[wiswind]

That is great!
Good that you are back up and running.
Yes, running around to parts stores can be very frustrating.
I try shopping online first, which would not have helped you in your case as the store that had one in stock, would still have you visit (even if you had called first) as they did not know it was bad.
A couple stores will indicate if the part is in stock, and which store.
AutoZone indicates if the part is carried in stores or if it is only available online or by special order, but they don't indicate if it is in stock.