AC Acting Up!

Last night, my rooftop 13,500 btu AC started running rough. It won't start up on it's own, so I took the inside cover off, and I can manually turn the fan wheel and it starts up. It will blow cool air, but doesn't run smooth. And is loud. I saw that this Dometic AC has a lifespan of about 5 years. My R-pod is 2016. I found a Dometic 13,500 Brisk II for $850 but it has some bad reviews. I would like to get mine running, but maybe I should just spring for a new one. Any ideas?

I can start it with the thermostat, and it makes a hum. Then I have to manually reach up and give the fan a spin. That gets it started. It ran cold long enough to bring 82 degrees down to the set 72 then it shuts completely off. I've been watching Youtube videos all afternoon. I'm not technically savy. I know little about ACs. But necessity is a good motivater. I leaned it has 2 coils, evaporator, and condensor.I was able to reach in and vacuum the evaporator coil, but it looks like I will have to mount the roof to examine the rear condenser coil. Don't have the ladder or energy yet for that. I don't know if the roof will hold me standing up on it. If I do go up there, I will take some coil cleaner, phillips screwdriver and towels. Anybody know if there is a thin filter besides the 2 little slide out ones inside? Somebody said check for loose wires on top of compresser. Somebody else said it could be a refrigerant leak, and if so I should buy a new AC. But it was just blowing cold air, so maybe it's not that. A professional AC tech said check for dirty condenser coil FIRST, And "AC units are the most neglected thing you own" ?

If it's cooling the interior like that then the compressor is working and you can rule that out. There isn't a filter on the roof condenser coil but again if youre cooling well once the fans start spinning them then a dirty condensr coil isn't the problem either.

The fan assembly is the problem if you're having to start it by spinning it by hand. Is it binding up or rubbing on somehing? That would explain the noise.

If not then a new fan motor is likely your next step. There are replacement kits including motor fans, and connectors for around $150 available online.

I imagine the replacement will take some time and will require you to get on the roof. You can stay on hands and knees up there, and place a piece of plywood where you will be working. Also set your stabilizing Jacks so you're not rocking around up there.

OTOH I don't blame you for not wanting to get on the roof and doing this. No shame in going to an RV shop and paying them to do it. If you go that way it's likely you'll save enough on labor by just swapping that it's better to get a new a/c unit.

I still don't know what start capaciter to order, or where it's located. I do know I wish I had a young man to climb up and do the work. The capaciter holds a significant charge which can zap you, even with the breaker off.