When you say hot spots, are you saying to check the wiring for spots that are literally hot? I know there is never any snow on the electric motor itself. BTW this is the rare 36” snow thrower. The motor is in the center mounted over the frame. Not on the side like the 42” snow thrower. From: Christopher Zach [mailto:cz alembic crystel com] I think they were and can. Check your connections for any hot spots and throw on a set of drift cutters |