hubby has a butters welder a few times that ive been using it and him too the gas doesnt seem to stop comming out of it have to pull the trigger again and weld for a min to get it to stop whats wrong with it
jenny
Does it have a gas valve in the torch, or a switch, like on a euro torch, to operate a solenoid valve in the welder itself?
If it has a valve in the torch, it could well need cleaning up or replacing. If it has a solenoid valve I'd check the switch terminals for correct operation.
It could be a loose connection between the trigger and the valve, assuming it has one?
If the trigger is the valve then it could it be sticking, maybe a bit of dirt in the trigger, etc.
Either way you'll need to take the torch apart, usually four screws or so. If it's the type that has a valve on the trigger then squirt it with WD40 and work it a few times. Otherwise check the wiring connections, maybe with a multimeter to show there's no breaks back to the valve or relay in the main box.
Try the simple stuff first. If you're taking covers off make sure the mains plug is out of the socket. Double check the mains plug is out before you touch any wires!
Post a photo of the torch with the cover off, it may help with advice from others.
If the fault hasn't been cured when you've changed the old euro torch for a brand new one, then I think it's fair to say the problem lies with the solenoid gas valve inside the welder.
You will have to open up the welder to investigate further. If the welder is still in warrenty then it's time to return it.
Unplug welder from mains, remove covers, look for gas pipe coming into welder (from bottle) should go to a solenoid valve (usally brass coloured) try giving this couple of sharp taps with something like a decent screwdriver handle this may free valve. Don't hit plastic bit on top of brass bit!. If this fails next step is to check power to solenoid.
would the valve be operated by a relay? if so, and it's sticking /on/ then could the relay have 'sticky' contacts? I've seen a situation (admittedly on a PABX!) where the relay contacts were dirty/pitted and they stuck together...something like a mini-arc apparently 'welded' them but they popped apart when I flicked them.
The relay contact needed a clean up and were OK after that in this specific situation. is there a chance it's something like that with this welder?
Hi Peter, the gasvalve is electrical in parrallel connection with the main contactor. So, if the maincontactor is working fine there must be something wrong with the gasvalve. There must be, by activating the valve, 42 Volts ac on the valve.
Just came across this old thread.
I’ve had the same problem with my Butters 170C from new and it’s NOT the solenoid. On very short bursts (less than 1 sec) the power remains on and hold the gas solenoid open EVEN when the power switch at the front is turned off; the power has to be unplugged for it to close the valve or the trigger has to be pulled again to break the power on cycle. This can also happen at random interval when welding.
I have only just realised this is a power issue after owning this welder for 3 years plus as I recently discharged a whole cylinder of gas whilst doing some welding having been doing some other work for an hour or so while I left the welder powered on.
Has anyone got any idea what’s going on here please?