problem with argon flow for new (old) powertig 185 micro (2011)

[jonnycowboy]

Hi all,
I bought a powertig 185 a longgg time ago (almost 3 years ago) and never got around to unboxing or using it (bought a house, had a baby, you know).
Tonight I wired it up and hooked up the gas cylinder (2000 psi argon) but when I try to weld, I don't get any gas flow on the meter or out of the gun. when I first opened the valve on the bottle, I noticed the gas flow went up momentarily then back down to zero. So there are no leaks anywhere, but no flow out of the gun (pre or post). I've tried with both the pedal and the hand trigger, no luck. I even tried with quick connect gas connector out, no flow out of there either.
Is it possible my new unit is defective? Maybe the gas flow solenoid? Is there a way to check it?

thanks
Jonathan
(bummed out in Canada)

[Kempy]

I could phone or send a email to Ray: tech@everlastwelders.com or Mike: Support@everlastwelders.com or go to http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Technical-support.php and get the time and phone numbers to call.
Sound like the solenoid is not working, you could take the line off the regulator to the welder and see if it is flowing first from the regulator to the machine.
Welcome to the forum also Jonathan.
If you are from Canada go to http://www.everlastwelders.ca/technical-support.php/ or phone Jean or Duncan at the number on the website.

[jonnycowboy]

thanks Kempy, I sent them both an email.

[RichardH]

Hi, Jonathan.
If your unit came with a quick-disconnect fitting on the gas inlet, check to make sure it's fully connected on the machine. I've had times that I thought the coupling was fastened when it wasn't. Also, some torches have valves in the handle (but probably not if you're using the torch that came with it).

[jonnycowboy]

Hi Richard,
no quick disconnect on the inlet side. Just on the outlet side. I tried disconnecting the line from the back of the welder, lots of argon flow so it must be the solenoid. Like you say, no valve in the handle. I'll give them a call today.