Yup - I'm a sucker for punishment. Always the optimist. Let's just say that the machine has alot of potential 'cause it ain't getting any worse. The I-beam was straight, piston looked OK. No big leaks (able to run hydraulics while cranking the starter motor). I've got a couple of backup plans in mind if I can't ressurect the motor. Plan B - swap out my leaf blower motor when I want to split wood, Plan C - run off tractor hydraulics, Plan D PTO hydraulic pump, Plan E new motor.