I decided that I needed to replace the two existing brushes on the electric motor on my treadmill because the motor was getting excessively hot. Blowing it out with forced air, vacuuming it, neither fixed the issue of it getting very, very hot after only about 10 minutes use at no more than 4 mph.

I couldn't find oem brushes for the life of me, so I purchased some other brushes that were just a bit larger than the original brushes. After receiving them, I quickly filed them down (only filed width) and they fit fine. They were about 0.25" longer than the worn original brushes.

I ran the treadmill at about 2 mph. I walked on it and noticed the smell. I assumed it was "that new brush smell" and it would go away within a few uses. Nope. However, the heat of the motor was greatly reduced. Upon putting my hand on the plastic cover over the motor, it feels just passed warm after about 15 minutes of use.

I've used the treadmill about a dozen times since installing the new brushes and the stench is still severe. It hasn't diminished whatsoever.

The brushes are held down in place against the commutator by tension clips that apply constant pressure downward onto each brush.

The treadmill is a Costway Superfit treadmill with a ZYT-83, 8A, S1 Duty, 0.75 hp motor.

Any suggestions?