faulty gas valve?

[gaz_moose]

the gas valve in my tig does not work.it has never worked the whole time i have had the welder when i got it i did not think it had a valve inside it but someone on here pointed out that a Hf start tig usually have valves so i opened it up to investigate.
the valve has 3 male spade connectors on it but only 2 are connected and there are no loose wires etc.. or obvious faults that i can see
is there a way i can test the valve? i put a meter across it and had continuity on the two pins that were connected.

i think it might help if i get a picture up so folk can see what the hell im on about.
one moment

 

[Omniata]

Might be connected the wrong way round???

Check for current when you push the switch...

 

[gaz_moose]

i wrote the 3 and 6 on it as i was having a jiggle wiggle on the wires to see where they went

 

[Rosepuds]

check for 24 volts ac across the two connections. If you messure 24 volts when the trigger is pressed then it must be a faulty solenoid. If you don`t read any voltage then it is either a bad connection or the PCB that switches it. Waht make and model machine is it?

 

[Robotstar5]

If you get voltage at the coil when trigger pulled, remove coil (undo nut on top) and hold a screwdriver in the coil while pulling trigger, if you feel the coil "pull" the screwdriver, coil is OK so problem is in valve, a couple of sharp taps on valve body may free it.

 

[gaz_moose]

yeah i undid the big nut on the top and came to the conclusion that it was not controlled by magic but by an electro magnet i held fire on anymore messing around as i wanted to see what you folk suggested
i will try your suggestions later and report back
the welder is an ARCTEC 180 (if you look at posts started by me you will find a picture) looking around inside it it seems to have been made in 1992 and had a repair to one of the printed circuit boards

 

[gaz_moose]

i had a probe around inside it with a meter and theres no power going to the solidoid. if i follow the wires back they go to printed circuit boards none of the strips on the boards look 'blown' so i dont know im stumped.
i think i will just leave it as i only looked into it as i need a new torch so i guess i will just get one with a gas valve on the torch body.

cheers for your time anyway guys.

 

[Jake SS]

It may not be that difficult to fix.
If you have a meter and trace the tracks and components looking for a component that is open circuit, with power off and unplugged of course.
Go over PCB with a magnifier looking for a "dry" joint or crack, both sides.
Post some pics of the PCB.
May not be worth the effort but eh.........
Cheers

 

[gaz_moose]

i did look at the pcbs they all seem good

 

[Rosepuds]

Post some pictures of the PCB. Might be able to identify what switches the gas valve.