Inability to Weld

use oxy-acetylene welding

if it is a diesel engine then once the engine is running you can disconnect the batteries and alternator leads and do the electric arc welding. no issues. otherwise you can use oxy acetylene welding.

Isolate the welder case/unit, and weld. Unless you are across the battery, there will be no crossfeed, either polarity. The engine is probably deisel, but the batteries probably operate fuel pumps, instrumention, etc. If you're worried, use an AC welder. And make sure you insulate the person doing the welding.

ATTACH THE GROUND LEAD OF THE WELDER AS CLOSE TO THE POINT OF THE WELD AS POSSIBLE

I'll second this -- it works fine.

Noscifi & guest have it right.

the path between the ground & the actual welding are what matters. I've welded on plenty of equipment with sensitive electronics [while running].

Make sure you have a clean well connected ground.

The frame of the welder shouldn't be touching the frame of the equipment [ to be welded ] in a way that would provide a possible ground path through any sensitive sensors or controls.

15jan07

Question:

1.)what are you welding? carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum?

2.)describe the "weld set"... what welder are you using?

3.)earthing... can you describe the "earthing", grounding of the weld set, "ground clamp"?

4.)where does the weld set get its power?

5.)Is the weld set connected to the engine other than by "earthing"

edited 15jan07

We should define a few words and describe a "weld set".

Welder= a person

weldor= a welding machine, power supply

weld set= a motor driven generator with one or more welding power source panels.

A weld set can be stated to have a motor, a generator, a power panel and a attached weldor.

So if you will answer the above questions then maybe I can help you remedy your inability to weld. like the old timer said, "if it ain't easy it ain't right"

edit: 17jan07

2.)describe the "weld set"... what weldor are you using?