OP
MitchFtLaud
Contributor
Certainly to hide some vibration in the motor, the same as adding sawdust to a manual transmission oil to make it run "smooth".
The seller is a crook and the OP should denounce him on Ebay.
The seller didn't know what he had, and couldn't describe it well and didn't ask much for it, I spoke with him and he had it given to him by a brother in law, so I doubt if there was any foul play. Besides, the motor didn't vibrate when it was put on the bench, it just didn't spec out and needed a rewind. I think someone thought it was a good idea and was just very wrong.