L-tech heliarc 250 troubles

[800MJ]

on high frequencey its cutting out. will arc and run for 5 seconds and then the arc cuts out. he can make another contact and itll run again for 5 seconds and then arc cuts out. its running off a double 30 breaker dryer plug at our house now that we know needs to be upgraded to a 50, but only recently the machine has given us troubles. we had abco put a new pc board in it and the gas soliniod is shot, but we bypass it. abco says its outdated and they cant do much to fix it, but who knows how smart the guy behind the counter is. its my dads welder that he bought new in 86 and used in his shop for 25 years. it ran flawless till recently. anyone have any ideas?

[Pin Head]

On AC?

If AC, do you have the HF switch on "continuous" (instead of off or start)?

Did you try adjusting the HF intensity?

Adjust the spark gaps to .025 inch as Charles said.

If you need a manual you can download one at esabna.com or pm me.

BTW, it really needs a 100 A circuit to run full bore. I have a 50A circuit and I can only run at about 200 A.

[800MJ]

ok thanks alot. my dad is going to adjust the points and we will get a 100 A breaker to run it. i dont know much about what to buy to make it work. i asked an electrician and he told me for a welder i would need two 50A breakers and number 8 wire? i understand the 50A breakers, and can i just go ask for #8 wire at the hardware store?

[Pin Head]

If the arc stops because it pops the 30A circuit breaker, then go ahead and up grade the circuit. It really needs a two pole 100A breaker, but my box is a 100A box and the biggest breaker I can get is 50A.

If the arc stops for some other reason, there is no point in upgrading the circuit until you find out if the welder can be fixed.

Does it only do it on AC?
Do you have the continuous HF switch set properly?
Did you adjust the HF intensity?

If the arc extinguishes on DC, then something is fishy. How does it run stick electrodes on DC?