Chicago Electric Troubleshooting MIG Welders: Solutions for Arc Issues and Wire Feed Problems

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Troubleshooting (continued)

IMPORTANT!

Be CERTAIN to shut off the Welder, disconnect it from power, and discharge the Torch to ground before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing the unit.

Power switch lights,

but welder does not function when switched on

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1.Tripped thermal protection device:

Stop welding and allow welder to cool for at least 20 minutes.

Reduce duration or frequency of welding periods to help reduce wear on the welder. Refer to Duty Cycle section on page 20.

2.Faulty or improperly connected Trigger:

Qualified technician must check and secure/replace Trigger.

Power switch does not light when switched on

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Unit is not connected to outlet properly or outlet is unpowered:

Verify the voltage at the outlet and the connection to the outlet.

If voltage is not present at outlet, check circuit breaker/GFCI devices; if any are tripped, determine and remedy cause before resetting.

Verify that the circuit is designed to supply the required input voltage and amperage as detailed on the

Specifications table.

Make sure installed plug is correct rating (250 V~, 50 A recommended) - see page 7.

Wire Feeds, but arc does not ignite

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1.Improper ground connection:

Make certain that the workpiece is contacted properly by the Ground Clamp and that the workpiece is properly cleaned near the ground clamp and the welding location.

2.Improperly sized or excessively worn Contact Tip: Verify that Contact Tip is the proper size for welding wire. Check that the hole in the tip is not deformed or enlarged.

Also, check that the tip is not dirty; this would prevent a good connection. If needed, replace Contact Tip with proper size and type.

SAFETY

SETUP

BASIC WELDING

WELDING TIPS

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

SKU 68885

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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MAINTENANCE

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Contents Save this Manual Email our technical support at tech@harborfreight.comGeneral Safety Table of ContentsArc Ray Safety Fume and Gas SafetySafety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceFire Safety Electrical SafetySafety Setup Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceGas Shielded Welding Cylinder safety MaintenanceWelding Maintenance Welder use and careSetup Basic Welding Replacement CordsExtension Cords GroundingSpecifications Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceSymbology Tips Maintenance Face Shield AssemblySetup Plug AttachmentWire Spool Installation Dcep Setup BasicDcen Feed Roller Instructions Tensioner Arm8mm = .030 & 0.6mm = Feed Roller Knob 030/.035 groove and stamp Groove and stampHold Wire welding Securely SafetyWelding Wire Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsTurn the Welder OFF Incrementally Increase tension Until wire bendsTo Prevent Serious Injury Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding Tips MaintenanceBasic Welding Control Panel Layout WireDial CordTorch Concrete slab Duty Cycle Duration of UseMIG Weld Settings Flux Weld SettingsMIN MAX MINWhile Welding Setting Up The WeldDo not Switch the Current Hold Torch Clear From AsphyxiationStringer bead Basic Welding TechniqueUp to 2 minutes Welding at rated output MIG onlyClose shielding gas tank valve completely Welding Tips Cleaning the WeldStrike Test Workpiece Heat Control / Weld Penetration Example Weld DiagramsWeld Diagnosis To CorrectPenetration Workpiece Heat Control Weld ProblemsBend at Joint Coat of Slag Over WeldExcessive Spatter PorosityCrooked/Wavy Bead Burn-ThroughMaintenance Nozzle and Contact Tip Inspection and CleaningFire and Burns Compressed air, blow out all dust from the interiorWire creates a bird’s nest during operation Wire feed motor runs but wire does not feed properlyTroubleshooting Welding arc not stablePower switch does not light when switched on TroubleshootingWire Feeds, but arc does not ignite Safety Setup Basic Welding Welding TipsParts List Wiring DiagramParts List and Diagrams Record Serial Number Here3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Assembly DiagramWelding Mission Oaks Blvd. PO Box 6009 Camarillo, CA 93011 800 Limited 90 Day Warranty

MIG 170 specifications

The Chicago Electric MIG 170 is a versatile and powerful welding machine designed for both amateur and professional welders. This compact welder is particularly suited for those who frequently work on metal fabrication projects, automotive repairs, and home improvement tasks. With its impressive performance capabilities and a range of user-friendly features, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 has become a popular choice among welding enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is its robust welding output. It operates on standard 220-volt power, allowing it to deliver a consistent output that ranges from 30 to 170 amps. This wide range provides users with the capability to weld various materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Additionally, it is capable of welding materials up to 5/16 inches thick, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.

The MIG 170 utilizes a gasless flux-cored wire welding process, which makes it suitable for outdoor use without the necessity of shielding gas. This feature eliminates the need for additional gas tanks, making the welding experience simpler and more cost-effective. Users can also switch to MIG welding with a gas setup if desired, allowing for greater versatility in their projects.

Moreover, this welder is equipped with an adjustable wire feed speed control, permitting users to customize their welding settings for different thicknesses of material. The easy-to-read control panel enhances usability, giving welders the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and requirements. A built-in thermal overload protection system further ensures that the machine operates safely, preventing damage due to overheating during extended use.

The portability of the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is another key advantage. Weighing in at approximately 60 pounds, it can easily be transported to job sites or moved around a workshop. Its compact design does not compromise on performance, making it a great addition to any workspace.

Overall, the Chicago Electric MIG 170 is an excellent welding machine that blends power, efficiency, and ease of use. Its combination of features makes it suitable for beginners and seasoned welders alike, solidifying its reputation as a go-to option in the welding community. Whether for hobbyist projects or more serious applications, the MIG 170 remains a reliable and effective choice for various welding needs.