[Richard]

We are going to put the new found skills with the voltmeter to the test.

Is there a schematic on the cover plate that you removed? First thing to confirm is that the unit is getting voltage.

We will take it one step at a time.

That component is a start cap, and when they go bad, they do leak. It could or could not be the problem. Let's confirm before we tear into it.

You say inop. Does that mean dead with no hum or noise? runs then stops? just hums when starting? blows breaker? Answers to these questions will help us start the troubleshooting.