MM35 with poor strike arc

[jimco]

I have an old white face MM 35 that I have finally finished upgrading with a new gun, replaced all the rotted insalated cable. It seems as though It has a tough time starting an arc. Is it just the way it was back then or could there be a weak or bad component inside? Thanks and Merry Christmas

[galencwi]

I assume your referring to the millermatic 35?

Have you checked to see if the ground is connected in the machine correctly? Ive had one pull off the connection post before

[jimco]

Yes the MillerMatic 35. The outside connections are tight, And I replaced the cable leads back into the machine. I wiil recheck that, Thanks

[duaneb55]

jimco,

You could be looking at tired, old output capacitors.

A long shot but maybe dirty weld contactor contacts??

[jimco]

Is it possible to check caps? I will also check the connections. Thanks for the ideas.

[duaneb55]

Unfortunately, the typical quick charge/discharge test with a VOM doesn't tell you anything definate regarding capacitance, leakage, etc. For that a quality capacitor tester is required.

Just the same, the charge/discharge test can identify shorted/open caps and any that don't charge/discharge at the same rate as the others which can be used as an indicator.

[jimco]

Thanks for the info.......