MK Products Sidewinder - Manual (Page 13)

Sidewinder ® MiniSpool™ Gun Owner's Manual - Page 5
Section E Troubleshooting
The Sidewinder ® MiniSpool™ gun operates on a very simple principle.
The torch trigger is designed so that when it is partially depressed, gas flow
starts via the valve located in the torch body, prior to ignition of the arc. When
the trigger is partially released after welding (extinguishing the arc), gas flow
continues until the trigger is fully released;
built-in pre and post gas flow.
The 12VDC torch motor is controlled by a solid state speed control externally
located in either the welding power supply or in a MK speed control module,
while the gas valve is located in the body of the gun. All other function of the
welding process, when using the Sidewinder
® , occurrs at external devices
(welding power supply, motor voltage control and gas supply).
Problems with the wire feed speed or motor voltage are related to the
external speed control device while gas flow may be a problem within the
gun body (gas valve). The path of the wire through the gun may become
obstructed by debris.
Troubleshooting Guide
Trouble Cause Remedy
No wire feed at
torch.
Check fuse in speed control
device.
Replace fuse.
Micro-switch defective/not
being activated. Replace switch. Check
switch for operation.
Broken electrical cable.
Check micro-switch wires for
continuity.
Wire feeds, but
welding wire is not
energized.
Loose or no cable
connections. Check all power
connections.
Welding power source.
Check power source
manual.
Wire feeds
erratically.
Idler roll stuck.
Check for lock washer
under idler roll, or replace if
damaged.
Wrong size contact tip.
See contact tip table.
Wire walks out of
drive rolls.
Idler roll upside-down.
Place groove in idler roll
toward top.
Rear wire guide missing. Replace wire guide.
Poor gas flow/
coverage.
Bad gas hose end
connections or not enough
gas flow from flow regulator.
Inspect all gas hose
connections and hose
integrity. Adjust gas flow
rate at flow regulator.
Gas cup and gas ports
misaligned or clogged. Remove gas cup and
inspect gas ports at diffuser.