To all you welders out there, both beginner and seasoned. The biggest enemy to your welders and your whip is DIRT.
Please take the time to use LP air and blow out your welder. Not just around the feed rollers, which need it frequently, but inside the case. Dust from the air or especially fron your grinder can cause multitude of porblems that mock bigger problems.
If you use your welder a lot then blow it out at least once a week. Otherwise monthly will do. Also take your whip off the machine and pull the wire out and unscrew the contact tip. Place the nozzle of your air gun into the liner and blow it out. Do not be suprised if a little puff of black dust comes out the other end.
The metal content of the grinder dust can infiltrate your relays and contacts and make them inoperable or give you erratic welding results.
I have found that when you blow out your machine on a regular basis you will give it a longer life. This is especially important for Generator-welders. As you not only have the regular welding dust to contend with, but the road dust and dirt that collects.
Good luck out there and happy welding
no1fisherman