armyguy, that does not sound anything like 'normal'. I suggest that the motor be stripped and inspected, cause something is wildly wrong. I have 6 LA's (15 to 46) and none of them have ever exhibited the symptoms you describe. And being as bad as you describe, whatever it is must be very obvious when you find it. Knowing the usual production process you will have exactly the same bits in yours as I have in mine, and I can't fault the ones I have...
Evan, WB #12.