HF starts quit working - PowerTIG 200DX

Has anyone else had issues with HF startups failing? Had DX200 new since Feb 2014, and it's only seen enough operation to see one #3 bottle argon replacement. Just recently the HF stopped completely as if the switch was stuck on lift-start. In other words, even the switch set in the HF position; I had to do lift/scratch starts on my mild steel project (DC). ? I've checked & re-checked grounds, torch, pre-flow settings, and of course the Lift/HF/stick 3-posistion switch. With the exception of no HF starting, the welder welds fine.

So I called Everlast support, and the call was helpful. We reviewed correct settings, even toggled every switch and knob just for the sake of it, including reconnecting all cables at the front - yet still no HF. Again, unit welding fine - just no more HF starting. :(

Update:
Two days later, purely on curiosity, I decided to see how bad this no HF thing is going to affect future AC (aluminum) jobs. Low and behold HF working fine now !! So I went back to DC and HF working there too. Odd ... can't explain why HF is working again. I sure hope this is not an intermittent problem now. Thought I'd pose the question in case there’s some "gotchya" setting I missed.

Did you ever check the point gap?

Point gap? Nope. Not farmiliar with troubleshooting welders, but I was just about to pop the cover when hf started working again.
That said, I'm inclinded to do nothing until it fails again.
Is the point gap something inside?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Timebandit

Point gap? Nope. Not farmiliar with troubleshooting welders, but I was just about to pop the cover when hf started working again.
That said, I'm inclinded to do nothing until it fails again.
Is the point gap something inside?

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It is inside and should be set to .030" Sounds like they are a little out.

I had problems with my hf when i first got my 250 ex and had to reset them when i called everlast and it worked great after that.

My 200DX (2/2014) will not HF start while DC welding once in a while. Sometimes I just try to initiate an arc again and it works, sometimes I have to move the ground clamp and it works. I figured it was due to something I was doing. I have not found it to be too much of an annoyance...yet, it only does it maybe once every 50 HF starts. I hope it is not something that will begin to occur more often, then again the 5yr warranty makes my worries go away.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Beginner

My 200DX (2/2014) will not HF start while DC welding once in a while. Sometimes I just try to initiate an arc again and it works, sometimes I have to move the ground clamp and it works. I figured it was due to something I was doing. I have not found it to be too much of an annoyance...yet, it only does it maybe once every 50 HF starts. I hope it is not something that will begin to occur more often, then again the 5yr warranty makes my worries go away.

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Check the points. A simple adjustment could save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Check the points. Make sure there are .030 or .025 range. Should solve the problem. Make sure the machine is unplugged, and remove the cover from the back panel, not the front.

Also,
HF starting percent is not 100%. It is close, but the name brands such as Miller have had machines that would only start well less than that percent such as the units before this current generation of Dynasty. It should be close though to the 100% mark. But there are factors that can interfere with starting percentages too, as you seem to know. Small issues, such as not connecting the clamp directly to the work and oxidation at the work clamp or possibly a loose connector or cable can all create transient problems that are hard to pinpoint.