Split Capacitor on Windlass Motor Terminals - Why?

[Zul]

I'm replacing a stripped gearbox on my Lewmar Concept 1 Windlass. The motor and gearbox are a single unit so I have to replace the motor as well. The wiring on the original motor included a pair of 1.5 microfarad capacitors connected to all three terminals on the the motor. I'm wondering if I should transfer these to the new motor as well, but it's not on the wiring diagram that it came with. Can anyone tell me what the purpose of these capacitors might be? I have an idea they might be intended to prevent radio interference, but I'm not sure.

Thanks
Graham
1985 Beneteau Idylle 11.5

[David M]

I may be a capacitor start motor. Some AC motors use capacitors as a way starting them. Is it an AC motor by any chance?

AC motor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Blue Stocking]

They maybe there for the EMI, or maybe to cushion the in-rush current.