Can't establish welding arc

[jisco43]

I have a Millermatic 130XP Mig machine. Was welding fine 2 wks. ago but as of 3 days ago it will only spark when squeezing the trigger. It wont create a welding arc at any setting. I've checked all connections inside & out and everything looks fine. I live in S.E. Ohio and the repair shops that are listed by Miller are 4 - 5 wks. backed up. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[MAC702]

Does it feed wire, but you only get a spark instead of an arc, or is it not feeding wire? Was the work clamp lead among the connections that you checked?

[jisco43]

Yes, the wire feeds fine. No, I checked all the connections but the ground clamp.

[tackit]

It's a long shot but check the wire for rust, sometimes it's there but can't be seen, running a clean cloth over it will let you know if it's there.. also clean the wire drive wheels, rust can build up on them too. Check the size of the tip and don't over tighten them. Ground clamps also need to be maintained and replaced when damaged.

[jisco43]

Thanks tackit, I'll do that. Gonna get some contact cleaner and start unplugging the connections on the rectifier relays, etc. I had a similar problem years ago on my Lincoln Idealarc 250 and it was a bad rectifier. Replaced by Lincoln under warranty.
I'm a retired lineman and understand how to get the power to a home or business but sure would like a tech/service manual specific to this machine.

[tackit]

Your welcome... I Hope you get working again, this close to Christmas is a bad time for an unexpected welder repair expense to show up.

[jisco43]

Thank you and yes the timing couldn't be worse. Christmas coming and 3 grandchildren. LOL

[ryanjones2150]

Xmas just slows me down so I skip it.

[tackit]

Not to worry, in just a few more years millennials will have enough votes to make it legal to shoot Christians dead on sight.

This is funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGvrmltfMrA

[griff01]

That video was hilarious and sad!

Griff

[tackit]

It's very scary too, perhaps immigration is the only medicine that can save us from ourselves.

[ryanjones2150]

Their theme song....<br />
<br />
https://youtu.be/KHPfgsTVTjA

[arc_doctor]

have you tried switching out the gun for a known good 1? I see this problem a lot and it usually leads to a bad mig gun

[jisco43]

No, but going to order one to try. After all the reading, that's what I'm suspecting. The machine has been well taken care of, but the gun has been accidently abused. Thanks!

[jisco43]

have you tried switching out the gun for a known good 1? I see this problem a lot and it usually leads to a bad mig gun

Well arc_doctor, received a new gun and it made NO difference. Still won't establish an
arc. Just spatters leaving what looks like someone unskilled trying to weld with 6010 and sticking the rod. Been a good machine. Can't give up on it yet!