Miller Blue Star 2E 250

[Harry in Ky]

Any one have an opinion on an 80's vintage 2E 250 with Tecumseh engine? The reviews I've seen are quite old. Most give the welder good marks, but rate the engine as a weak point. Any thoughts?

 

[davo727]

I have one, got it a couple months ago and I like it. They are not a 250. The highest output is about 200 amps, which is plenty.

I paid 500 for mine and wouldnt pay much over that for one that age. Mines a 1989.

The 110 volt outlet only puts out 3000 watts, its intended to run a grinder or other power tools not run your house .

The OH160 engine is 453 cc displacement.

 

[davo727]

If the ignition module-coil assembly goes out on the tecumseh OH160 engine the replacements are getting harder to find, since tecumseh is kaput.

There are a couple guys online that have posted how to on going to a $60 crank trigger ignition pickup , $20 auto coil and a $22 chrysler transistorized ignition to replace the original parts. links below

Im going to do that on a spare engine Im building for mine.

Also there is a good tecumseh group on yahoo

http://www.enginesandmagnets.com/

Brian Miller's Conventional Ignition, Electrical and Crank Trigger Electronic Ignition Parts and Kits

 

[yomax4]

I think the engines held up pretty well. there is a lot of them out there yet. I sold one for $400 a year ago and it gets daily use. Loud bugger though.

 

[easygo]

I have a 1972 or 73 Miller Roughneck 1E that runs quite well. It has a Kohler that needs some TLC, but the welder/generator parts are flawless. The Tecumseh engine would not hold me back, as they are pretty good. Just make sure it has enough oil in it.

 

[davo727]

Yes mine uses a lot of oil. I check the gas and fill the oil everytime I shut it off and dont let it run more than about a half tank of gas without stopping and putting oil in it.

Which is why im putting together another fresh engine for it.

 

[rcowan]

As in most situations Harry, It depends.
Who owns it and how do you believe treated it. It may be worth top dollar or only bottom down.

RC

 

[Paul DFWTX]

I have a 2E with a Kohler engine. Paid $500. Don't do squat to it, use it about twice a year when I have something too big or far from AC for my MIG, it never has a problem firing up. Welds good, but generator has had issues and isn't very powerful.

 

[RicRenfro]

For those who have a Miller Blue Star 2E, I'm working on a fix using a 420cc Harbor Freight engine that cost 300.00. The engine has its own starter and key start ignition, the only thing that has to be considered is the auto throttle.

 

[Barry 1]

I have one-good welder as long as the motor holds up. I would be very interested in RicRenfro's conversion.

 

[RicRenfro]

As you probably know, the Tecumseh engine has a short tapered shaft, the plate that fits that shaft is the only problem. I'm having a plate made that will fit a straight 1" shaft which will make it possible to use any 16hp or larger engine on the unit. The only other issue may be the bell housing which can be modified to fit the bolt pattern on the shaft side of the new engine. I will post pics as soon as I get the plate. When done this will possible make ALL those great old Miller Blue Star 2E's with a bad engine usable again. I'm now looking for units that have been abandoned and discarded.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Wonder how hard it would be to convert one to PTO?