It's an A.O. Smith motor (Sta Rite Pump - see above) and yes it has a starting capacitor. I assume those can be tested somehow. There's a danger with capacitors I believe because they hold a charge and need to be shorted with insulated screwdriver before being touched, right?

If it is the motor and not the capacitor, should I just look for an identical replacement or are there more efficient and reliable bands that you would recommend? Or, is nine years not all that unusual for a motor to begin to fail?

Thanks!

Tom