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Unimig 240 arc problem. Technician fixed.

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 12:33 pm
by BlueSuzy
Please help!

I have been borrowing a mates unimig240 welder for a year or more now. It was bought new. And still looks new.

I have been constantly using it for the past 3 weeks tacking parts onto a chassis. But since yesterday, It doesn't seem to be arcing properly. Everything runs as normal, no overload on, wire feeds nice, but when it arcs, if it arcs, 1 in 50 chance, it only lasts for a split second.

I have gone right through the leads, everything looks and feels nice. Earths and connections and wiring internally are tight in both leads. Still like new.
Metal is clean.
No overload on, when this is on, nothing goes.
Fan seems to want to go when it wants..Not even using the thing properly and it goes
Didn't change any settings


I am mega confused, it was working, now isn't. I'm taking the leads to work today to test on an older Unimig, hopefully they are similar connections. If they work, looks like the unit is up to sh!t and i own it :lol: :?

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 12:41 pm
by forkcy
i very much doubt that it would be a problem but have you changed the tip

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 12:46 pm
by BlueSuzy
The whole nozzle/tip is clean from spatter etc. Shroud is not arcing out. Tested gun with no shroud. Same same. It was same as yesterday when it was working...

I will change the tip at work.

Has me stumped..

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:17 pm
by BlueSuzy
earth and gun work perfect. Tested with an old unimig at work.

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:46 pm
by STIKA
Check the settings on the front it may have been set to spot weld

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:05 am
by BlueSuzy
WIN! :armsup: :D

Turned unit off.

Hold front button in, turn it on, hold button for 3-5 seconds. This resets the machine. (Guy also said, if the model has 2 buttons, hold them both in)

Nothing flashes or lights up or makes any noise tell you its done it. But it has!

This machine is a UNIMIG 240, 240v, Full digital display. 1 button to change settings, and one dial to change temps.

I now have a Hot glue gun that i still don't own. :lol:

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem. Fixed. Simple reset.

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:43 am
by RAY185
So you must have unknowingly changed a setting. Either spot like stika suggested, or some other timer control. Instructions are usually online if you haven't got a copy and you're interested on what it was and how you activated it.

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem. Fixed. Simple reset.

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:49 am
by BlueSuzy
Spoke too soon. It welded for abit..Now its back to not working. Going to take it into Unimig..

There is only 1 small 10mm button. The one button goes through each setting, Then you turn the dial to adjust each individual setting when highlighted. I hate digital.

On the display, it normally says the last amps it ran at. Its saying 000.. MIght be a hint.

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem.

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:27 pm
by bru21
contactor may hav had it. mine died in my 240 after a few years use

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:20 am
by BlueSuzy
bru21 wrote:contactor may hav had it. mine died in my 240 after a few years use
Im going to replace the tip to a .9 and retest tonight. Been using a 1mm fine with .9 wire. AND, the 1mm was fine at work with .9 wire..

If it doesnt work, Its going to unimig/welding guns of australia. Next day service. :armsup:

I rang another place in stmarys, 2week wait!

Re: Unimig 240 arc problem.

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 12:22 pm
by BlueSuzy
So, Took it to Unimig/Villawood.

Verdict: Main board shit itself. Unusual problem the bloke said. It wasnt turning on the main contactor to power the arc..

Price: Free! He said oh its christmas, don't worry about it! Was there for an hour! Legend :)