I had a large fan motor that could only be oiled at one end, because the other end was inaccessible. It was in a roof fan. I didn't worry about it and after about 6 years, it stalled, would not spin. Removed and replaced it, but now the replacement is in the same situation. The first motor seems to spin fine after oiling with oil bought at an appliance parts store, something like 3-in-1 oil.
Do you think the motor was ruined or does the fact that it spins nicely now (with no fan blade on it) means it's worth re-using? What is your best opinion? What is your best guess?
Don't tell me to just buy a new motor in order to be sure. If that were an option, I wouldn't be asking the question in the first place.