are you telling me the bushings are the reason that I push on the bottom of the stator, that it works?

Or are you teling me something else?

Before I purchase parts and toss it at it, i'd like to know the theory and symptoms of the situation.

There's no particular reason that it shouldnt work- and why it works when you press on the bottom. There's also no rhme or reason it works outside on a bench test.

THese two factors are co-existing, yet would indicate different problems.