100e welder on its way out?

[FabTasticDay]

I've had my my 100e for a fair few years now (probably nearly 15!) and its always served me well.
Been fabricating a bed system for my van over the past few months and have been getting a few issues

I can be running a nice bead on a section (20x20x2mm MS box) then i'll strike again and end up with a porous weld, it almost looks like the gas is igniting at points.
The steel is brand new, de-greased and clean. The gas bottles (Sip co2 argon mix) havent seemed to last 5 minutes either and i have noticed the regulator doesnt seem to do anything below setting 4.

Also had trouble doing vertical welds, which have never been an issue before, again, sometimes they are fine, other times they ball and fuse to the shroud.

Could the welded ( or the oppo ) just be getting past it, would a new reg help?

Cheers!
Matt

 

[Rig Pig]

A new regulator and proper bottle will save you a fortune over the little SIP throwaway ones!

Can you hear the gas flowing when you have a problem welding - could be your gas solenoid is sticky.

 

[BrokenBiker]

sounds like a gas problem. I would.buy a new wescol reg and a decent bottle of rent free if you don't do a great deal or welding in the grand scheme of things.

also check for leaks in the gas system, leak detector spray is good, but soapy water, wd40 or anything wet will work to an extent just be aware of working near electricity