Nice. that was a good read.

It sounds like a bit of metal is "normal". I'm still not sure what constitutes "normal" though. I think I'll wait until I hear back from blackstone before tearing into anything.

Given how well these motors were built/put together, I'm a little nervous to start tearing it apart, inspecting bearing wear, etc. I don't want to create issues that never existed in the first place.

Should i be able to "feel" play in a bad rod bearing? i feel some side-to-side play, which i understand is normal... but, i don't feel and up/down play.