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Joined: 19 Sep 2017
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Posts: 115 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Another AC Issue
    Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 1:48pm
Given the small cost involved, I am going to replace the capacitor (there's only one) as soon as I can get one.  I can do all of the testing necessary, but if its not the capacitor, then the unit is toast.  Clearly it is getting power.  To me, the fan starting with an asset is the revealing clue pointing to capacitor.  I'll eventually report back.
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Posts: 6418 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 7:40am
First thing to address is the start/run capacitor since you say the fan will start if given an assist. I recently had to replace a start capacitor on a motor that also would just sit there and hum until given a push. Then it started and ran just fine. Once you get the fan fixed, you may (or may not) find that the compressor is okay. However, if you are going to try to fix it, address the fan motor first. It will likely be the most cost-effective route. If you get the fan working and then it still has issues, you won't be so financially in on it and it may make the decision to repair or replace easier.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 5:10am
Sometimes shop recommendations don't necessarily align with what an owner might do given a choice. Shop rates are high and its risky for them to turn a tech loose on something unknown which might take a few hours to troubleshoot and repair when just throwing on a new one can be done quickly for a known amount.

If you have a week or two to evaluate then I'd suggest getting a DMM that can measure capacitance and ac current as well as the usual voltage and resistance and doing some testing in the meantime. Can't really go wrong investing in the proper tools, and this stuff is so inexpensive now....If you don't already have one that does clamp on dc current then I'd highly recommend that too for future use on your 12V circuits. 

A quick look on Amazon shows that the latest ones also include temp and non contact voltage testers, how cool is that? Almost makes we want to buy another meter but I have 5 or 6 already dang it.  Wink
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Posts: 115 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 11:17pm
Originally posted by mcarter

What did your AC tech say? No opinion.

To be clear, the unit has not been on-site examined by a tech.  They are slammed and two weeks out.  But he was kind and generous enough to offer an over the phone opinion based on what I had found to that point. He guessed it was a freon issue but was mystified by the breakers tripping. What I had not found then was that the fan will start with an assist spin.  And now no breakers are tripping.  Even if the unit is a dead, nothing new can be gotten due to Dometic covid/hurricane interruption (I am told).  So there's time to probe things.  And I've found  that in decision making situations where a variety of variables are involved and a wealth orf experience from others can be consulted, it pays to explore.  OTOH, if a competent tech had examined the unit and concluded it was time for the junk heap, I wouldn't be wasting my time of that of anyone else. So I appreciate all the insight.
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 6:37pm
What did your AC tech say? No opinion.
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Posts: 115 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 6:26pm
Basically, the capacitor is about all that can be reasonably replaced.  Given the cost, my instinct was  to throw that part at the problem.  All of these opinions are helpful.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 5:10pm
If both the compressor and fan motor are having problems it might be the run/fan capacitor. If its bulging leaking or shorted then its toast. Be sure to short the terminals out on it before handling it, they hold a charge. Beyond that if you don't have access to a meter that can measure capacitance you could consider just replacing it and see if that helps. Cost is around $40. 
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 5:05pm
I think I would trust the on-site AC tech. Always good to get second opinion, before complete replacement, however his assessment seems right to me.
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Posts: 115 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 2:30pm
It does not run long enough to get cold, even if there is no problem.  Couple of minutes is all.  It struggles to start.  Discovered fan requires a spin to start.  Then runs and restarts just fine.  Will take it in for a diagnosis or do one myself before tossing the unit and getting a new one.  But the local shop was puzzled as to reason for breaker on shore source tripping — which it is no longer doing.  That has me wondering about freon being the issue.  
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2020 at 11:29am
If the evaporator doesn't get cold at all in the short time the compressor is on then its probably the refrigerant as your service center suggests. Otherwise I'd suspect the thermostat. Both the compressor overload and freeze protection shutoffs can also cause short cycling. If you have a clamp on current meter you could see what the compressor is drawing, that might tell you something. 
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