I'm hoping someone might be able to help with a fault on my Portamig Motamig 160 model. I recently bought it secondhand, the guy appeared to be quite genuine and it doesn't look like it's had a lot of use and general condition reflects that. However it doesn't deliver enough power to provide decent weld penetration even on 20 gauge car bodywork unless you crank up the output switch to 5 or 6, which is max setting. On removal of the cover I've found that the connection cables from the rectifier output to the smoothing capacitor have overheated. The capacitor itself only has signs of overheating on the terminals, the main body looks fine.
My question is why has the cable overheated? Is it because the capacitor has failed to earth, or is there something else that could cause the problem, ie could rectifier malfunction be a cause? I've ordered a suitable replacement capacitor and making up new connections won't be a challenge but before I fit the new bits I'm wondering if there's any tests I can do to confirm that the rest of the equipment in the welder is working ok. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks, Andy
My question is why has the cable overheated? Is it because the capacitor has failed to earth, or is there something else that could cause the problem, ie could rectifier malfunction be a cause? I've ordered a suitable replacement capacitor and making up new connections won't be a challenge but before I fit the new bits I'm wondering if there's any tests I can do to confirm that the rest of the equipment in the welder is working ok. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks, Andy