I just got an electrolux 1205 that sounds like it runs good, but after a short while it smells a bit hot and the unit loses suction. Also the rear of the unit gets hot to the touch.
It has a repair tag on it from a local reputable shop from four years ago so I assume it was checked out by them at that time. I changed the bag and at first it feels like it has good suction but than after a few minutes it loses suction and then gets hot.
I am not using a power head, just the hose with the bare floor nozzle.
Post# 119508 , Reply# 1   12/28/2010 at 17:28 (4,839 days old) by electrolux-dude(Canyon, TX)  
Hi, This is Nathan, Electrolux-Dude. More than likely your Electrolux needs to be serviced. For Service instructions feel free to e-mail me at: thetrain48@yahoo.com. I have worked on many an Electrolux and can give you step by step instructions on how to make it work like new!
Hope I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Nathan
Post# 121154 , Reply# 2   1/13/2011 at 10:42 (4,823 days old) by eroosa ()  
If it is just the motor getting hot it can be several things:
It can be a tight rear brass/bronze sleeve bearing;
or a tight front 8mm ball bearing.
It can be the armature has a short that happens once it is warmed up
It can be the field has a shorted turn too.
In rarer cases the whole fans and stators are full of dirt and fuzz; ie somebody used it alot with no bag and the fan drags.
With an electrical short current is way higher.
With bad or dry bearings the armature stops real quick. If one places the vacuum on a variac; the starting voltage is way higher with a unit with drag.