If its three phase...
could be a winding gone bad(rewind or get a new motor)
Could also be simple as the blower wheel binding.
Could be that some one put pressure on the rotor shaft and gave a worn bearing the clearance needed to cause locked rotor on every startup.
Test the windings with a meter for proper Resistance.
Watch the blower/shaft on startup to see if moves vertically and locks.
If it's single phase check all above plus replace the capacitor if applicable(if the blower starts and runs in the direction you spin it then cap for sure)
Willing to bet its a mechanical problem if i noise was the original complaint but if not once you get it running check the blower wheel for loose fins
Also old blower wheels are hard to find so that may be a show stopper right there( better check it FIRST)
good luck and happy new year
edited because I'm illiterate
[This message has been edited by frank (edited 12-27-2005).]
