Spark gap adjustment and cleaning.

[hool10]

After using my Miller Dynasty 350 for 4 years and recently used for a job the pulser option, the arc couldn't ground and strike an arc. It kept sputtering around everywhere. So I found out the issue was the "spark tips" and they have to be cleaned and adjusted every 6 months. I couldn't find them anywhere and I am assuming it is where the transformers are which is behind the front fan. It may be the reason why in the service manual it says "To be done by Factory Authorized Service Agent". Does it have to cleaned by them or can I do it myself? I don't want to get killed cleaning them.

[cope]

The trick is locating them, and getting the correct gap. Cruizer should be along soon. He is a Miller service guru. As long as the machine is unplugged, you should be OK.

[duaneb55]

The reason you can find any HF spark points in the inverter Dynasty is because it doesn't have them. HF energy is created by HF board PC7 and coupled to the weld output thru coupling transformer T3.

Where exactly in the Dynasty 350 manual did you read about them?

Did you try resetting to factory default settings?

[cruizer]

I don't recollect nor does the wiring diagrams show HF points. Since the unit turns off the HF a milli second after the torch is struck, there is no need for them. The HF board does have a built in HF generator. However if the torch is lit, and then your having problems, the error has zero to do with the HF system anyways. If it doesn't strike then yes.

[hool10]

On Page 73: http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o245729c_mil.pdf It says the spark gap size and to do it every 6 months.

[gouch95]

Dyn #50 Points

It would have to be a pre Blue lightning 350. I just put new points in mine at work take the Right side cover off they are on a board at the very front of the Machine I unpluged the two sets of wires and removed the four screws and installed the points on my bench. seemed easier than trying to do it in the Machine .008- .012 is the Gap they bigger the more forceful the spark will jump. also my experience they can be cleaned maybe once if not to bad. otherwise just change them.

[duaneb55]

Well lookie there. I stand corrected.

Located on HF board PC7 - which is why they don't show up on the wiring diagram.

[Arizona Joe]

Good work Duane!

Well lookie there. I stand corrected.

Located on HF board PC7 - which is why they don't show up on the wiring diagram.

I must admit that I looked at the schematic the other day but could not find the spark gap. Now just to be sure I'm following this, is the spark gap connected across J1 and J2? Also, is it on all the time or does it go on and off? I would guess it pulses since it looks very much like the ignition system in an old car. The spark gap is the points and T3 is the coil. Anyway, in appreciation for your find Duane, I hereby award you one Mr. Cool

[davido30093]

Thanks gouch95 and duaneb55. Great info.

[cruizer]

No its only there for start. There is no continuous

[hool10]

I think I have a Blue Lightning model because there are no points. I blew it out again and welded for a bit and it got better and better until now there is no problem. Really strange. This model is from October 2010.

[H80N]

Blue Lightning

I think I have a Blue Lightning model because there are no points. I blew it out again and welded for a bit and it got better and better until now there is no problem. Really strange. This model is from October 2010.

for Dynasty 200DX models...

Blue Lightning started at Serial number LJ280222L and above

Not sure about the Dynasty 350DX

Cruizer would know..

Did find this... but it could use confirmation

The Blue Lightening feature was added to the 350's and 700's at serial #LK37000L which was manufactured on 10/15/09.

[duaneb55]

I think I have a Blue Lightning model because there are no points. I blew it out again and welded for a bit and it got better and better until now there is no problem. Really strange. This model is from October 2010.

Posting up the ever elusive unit SN should help clarify.