Lincoln Electric VANTAGE 400 Service Manual page 55

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Observe Safety Guidelines detailed in the beginning of this manual.
PROBLEMS
(SYMPTOMS)
The machine will weld but the
welding arc is "COLD". The
engine runs normally and the aux-
iliary power is normal.
If for any reason you do not understand the test procedures or are unable to perform the tests/repairs safely,
contact the Lincoln Electric Service Department for technical troubleshooting assistance before you proceed.
Call 1-888-935-3877.
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR
POSSIBLE AREAS OF
MISADJUSTMENT(S)
FUNCTION PROBLEMS
Make sure the machine is properly
set for the electrode and process
is being used. Check electrode
size, mode switch setting, and
amps or voltage setting. If gas is
used make sure of correct type
and gas flow.
Make sure the process does not
demand more power than the
machine can produce.
If the current is correct try increas-
ing the "ARC CONTROL" setting.
Check for loose or faulty connec-
tions at the weld output terminals
and welding cable connections.
Check for good connections
between the work cable and the
work piece. The work cable
should be attached to clean metal,
as close to the weld area as possi-
ble. The work clamp must be in
good condition with good spring
tension.
The weld cables may be too long,
or too small diameter causing
excessive voltage drop.
The weld cables may be coiled, or
wrapped around metal racks or
reels. This can cause excessive
inductance in the weld circuit. Try
welding with a short set of ade-
quately sized weld cables.
CAUTION
VANTAGE® 400
RECOMMENDED
COURSE OF ACTION
The engine RPM may be too low.
Perform the Engine Throttle
Adjustment Test.
Connect the machine to a resistive
load bank. Connect an accurate
ammeter and volt meter to the out-
put of the machine. Connect a
tachometer, Hz meter or another
method to measure engine RPM.
Place the mode switch in "CC-
STICK, turn the output control to
maximum idle switch to "HIGH"
terminal switch to "WELD TERMI-
NALS ON". Nothing else attached
or plugged into machine (No aux.,
no control cables). Start the
machine allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Apply a load with the load bank.
Load to 300 Amps, 32 Volts, 100%
Duty Cycle.
The engine should maintain 3350
RPM.
If the engine cannot maintain the
RPM make sure there is a supply
of clean fresh fuel.
Check the fuel filter and the air fil-
ter.
Replace any filter that is dirty; or
damaged.
If this doesn't help have the
engine serviced.
Compare the volt and amp read-
ings displayed on the machine
with that of the load bank. If these
are significantly different, perform
the WELD CONTROL FEED-
BACK TEST.
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