Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - air compressor capacitor

i have a older air mate by emglo compressor model # appears to be mk 255. the pump was running fine has plenty of clean oil the unit seemed to work fine cycled pressure switch kept plenty of air when in use. the problem is the capacitor exploded last time i used it, the unit had just been turned on and was filling the tanks. my problem now is locating a capacitor in my town i've found some online but price and time is a consideration. the rating on the old one was 80 mfd at 400v i know exact rating is best for life of motor. i know to go bigger if exact isn't available.my question is can i use a lower voltage higher microfarad temporarily to take a amp draw to see if centrifigual switch is droping out start winding and capacitor once motor reaches speed. i want to diagnose this myself, i thought about taking it to local motor shop, but after visiting on my hunt for a capacitor i think the old gentleman who owns the place has forgotten more about motors than i've ever known. point being to this whole collection of jibberish is i don't mind wasting a capacitor (that dosen't cost a fortune like original) to help me find out wether or not to junk entire unit,it's direct drive, or fork over money for original cap if motor seems ok. hope some of this makes sense i do better in conversation than trying to type out my thoughts.