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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / "Rotten Egg" Welder
- - By acespowerranger Date 09-25-2003 22:38
Hello,
I've been running a gas powered machine for a few months, and recently started to smell a "rotten egg" stench coming from the motor compartment. It seems it only does it when I am running WIDE OPEN all day, which is quite often....normally having two other people pulling power off my machine besides me welding.
How can I fix this problem, and/or is it fatal to my machine?
Thanks
Parent - - By dee (***) Date 09-25-2003 22:52
I cant remark about your welder specifically even if you'd have given make and model. Automotive emissions control catalytic converters often cause this problem. I have no idea what California emissions standards might be on a welder today, but somebody should. There might be something cooking inside due to heat, be it electrical insulation, electrical components, or even dead mice; it's not usually a (sulpher dioxide?) rotten egg odor, but one thing's sure, these things can stink pretty bad.

Have you removed the sheet metal and inspected inside?

Good luck; let us know what you find out; mention the make and model as well- some of us here are service techs.
D
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-26-2003 00:18
D,
Don't suppose a nice friend forgot and left his egg salad sandwhich laying around that welder after lunch was over?

I think I would lock out / tag out that machine and get a peek inside to see if you notice something obvious, like wiring insulation or contactor coil that is starting to get hotter than it should. Don't forget to check the polarity lugs where your cabling is attached to see if it is loose and causing it to over heat the insulation. Something is not right and if left unattended may end up costing you some down time. I'm not a service tech, but some that monitor the forum know a great deal about the machines and their inner workings. But my guess is something isn't right.
Post your make and model and some should be able to give you some direction as what to look for and when it is time to call in a service tech.
Good Luck,
John Wright
Parent - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-26-2003 00:22
I didn't read the post very well, he mentioned a gas welder. Guess you wouldn't LO/TO a machine like that. I had a different machine in mind.
I'll go back to sleep now,
John Wright
Parent - - By flatjwl (*) Date 09-26-2003 01:39
The first thing to check is the battery. If the machine is slightly "overcharging" the battery it will emit the rotten egg smell (sulfuric acid) as the liquid in the cell is perculating. Be careful if this is your situation, as the battery will also be spewing hydrogen gas from the vent and a spark at the right location can cause an explosion of the battery.
Parent - By dee (***) Date 09-26-2003 02:23
flatjwl
Excellent observation about that explosion hazard; I wished I hadnt forgotten it. I'm glad you picked it up.
regards
d
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-26-2003 10:59
Now that you mention it, batteries do smell that way when being charged too hard(regulator sticking). Good reply!
John Wright
Parent - By flatjwl (*) Date 09-27-2003 03:40
dee and John, thanks for commenting.
JWL
Parent - - By billvanderhoof (****) Date 09-27-2003 03:59
It can be the regulator. It can also be the battery, if one cell fails the battery can no longer be charged to full voltage so the alternator stays at max output thus overcharging the other cells.

Voltmeter across the battery terminals should read 13.7 volts (up to about 15 on some newer equipment) with engine running at fast idle to max. Wait a couple of minutes after starting before testing. A good battery at full charge (and not charged for the last half hour or so) should read at least 12.5 or so.
Bill
Parent - - By acespowerranger Date 09-27-2003 20:33
Hello...
THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED.....VERY APPRECIATED. I am going to check it out and maybe save the company some money!!! Considering that I work for an electrical contractor, I am SURE we can fix the problem......Can we fix it???.....YES WE CAN!!!

Again, thanks to all.......Joe
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-27-2003 20:40
I guess you have kids about the age of mine,huh? I recognize that "Bob the Builder" phrase!
Take care,
John Wright
Parent - - By rodofgod (**) Date 09-28-2003 23:01
Don't forget.? Bob the builder is British!
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-29-2003 10:57
My kids enjoy "Thomas the Tank Engine" also, another British film star.
John Wright
Parent - - By acespowerranger Date 09-29-2003 22:57
Technically, I am a kid myself (23)....at least at heart....I keep working 7-12's it won't take long for me to be like the rest of ya'll.
UPDATE.....added water to the battery, was COMPLETELY DRY!!!!....Machine runs hotter and more efficiently now....only if I was as flexible.
Thanks to all,
Ace

Parent - - By dee (***) Date 09-30-2003 02:17
Keep an eye on the battery. Flatjwl made a point easily missed; if it's overcharging it will cook off the acid... adding water may replentish the liquid inside but a charging system test is easily performed and is still good advice if you havnt done so.

23 is a good age, but keep in mind as years go by, it aint the age, it's the mileage.

regards
d
Parent - By greatwelder (*) Date 09-30-2003 18:58
sulphur dioxide is a toxic and corrosive gas.Which is not found in welders!.but come in cylinders
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / "Rotten Egg" Welder

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