year model on lincoln welder

[BadCo]

can anyone tell me how to figure the year model on a engine driven lincoln classic II.is it a code in the sn# or code # . ive searched all over and cant find any info.
any info on this machine would help alot ,i just bought it from a neighbor.
thanx

[Paychk]

The licoln site doesn't have much in the way of info, this is all I could find:

Classic II with Road Trailer One-Pak Stick Welding System
The Classic II is excellent for pipe welding or for use on the construction site or repair site as a general purpose, 250 amp industrial stick welder. The pure DC weld generator features all copper windings with outstanding welding characteristics that are valued by pipeline welding operators. The Deutz F3L-1011F 3-cylinder, oil-cooled, industrial diesel engine provides low maintenance and fuel-efficient operation. CV wire welding is an optional feature with a field installed Wire Feed Module.

and this document:

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e6140.pdf

Here is an owners manual, check the code # on the front page and see if it applies to yours:

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/navigator/OBSO_IMS/im553.pdf

this one is newer

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/navigator/im/IM553.pdf

you may need to contact your local Lincoln dealer for that info.

[BadCo]

thanx for the info ,ive found the correct file to get the owners man. they seem to use the code # to tell a general age on it or maybe it just means style of engine im not sure.im just tryin to get an idea of the age.still dont know if its gonna work.may be more trouble than its worth.

[Paychk]

I would pursue it, cause with the mfg. date and the appearance you could get a feel for how it has been treated, prior to you.

[BadCo]

how it has been treated is the main prob right now (timing belt broke and bent the pushrods and someone started to repair then gave up when they couldnt find the parts)they also decided to lose a bunch of vital engine parts.i have another engine for parts so that is not a large problem.
what kind of life does the output section of this thing have (with no maint.)
it has just over 5000 hrs

[Sberry]

who knows, that is a few hours but if it works it works. I imagine it has brushes, I might take the cover off the commutator and inspect the brushes. From memory they are worn out when within 1/4 inch from the pigtail. I am sure that was a pricey machine when new, they weld great.

[Franz]

JT McCracken knows how to decode the numbers on Lincolns, so he should be able to answer your questions.
I'm not sure how long the generator end lasts on those classics, but I've never heard of one crapping out. If the commutator isn't chewed down, the machine should be fine.
I have a complete SA 200 generator end that the engine crapped out on, if it bolts up to your engine you know where there is one.

[BadCo]

Franz,
if you could find out and post here or tell me how to find JT i would appreciate it.
BTW the arm looks good and the brushes still seem to have plenty of life left in em.

mod # SA-250f3l1011
code 9805HP
s# AU1930318370

sberry,
the closest thing i can find to my model is priced from $9000 to $10500 new.$50 is what i have in this one so far including the spare duetz.

[JTMcCracken]

That code number is the first one listed in the information I have so it's an early model. There has been very few changes thru the years on that machine though.
I can only date serial numbers up thru 1987, but I think yours might be a 93 model. The serial number on my 98 Classic II starts with 198, where yours starts with 193. I was told a few years ago (by who I don't remember) that the year of manufacture was the second 2 numbers in the serial number. Anyway a call to a Lincoln repair center will tell you if I'm right or not.
Those Deutz engines are real workhorses, they have been used for years in stationary pumps and about everything else. Several welding machines use them, including Miller I believe. I think they recomend changing the timing belt at 3000 hrs? They claim the engines are designed to withstand a broken belt without major engine damage. Parts are readily available, both factory and aftermarket. A phone call or visit to a Deutz factory authorized shop will tell you all you need to know. Or do a search on the net. The machine is well worth repairing in my humble, Classic II's are becoming the standard of the industry in pipeline welding, slowly but steadilly replacing the 200. The generator will outlast you and me.

good luck,
JTMcC.

[JTMcCracken]

Classic II's have only been made with Deutz deisels, thousands and thousands of them.

JTMcC.

[ventureline]

Date goes 1 then the date, and the month of manufacture after that so c (cleveland) 1 (19) 93 (1993) 04 (april)C19304...

[JTMcCracken]

I've seen hundreds of them, but then just about every one I know has a welding rig. And I work around hundreds of welders that I don't know personally.
All Classic II's are powered by a Deutz diesel, they have never used any other powerplant.

JTMcC.

[JTMcCracken]

I think Miller has a bunch of machines that use Deutz engines.

JTMcC.

[ventureline]

Yep your right, I'm thinking of the Classic 3 continental gas, and perkins engines. I've seen about 3 or 4 Classic 2 units in the past. They weren't so popular here.

[BadCo]

thanx, everyone, for the info.i think the welder will make a good winter project(when im not in a stand).looks like ill have to start posting updates on progress.