Found the problem.MaryAlana, I had to take the gearbox apart to get the tube from the bottom casting. But relatively straight forward, but the motor armature is a bit awkward getting it back as the magnets in the housing pull it around like a demented Ferret.
Pic 1
Removing the motor housing and armature, I saw that one of the armature, spring loaded carbon brush, was stuck in.
Pic 2.
Brush spring on the left okay, but the other was in several bits/crumbled and had been sat in a little pool of water for a year.
Hunted around and found a similar spring with a similar tension.
Pic 3.
Removed the plate with the micro switches etc. on, and underneath is the gearbox. Pleasantly surprised to see reasonable quality nylon gears.
Pic 4.
Gears away and not a bad ally casting with decent bronze bushes, and 2 thrust bearings for the main screw rod.
Pic 5.
One of the thrust bearings on the drive rod, and a welded on washer that has a good weld and it spins true.
Anyway all back together oiled and greased, tested, and ready for action. I have added a grease nipple in the gearbox/threaded rod end. And rotated the motor down for the cable entry, but now leaves 2 drain holes, or lubrication points on the top. So temporary sealed them with grease, and I will think of some sort of waterproof cover.
