Problems with wire matic 250 (made in 1993)

[broncstomper]

I have have just acquired a wirematic 250 in need of repair. I don't know the history at all. when i got it it had a roll of aluminum wire in the feeder.When you cut it on the light comes on and i can hear the transformer hum but no fans( maybe they are on thermostat).the wire will not feed but i took the gun apart and crossed the wires and still nothing. I don't know where to start , any suggestions? please help.
William

[David R]

I have the same machine. Its Great. I was even spray welding with .035. The fan only comes on when you work it hard. If the fan is running, don't turn it off or unplug the machine till it stops.

Pull the trigger and watch the drive rolls. If they turn, its a mechanical thing. Aluminum does not feed for crap when its push only. You could have a plugged liner or a birdsnest.

It sounds like the trigger is working because you say it humms when its on.

If the drive rolls do not turn, I would check the wires from the gun at the machine. Short the connection where the wires come from the whip to the machine on the machine side. Only do this if you are confident in your electrical skills. You should also look for a fuse, but I do not know where it is.

When you first pull the trigger, the wire comes out real slow, then once the arc is established, it goes up to the set speed. If no arc starts in a few seconds it will come up to speed anyhow.

If you go to the loncoln website, you can down load an owners manual for free.

Good luck
David

[broncstomper]

thanks , i have alredy crossed the trigger wires and the wire feed rolls don't move at all. also the gas solenoid doesn't click. I don't know if it should. I think the problem is electrical but i couldn't find any fuse

[DGB]

thanks , i have alredy crossed the trigger wires and the wire feed rolls don't move at all. also the gas solenoid doesn't click. I don't know if it should. I think the problem is electrical but i couldn't find any fuse

Sounds like the common power source for the wire feed and the gas solenoid is not there. I'm not familiar with your particular machine electrical wise but I would bet there is a bad connection or fuse out as was suggested. It is probably a 120 VAC supply and it may come from a transformer on the machine. However, the hum you get seems to indicate something is happening. Do you have a test meter and a wiring diagram?

[broncstomper]

yeah definitly no power. I get power going into the board but nothing coming out. Found out that the board new is $1000.00 SO NOW I'VE GOT TO TEST EVERY PART ON THAT BOARD, that will take a while. I would love any advice.