Got the old one all stripped out. Still can't identify the source of the problem. I removed and inspected the whole wiring harness and it had no visible problems. I'm thinking Mark must be correct and it's in the wiring inside the motor. The professionals over at an appliance forum were bamboozled by the symptoms also.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13