On 9/8/2009 5:21 PM Martin spake thus:

So what is it ... I'll guess some kind of current limiter to protect
the motor if the thing becomes jammed.

Nope. Small apacitors are typically used on cheapo DC motors like that
to reduce RF noise, as a courtesy to those who might experience
interference. They just filter out (shunt) high-frequency AC.

If it's shorted, just snip it out.


--
Found--the gene that causes belief in genetic determinism