Help fixing Weller WTCP iron

[GamerGuyEbby]

So I have an old Weller WTCP station from 1970 which has the magnastat heating system and it just continuously heats up, to the point it gets red hot in dim lighting. I know sometimes the tips go bad because the tip dictates the temperature so I replaced that and it didn't change anything. The switch is open when the unit is off and then closed when it is on so I know its not stuck or anything. One idea I had is that the ground prong on the power cable broke off so I don't know if that actually has a part to play in the heating aspect or if its just for safety. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

[mariushm]

I'd suggest figuring out the exact model, and then you'd be able to find a service manual that will help you diagnose things.

 

Here's a technical notes for WTCPT : https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1141815/Weller-Wtcpt.html#manual

 

Some notes for WTCPS : https://elektrotanya.com/weller_wtcp_s.pdf/download.html

 

Some notes about W-TCP and W-TCP-L  :  https://bama.edebris.com/download/weller/wtcp/WE_W-TCP_OI_PL.pdf

 

 

[BookofNeat]

Hello @GamerGuyEbby!

 

     A lack of grounding on anything using AC is a serious safety problem, so I would strongly discourage the use of the system if it is not properly grounded. That said, I don't think it has much to do with the iron overheating problem. I'd say the nature of the problem is probably the design of the iron itself. I'm not an electrician but usually when things run too hot by design it can be a case of not having enough regulation/resistors to control the flow of current. These can be fixed through soldering components on the solder iron but I can't recommend that unless you knopw exactly what you are doing. The best advice I can give you is to buy a new soldering iron that can regulate current and doesn't overheat. I'm sorry I can't be of much help in this regard but I hope this information can help you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Cheers! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[GamerGuyEbby]

8 hours ago, mariushm said:

I'd suggest figuring out the exact model, and then you'd be able to find a service manual that will help you diagnose things.

 

Here's a technical notes for WTCPT : https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1141815/Weller-Wtcpt.html#manual

 

Some notes for WTCPS : https://elektrotanya.com/weller_wtcp_s.pdf/download.html

 

Some notes about W-TCP and W-TCP-L  :  https://bama.edebris.com/download/weller/wtcp/WE_W-TCP_OI_PL.pdf

 

 

This actually helped a lot thank you. I could not fine these service manuals and they helped with this and will help with future repairs if needed (fingers crossed). I measured continuity across the switch again with the power off and there was continuity so I guess it placed my probes poorly and the switch is stuck so I ordered a new nos assembly for it.