"Don97623" writes:

snip
Next try it spun up ok, and I did get several
starts, but it still pops the breaker often (though maybe not quite as
often as
it did before.)

Sounds like you may have a defective cap.

Try the following:

1) Remove cap.
2) Spin rotor and apply power.

If motor comes up to speed without tripping c'bkr, replace starting
capacitor.

Good luck.

BTW, a 1P-20A is quite suitable with a #12 wire.

HTH

Lew