Mig welder problem

[NSantiago]

Hi,I'm new here and already have a question.
I've been using my trusty Cebora 180 for about 18 years.I've replaced the rectifier in 010 and now three of the top diodes blew.Following the advice of the company who sold it to me I've disconnected the top plate and the machine appeared to be working well.However even before I'd noticed the problem I wasn't too satisfied with the machine's performance as the wire was hitting the workpiece a lot ,there was a lot of spatter and when I tested some welds this morning there was no penetration and they failed.They were done at the top settings.I'ts clear that it's not achieving full power.
I have never replaced the capacitors,there are two of them.Is that usually necessary?
I'm using straight CO2 but never had these issues before.This is my rectifier.To the right the blown diodes can be seen.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Fazerruss]

It does sound like the symptoms my mig had after the caps blew. I got two new ones and now all is well.

 

[NSantiago]

Hi so you think I should replace the capacitors?Do you know of a good source in the uk?I'm in Portugal but it's hopeless here.

 

[Fazerruss]

Have you replaced the blown diodes yet? You said it works with some of the rectifier diodes disconnected but now the welder may only be giving a half wave rectified output .

 

[NSantiago]

I haven't yet.I'm awaiting a reply from the guy who made the rectifier(tech arc).He says the blown diodes are not essential but I have my doubts.According to him tey're there to provide backround current to smooth welding at the lower three settings.
Anyway I haven't been too happy with weld smoothness for quite a while so maybe the capacitors are on the way out too.
The fact is the higher setting is nothing like it used to be so the machine is definitely down on power.

 

[Fazerruss]

BTW I got my caps from tec arc

 

[Fastfingaz]

Hey Santiago,,,,, I really admire your enthusiasm in repairing your old trusty welder, after 18 years most would count it out as it's done it's duty!! I know I would, but like I said hope you get it fixed cus that's the way it's supposed to be,, theres no reason why you shouldn't fix it,,,,,

 

[Fazerruss]

Hey Santiago,,,,, I really admire your enthusiasm in repairing your old trusty welder, after 18 years most would count it out as it's done it's duty!! I know I would, but like I said hope you get it fixed cus that's the way it's supposed to be,, theres no reason why you shouldn't fix it,,,,,

18 years is nowt. My mig is 29 years old and my tig is 38.

 

[NSantiago]

Hey Santiago,,,,, I really admire your enthusiasm in repairing your old trusty welder, after 18 years most would count it out as it's done it's duty!! I know I would, but like I said hope you get it fixed cus that's the way it's supposed to be,, theres no reason why you shouldn't fix it,,,,,

These are very simple machines,there's not a lot to go wrong and when something does it's usally easy to pinpoint.Tec Arc will send me a new top plate for the rectifier and I hope that'll do it.

 

[Fastfingaz]

I see,,,, but I think I'm just lacking in electrical knowledge , I'd have to take it to a shop,,,,,,,