Is there a way to test the capacitor, also what is the life expectancy of the capacitor?

5-7 years

Gene;

If it's only running a minute or 2 and then stops no matter how much you shake it get a new one. caps are either good...or bad. They run 13-18 bucks on ebay Peter is right on life exp 5-7 years is it. And that's sitting or being used.