HWooldridge Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I've asked this question on a couple other welding forums without much success so I'm hoping for better luck here... I bought one of these machines for not much money because it had been sitting idle for a while and would not start. I took it to a local Honda generator dealer who got it running for about $600 in parts and labor so it starts easily and runs fine; putting out the correct power at all of the plugs. The engine is strong and the machine only has about 300 hrs on it. However, the welding circuit has a problem because the machine will suddenly put out full power when welding, which melts the weld and rod all over the place. I was welding with it last week using 5/32" 6011 rods and all was going great then it suddenly starting acting like an arc gouger, blowing metal everywhere. I've done all types of welding for over 30 years so it's not operator technique and although I tried to pull the rod out to let the puddle cool, there just isn't much that can be done when the machine puts out full current. My son and I have tried to use the machine to weld several times and the occurrence rate is unpredictable. It happens frequently but not on every weld; maybe three or four times in any welding session and the timing is erratic - almost as if a relay is sticking. The Honda dealer said the "motherboard" goes out occasionally and it would be another $600 to replace it - but I'm not sure whether his diagnosis is anything beyond simply replacing more parts and hoping for a good outcome. I don't mind spending more money to get it welding consistently but I also don't want to throw good money after bad since it works as a gen-set. Any advice regarding repair would be appreciated. Thx, Hollis W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCal Dave Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Is there a local welder that might have experience with your type of welding machine, or a similar problem. Also, I would check with a welding school. They may also have experience with that type of problem. If the Honda dealer is not a welder, he may just be guessing what the problem is. Have you tried Thermal Arc themselves. They may be more help. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 This is why I will not sell these machines. Sounds like a pc board but it really needs to be checked out by someone who works on them. I haven't been impressed with any of there products since I got burned by the "Preditor". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 There are two Known issues with these units the High/low switch and the Motherboard both cause the weld load to "Dump" while welding . Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted February 6, 2013 Author Share Posted February 6, 2013 I called the factory today and they gave me some advice on things to try before replacing the MB (basic areas that should be cleaned). I'll pull it apart tonight and see if a little TLC will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 Well, I'm not ready to declare total victory but after replacing the vibration isolator buttons, resetting some wires and unplugging/replugging the main wire connector, I was able to weld with several different size electrodes without the machine running away. The only odd thing at this point is that the hi-lo idle switch is backwards. The "turtle" sign is full speed and the "rabbit" is idle. This was happening before I did anything but I thought it might go away after the repairs. I looked at the back of the switch but it's buried in a small board with some other items so I'm going to leave it alone. One of the duplex receptacles on the front panel is also dead but that's easily replaced. All things considered, I'm satisfied so long as nothing else craps out. I only used it for about ten minutes but had no issues during that time. This machine is a real joy to use when welding correctly - nice quiet arc and little spatter. Thanks to everyone for the responses...Hollis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Good to Hear you got it worked out . you may have crossed the hi/lo wires for the switch when you were cleaning things up if it does have issues replace that switch as it is a known issue . Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepdiver62 Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I recently purchased a Thermal Arc 10,000 ran fine had bout 600 hrs .ran fine then no power to the plugs on front ie 110 ect equipment plugs ..Then the motor revs up one morning now no weld currant. any ideas suggustions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cummins54 Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 Having similar problems can you go into more detail about what what wires you reset? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Bussard Posted June 10, 2023 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Where can I get a replacement motherboard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 10, 2023 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Did you look at the date of the above posts Carl? We haven't heard more about this 5 year old situation for 3 years. Have you called the manufacturer? Make a phone call, contacting virtually any large company online only puts you on the ignore list. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted June 11, 2023 Share Posted June 11, 2023 Welcome from the Ozark mountains. Have you tried googling, got lots of hits about it. What Frosty said, contact the mfg is best. Thermal Dynamics ESAB Colfax Corporation I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sails. ~ Semper Paratus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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