PP 256 Q's for Support Team

[Rivets]

So the front bezel on my PP 256 arrived broken.

Last night I removed it from the unit, while waiting for the replacement, to have a look around the innards. Couple loose screw were tightened and a couple of stripped ones replaced. No biggie.

Two questions:

1- Where exactly are these "points" that are supposed to be regapped from time to time ?

2- I would like to be able to check/adjust gas and air flows without activating the arc. Its a simple matter of installing and wiring a SPDT switch (ON-OFF-MOM ON) to manually energize the solenoid during the tests. I've done it on my Red Mig welder.

Would this affect my Everlast Warranty ?

Thanks,
rivets

[performance]

1) The points are in the front center of the unit, with a black transformer/coil like object located on the same board.
2) I would strongly advise against making any electrical modifications. A simple tap on the pedal or switch will start the pre flow. You don't have to initiate the arc.

[everlastsupport]

On the points. Start in the middle front, look a little left and look a little down for 4 light (sky) blue small round discs. They are right in front them, between you and the blue parts. The board will have a 1.5x2" black or dark grey plastic cylinder on it, behind the blue caps. They are on the edge of the board closets to the front edge.

Has Mark said, you can tap the button. Maybe crank the post flow all the way up. Either way will work.

[dirtyfarmer]

On the points. Start in the middle front, look a little left and look a little down for 4 light (sky) blue small round discs. They are right in front them, between you and the blue parts. The board will have a 1.5x2" black or dark grey plastic cylinder on it, behind the blue caps. They are on the edge of the board closets to the front edge.

I took some pics of my PP256 when I first got it and had the cover off to tighten the inside terminal for the plasma pilot arc post.
Does this zoomed-in, and cropped photo show the location your describing? Also, exactly, how do you go about adjusting these points? My 256 works fine, just curious.

[everlastsupport]

Orange wires moving towards the front. See the orange wires, then red (and the sky blue caps behind it), then the metal tapes on the end by the white zip-tie. There is the points.

Thanks Tony.

[dirtyfarmer]

Yes, the points are at the center of this image.Attachment 1381
But, how do you adjust them? Do you bend them until the gap is right? What should the gap be.

[performance]

bend them. .035"

[Rivets]

Mark and Mike,

Thanks for the reply, I found the points.

You already answered what would have been my next question, i.e. the adjustment.

Can you do this from the side, or do you need to remove the front bezel ?
Could they be relocated to be more accessible from the side ?

Thanks,
rivets

PS Still don't know the answer to my Warranty question though.
(In case I foolishly disregard your sound recommendations )

[everlastsupport]

First off, make sure the unit has been unplugged for 15-20 minutes at least.

They were side to side years ago. Not sure why they turned. You do not have to remove the front bezel to set them with the right gauge. Or take your calipers and measure .035 on an old credit card or something close. The .035 does not have to be exact. .030-.040 will work fine. We tell people .035 so we know you are in range.

You will not void the warranty adjusting the points.

[Rivets]

Mike,

The warranty question I had was in relation to installing a switch (see my first post) to manually control the air/gas solenoid - not in relation to points adjstment...

Cheers,
rivets

[dirtyfarmer]

Mike,

The warranty question I had was in relation to installing a switch (see my first post) to manually control the air/gas solenoid - not in relation to points adjstment...

If your dead set on installing a switch, a momentary "Push-to-test" push-button would be a better idea. No chance of leaving it in the "Off" position. But, as stated in the 2nd post, just a tap of the foot pedal or torch switch, will show your argon flow. Another switch is just unnecessary.

[everlastsupport]

Mike,

The warranty question I had was in relation to installing a switch (see my first post) to manually control the air/gas solenoid - not in relation to points adjstment...

Cheers,
rivets

What Mark and I both mentioned, run the flow up and tap the trigger, you will not need the switch.

[performance]

IF it involves modifying wires, or existing circuits, it will void the warranty of the affected circuits.

[Rivets]

My replacement bezel arrived yesterday (thanks Everlast team), but before I button up the unit, can someone tell me where the fuse holder is located ? There were 5 small replacement fuses that came with the welder, but search as I may, I can't seem to find where they go.

Thanks,
rivets

Oh BTW I decided to follow the sage advice from all of you, and I'm not modifying the wiring.