Need help with mig welder

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Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum.  I am no pro, just a hobbist (I would rate my beads at about a 3 out of 10 ) that does some work on my trailer and small projects around the house........heres what my problem is:  I have a lincoln 175 mig welder (running gas and solid line).  It has treaded me good (about 3 years old and never used commercially), but yesterday on a couple of occasions the line would not feed.  I could hear the motor running but the little wheel inside the machine was not turning so the line would not feed.  I truned the welder off and unplugged it and then plugged it back in and the wheel started to trun again and I could do more welding.  I called Lincoln service repair shop and he told me that it might be old line or the linner needs to be replaced, he said to continue to use it and see if it does it again.  Does this sound right, or should I be worried that it is something more.  A couple of times the line melted to the tip and I tried to unstick it by trying to feed line (I now I should do this but I do it)  Any input would be appreciated.  thank you
Reply:I would say the liner is worn, here at work I know the guys have to get a new liner on occasion.
Reply:Sounds possible.  If you open it up you may be able to see some sign of wear.  When I read the first part of your post I was going to suggest that the pressure on the wheel needed adjusted as it's not feeding the wire. (Happens to mine sometimes). It wouldn't correct itself by turning on and off though so the liner may be a good bet.www.abou27.com
Reply:Just check your wire on the roller, it sounds like it just slipped off the roller. It happens from time to time. There is a distinct groove on either side of the roller, make sure you're using the correct gauge for your wire.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:thanks for the replies,  going to build a trimmer string rack for my trailer tommorow.  I went to the welding store today.  Will replace tip and wire tommorw and she how she does.  Looked at the Miller 210 and 250.....MAN I WANT ONE OF THOSE!!!!!!
Reply:millermatic 251's are GREAT machines
Reply:If I read this right, you say the motor is running but the drive wheel IS NOT turning? Why would the liner be at fault? If the wheel isn't turning, I'd assume it's a drive issue such as in the gear reduction unit in the drive assembly. If the liner were the fault, the wheel should still turn.
Reply:I'm with turboblown, next time it does it open the tensioner and see if it turns if not it should rule out the liner.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I change out the liner and tip.  I only did some tie down brackets for my trailer, but everything seems to be working fine, although I really didn't put the machine through a good workout.  I think I'm going to save up for a nicer machine.  I can get the  MM251 for $2045 but the MM210 is only $1450 and the Miller spectrum 375 plasma cutter for another $1200.  I don't want to order it from online because I would like to build up a good repore with this dealer.  Basically, which one.  I like the fact that you can connect to bottles to the MM210, but I want to get a machine that I won't outgrow.  I did some research on this site and I think the 210 is a little easier to use and the 251 might be little overbearing for a guy like me but I am really leaning twards the 251. What would be the best way to set up a MM251 for steel, stainless and aluminum with spool gun.  i already have a bottle for steel.     Also, what are ya'lls opinion on the Miller spectrum 375 for a guy like me.  I have never used on, but would like one for building bbq smoker and double axle trailer.  Do you think if I buy the MM251 and plasma cutter at the same time I should ask for a discount because I am buying two products from this dealer?
Reply:id ask for a discount if i bought just one product. all they can say is no! ha.ha.