Lincoln Ideal Arc 250 problem

[M1dwally]

I have a very low hour, immaculate Ideal Arc 250 that I recently pulled out of storage and hooked up. TIG welded an aluminum timing cover with no issues until it failed to start an arc. Cleaned the spark gap and cleaned dust off the circuit boards. It worked for about 10 minutes, now if it starts an arc it will start and stop like a MIG on stitch weld. I have electrical diagnostic skills, no welding machine experience, looking for a place to start. Thanks in advance.

[ccawgc]

Check HF switch. Make sure it is set on continuous for AC welding. Start is for DC.
If you try to use start in AC the arc will start and stop. like you are describing.

[M1dwally]

Thanks for the reply, the problem occurs regardless and the switch has been tested. I've read elsewhere that this is a known/common issue, just can't remember what the average fix was. Seem to remember it was the rectifiers or ballast. Was hoping someone had same issue before I tear into it.

[Welder Dave]

Go down to the Lincoln forum and you'll see the same topic.