it stopped feeding wire and the gas wouldn't turn off as long as the machine was on. In addition, it wouldn't spark. I took it to a welding supply and repair house and the guy found a wire which had come loose. This fixed the sparking and wire feed problem, but the gas is still on as long as the machine is on. In the machine manual, it says this is caused by a dirty solenoid and to clean the solenoid.

Anyone have any ideas where I find the solenoid and how to lcean it?

:confused:

[terry lingle]

Take the cover off after unpluging the machine unplug one of the solenoid wires and tape it up for safety. Plug the machine in turn the gas on and turn it on. If you have gas flow the solenoid is fautly if not the control circuit is the culprit . turn off the gas and unplug the machine again before working inside the case .
If it is the solenoid valve they are easy to take apart and clean just be carefull not to damage any gaskets or springs.
check that the coil has not overheated and damaged the mechanical part onf the solenoid. It may have been destroyed during the sparking event.

if it is the control side the gun trigger often pulls a relay one set of contacts power the solenoid the others run the motor and energise the gun if it is a cold gun machine look for stuck closed contacts on that relay HTH Terry

[Inkydoggy]

I know this is an old post but the correct answer is there really is no electric solenoid in the welder. Instead they put a push button valve incorporated into the switch in the gun. It is a small plastic piece that has the gas hose and the liner inserted into the rear of it. To clean it be careful as it is spring loaded. You have to take the plastic valve out of the gun. Then you will see a stainless tab on top of it. Push this tab out with a screw driver but be careful to hold it down as you push it out or the spring inside will go flying off to no mans land then you will either have to find it or get another spring. The gas flow is turned on and off by actuating the trigger on the gun. When you push the gun trigger it in turn pushes the valve open to turn on the gas flow. Very simple but very cheap way to do it. :cool:

[mla2ofus]

No wonder they can sell 'em so cheap!!
Mike