big_pond,
I had a similar prob with my Stren feeder ( see a prior post under stren adf-75d problem). When I took apart the feeder I found the hot wire to the agitator motor had part of the insulation abraded down to the copper. This occured right where the wire passed from the feed containing part into the motor housing. Check and make sure this isn't causing your problems. It was an easy fix once found.
Sarc
