joshh wrote:I hadn't seen the second link, thank you!
Is my logic above way off?
Only a little bit!
Without a start circuit, the motor usually just hums unless something external is nudging it.
If a start capacitor is 'open', there is no effective start circuit.
If a start capacitor is shorted, there will be no current phase shift in the start winding.
If a start switch is open, there is no effective start circuit.
If a start switch is shorted the start circuit will not 'disconnect' and the start winding will probably get hot. The start capacitor should be ok unless excessive voltage is developed across it.
Now about the 'low torque'. Without an effective start circuit, an induction motor will likely attempt to run, but will not have much torque if any, and the direction will be random. Excessive 'hum' will be present when power is applied and no rotation is taking place(very high current scenario).
So I would be suspicious of 'the start circuit' with the start switch the most likely culprit. A burned(shorted) start or run winding would be next(history dependent), then a loose wire or poor connection, and last the capacitor itself.