I have a Lincoln 255 mig welder, it about 10 years old. It was my dad's, which he is no longer with us.
My first problem is that the wire is not feeding out, it is slipping of the drive pulley and bearing. The wire looks like it has some corrosion spots all over it.
My second problem may or may not be a problem, but I noticed when the I have the wire speed turned up to 200. The drive pulley starts out slow for about 5 seconds or so, then speeds up after that.

Thanks.

 

Have you tightened the two wheels that the wire travels through? Also if they have corrosion on them you NEED to clean them or get new ones.
The second problem sounds like the adjustment for the wire speed could have dirt in it or its going bad. Try blowing it out w/ compressed air. It might be the gun / gun cord with some corrosion or a kink you can not see inside.

 

Sounds like the wire tensioner to me. There should be a type of adjustment where the wire goes into the rollers. Tighten that down and it should solve both problems. And you definitely need to change the spool of wire that is corroded. It may be a good idea to change the liner out, especially since its been so long since its last use.

 

The speed delay is built into the unit. Check w/ Lincoln. I got a new board from them, to take care of this problem.
Also, do not use rusty wire in the machine. It will clog the liner, and erode the insides of the drive wheels...

 

I've used it the past, with no problems, till Sat. I cleaned both of the wheels, and adjusted the tension.
On the Speed, when I turn it down, it will stay at a steady pace. I'll call my local Dealer.

Old Geezer: What was the price of the board?

 

It's been some yrs ago. I talked with a fellow at the Street rod nats, named David Mate. He sent me 1, I think no charge.
U might call Lincoln, and see if a tech guy can help.

 

check the liner. have had them go bad if you accidentally kink it or it wears out.

 

To be honest, dispite it's age, it doesn't have alot of hours using it.

I just talked to my local dealer, he said you can adjust the wire speed, but I need to talk to a Lincoln tech. He also said you can change that setting even without knowing it.

I have another question, Don't Flame me on this one. Since I need new wire, I looked at Harbor Freight for wire in the past. Six bucks for a 2lbs, and for what I mainly do is exhaust work here and there. What is you thoughts?

Thanks.

 

dont think the small spool fits i have esab250 and have to put 11lb spool minimum so check yours first

 

Thanks, didn't think of that.

 

2lbs of wire wont last very long at all anyway. go for a 10 pounder if the machine will except it...