Joel, does it get hot when you stop the business end? If not, ( and I’d bet not) chances are the commentator is covered in carbon. Take it apart and clean the carbon off the top and sides of the plates and it will come back to life. While you have it apart look at the windings for discoloration, if the windings are overheating or shorting the heat will burn the painted on di-electric coating. If that is evident it will not be long for this world.

Just incase you want to learn a little before you want to toss it.

Joe