G225-K will not weld

[nelsonfarms20]

I have a G225-K and it quit welding, but will make a few sparks if you drag the electrode. The generator does not work right either. I was welding and it was working fine, I stopped for a minute and did not work when I tried to weld again. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

[canoecruiser]

Check to see if the armature is getting excitation voltage. They can self-excite as any alternator can but don't usually put out much power if they aren't being driven. If the output is very weak that would be where I would start. I don't have a manual but they typically have a troubleshooting guide. You can get replacement brushes here: http://www.carbonbrush.com/hobartbrush.htm.

[Northweldor]

Check to see if the armature is getting excitation voltage. They can self-excite as any alternator can but don't usually put out much power if they aren't being driven. If the output is very weak that would be where I would start. I don't have a manual but they typically have a troubleshooting guide. You can get replacement brushes here: http://www.carbonbrush.com/hobartbrush.htm.

When did you last check the brushes / armature, since it shouldn't lose excitation if it's being used regularly?

[canoecruiser]

It could be anything in the circuitry that supplies current to the armature....a corroded connection, dirty switch or a wire that just let go. That's assuming it IS the armature power that's at fault but a weak output would make that near the top of my list. I included the link to the brush supplier since a bad connection can be fixed by a shadetree mechanic but brushes, well, they are "special" and hard to fake. And hard to find too.

That is one thing the cut-rate angle grinder folks got right. The bearings chatter, the plastic housings are recycled Yugo floormats but they usually give you spare brushes. A quick armature dressing with an instrument file, scraping between the segments with a dental pick and putting in new brushes and they live again.....