Buddies 170 is a DOG!

are there any theories on what we should be looking for?

Yes: You should be looking for a cheap 225 replacement motor. You have already done everything humanly possible to make that poor little feller run decently and it would seem that it is just TOO FAR GONE to perform well without a replacement 225.

People are giving them away every day...



Even if he is bucks down, you should be able to fix this...

I have every confidence that you will...:cheers: