It sounds like Universal cords have similar issues. Mine did and and I have read of another. My motor cord was bare, but the other cords are still good. I got it apart and decided it was beyond my capabilities - not the right tools for a confined area, so I took it to my large appliance repairman. He rewired and cleaned for his bench fee of $35 - maybe close to price of a new one, but I needed the bright turquoise housing. He had never done a SM, but felt that a motor is a motor and was quite willing to have at it.