Quick answer
For many Century and Snap-On MIG welders, the direct replacement is the wire feed motor for Century part numbers 216-079-666, 216-089-666, and 861-581-100. Measure your old motor before ordering: the casing should be 3 inches in diameter and the length from the end of the casing to the center of the shaft should be 6-3/8 inches.
Why the motor dimensions decide the fit
A wire feed motor has to sit in the same mounting space and line up with the drive roll assembly. The replacement motor for these Century welders has a 3-inch casing diameter and a 6-3/8-inch length from the end of the casing to the center of the shaft. If your old motor measures differently, stop and identify your welder model before ordering.
The same replacement motor is listed for both the Italian-made MAMCO motor and the OSLV motor. That matters because two welders that look alike may have different original motors, but either can use this replacement if the casing and shaft dimensions match.
Models this motor is listed for
The replacement is listed for Century and Snap-On MIG welders including the YA205 (117-012), YA219 (117-022), and YA217A (117-029). The catalog also lists other YA217A variants, so check the full model list against your welder's data plate rather than assuming your model is covered.
If your welder is not on the list, do not order on the assumption that it will fit. The catalog does not supply a cross-reference for unlisted models, so contact the store with your model and serial number before you buy.
When replacing the motor will not fix the stutter
A failing motor is only one cause of poor wire feed. Before you replace it, check the drive roll tension, the liner, and the gun tip, because a worn liner or clogged tip can mimic a weak motor. If the motor spins steadily with the gun removed but the wire still stutters, the problem is probably downstream of the motor.
Replace the motor when it is dead, noisy, or visibly worn, or when it stalls under normal drive roll tension. If the motor runs but the wire slips, adjust the drive roll tension and inspect the liner first.
Step-by-step motor replacement
- Unplug the welder and let it sit: Disconnect the welder from the power source and wait several minutes before opening the case. Remove the wire spool and gun so nothing is under tension while you work. Confirm the plug is out of the receptacle and the power switch is off before you touch the motor.
- Photograph the wiring and motor mounting: Take clear photos of the motor's wire connections and mounting orientation before you loosen anything. Label each wire with tape if the colors are hard to tell apart. If you cannot identify a wire, stop and consult a qualified technician rather than guessing.
- Remove the old motor: Disconnect the motor leads, then remove the mounting screws and slide the motor out of the drive assembly. Keep the screws and any spacers together. Check the old motor's casing diameter and shaft length against the 3-inch and 6-3/8-inch dimensions before you install the new one.
- Install the replacement motor: Seat the new motor in the same orientation as the old one, reinstall the mounting screws, and reconnect the leads exactly as shown in your photos. Do not overtighten the screws into the motor housing. Turn the drive roll by hand after mounting to confirm the motor shaft turns freely and does not bind.
- Reassemble and test the feed: Reinstall the gun and spool, set the drive roll tension, and feed wire through the gun with the welder on but not welding. Listen for smooth motor operation and check that the wire feeds without slipping. If the motor runs but the wire slips, adjust drive roll tension or inspect the liner before assuming the motor is faulty.
Replacement motor at a glance
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Wire Feed Motor, Fits Many Century® MIG Welders: Direct replacement for Century part numbers 216-079-666, 216-089-666, and 861-581-100, and replaces both the MAMCO and OSLV motors. You can use one motor to repair welders that originally came with either of two different motors, which simplifies sourcing for older Century machines.
Wire Feed Motor, Fits Many Century® MIG Welders