OK, so to vent before I trudge back out to the driveway and reinstall the old motor:
I pulled my old blower motor ages ago, and noticed that the brushes were almost gone. Rather than take the chance of getting a defective used motor, or one that wouldn't last a whole lot longer than mine, I splurged and bought a brand new one. Over $200.
It doesn't fit.
They pushed the white squirrel cage down too far on the shaft, and it rubs on the motor housing. I have tried just about everything I can think of to see if I could somehow make it work, but it isn't going to. I need another millimeter of clearance, and it can't be had without sanding something, which I am not wont to do.
Already contacted BMA to see about a replacement, but for Pete's sake! I actually heard my car running again today for the first time in 2 years, and it was accompanied by the screech of a binding blower motor. I just want to drive the damned thing!
Good thing I saved the old one - it will last for a while.