Know what? I figured out my problem. I need to set my meter right inline with the circuit. I've not measured amps in so long I forget that it's different. I set it on the '10A' setting, plugged my read lead into the 'amps' socket, but then measured across the motor while it was already running. It's a cheap-o $5 "CEN-TECH" digital multimeter. But it's served me well for the last year and a half. Course, all I use it for is checking the occasional voltage. And don't need super-precision.
I'm surprised you didn't burn that cheapo meter out - I love centech meters myself, too - I have a few of them kicking around.
BTW - what did the current reading come out to (and what toy did you get the motor from)?
