Hello foodprep86. A burning rubber smell typically indicates that the motor is working too hard against resistance, or that the drive coupling (often made of rubber or plastic) is stripping and slipping against the metal stud. Since you mentioned the motor is hot, it has likely been overloaded during your meal prep.
Here are a few things you can check:
1. Drive Socket: Inspect the rubber or plastic gear connecting the base to the blade assembly. If the teeth are worn down, it will slip and create a burning smell.
2. Overload: The motor might be overheating due to too much dense food at once. Let it cool down completely before testing it again.
3. Blade Assembly: Check if the blade bearings are seized, which forces the motor to strain heavily. It can usually be fixed by replacing the faulty part rather than buying a whole new unit.