TIC 1850 oil cooled

[Colbs]

Hi all I've inherited a oil cooled welder which I believe to be a TIC 1850.
The unit has absolutely no distinguishing marks but from searching around I believe it to be the model mentioned.

When I was given this I was told it could do with an oil change even though apart from blowing 13amp fuses for fun it seems to work fine especially on lower settings.

Having done a bit of research it seems the oil it contains could be harmful and best avoided.
Can anybody advise if this is the case and also what oil it needs to be replaced with please?

Many thanks

 

[steviec_lj]

If the oil is original, it'll be full of PCB which is a known carcinogen.

They have refined the oil these days somewhat, and don't fill it full of the nasties.

Full PPE if you do decide to change it, and you'll want to dispose of it at a licences waste site, and let them know what it contains..

 

[Colbs]

Thanks for the reply I guess as I don't know the history of the welder I should treat it as though it's never had an oil change and proceed with caution.

I've tried to research when the particular model was made in the hope of it turning out to be a late one but had no luck as yet.

Thanks again

 

[frank horton]

have 3 oilcooled MMA welders, (180, 225 Oxfords and a 480 wilson).......never ever changed the oil and in my working life never heard of such a thing.........1 welder did get topped up after it was tipped over tho........never seen a leval plug either.......
Frank

 

[brightspark]

the oil is only in to cool the windings. I did check mine after 40 years just getting paranoid about others on here going on about it .there was was no need and was a chew .unless its been tipped up and lost some don't bother makes no odds even if its got pcb in it as your not dipping your fingers in it with constant contact and its sealed in . thousands of electricity board transformers still have it in

 

[the artfull-codger]

As B S & F H say just use it ,unless you know a reason why the oil level is low, I have the same welder as B S & it's 40 ys old & performs faultlessly.

 

[Colbs]

Thanks for the replies guys I'm now wondering if he meant a top up rather than a change.
I will start using it and maybe give it a top up in the near future.
I don't think finding the oil will be a problem but buying it in a small quantity might be.

Thanks again.