AC Acting Up!
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15244
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 11:50am
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Topic: AC Acting Up!
Posted By: richardd
Subject: AC Acting Up!
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 5:46am
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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?
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Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 5:57am
If it's just the fan/can motor then it is probably worth just replacing that, but does the compressor start up and the evaporator (inside coil) get cold? I mean really get cold, not just blow some cool air.
You can also usually tell when the compressor starts because there will be a short voltage drop from the high conpressor starting current. If you have an ac light plugged in it will dim (brownout) momentarily.
Also, if it's making noise and running rough then it might only be binding on something and be a simple fix. Take a close look to see what causing the noise. The motor turns two fans on a single shaft, one outside for the condenser coil and one inside for the evaporator coil.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 5:29pm
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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" ?
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 5:55pm
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Just read the the reason I have to kick start the fan is because it has a bad start capaciter. Anybody know where that's located?
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 5:56pm
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.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2022 at 6:32pm
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After watching another video, I suspect it's the start capaciter. He had the same problem, it would run if he spinned the fan blade like me. He replaced the capaciter and started right up. It is running smooth, blowing cold, no noise or rubbing. I think the capaciter is under 20 bucks, if I can find where it's located? and get the right one.Looks like a quick swap out beside the unit on the roof. It's hard to find a video of my particular Dometic AC. Thanks offgrid!
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2022 at 6:55am
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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.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2022 at 3:12pm
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Had the start capaciter removed. Waiting to hear from Camping World if they can get it. Also called Digikey. My start capaciter has a manufacture date 2014. No one has told me with certainty if they have one or a suitable replacement. Digikey seems to think they have an upgrade version. But I need afirmation, as it has to be the right one, and I only want to do this once.
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Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2022 at 7:06pm
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Richardd, I have purchased several parts from Digikey and have been happy with all of them. The capacitors they normally sell are a close replacement on Capacitance and Voltage, but a better quality. Physical size will differ a little from one maker to the next. If you give us the manufacture's name and number on your cap, maybe we can come up with number for a good replacement.
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Happy Traveling,
Tom
2017 172pod
2011 F150 STX
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2022 at 6:49am
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Thanks Tom, so are you saying you replaced the capacitors on your AC with Digikey capaciters?
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Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2022 at 8:20am
No, not on my Rpod AC unit, but I have replaced motor start caps. I've used Digikey transformers, diodes, LEDs, switches etc on electronics repairs and building projects. Im not a electronics specialist but am retired Navy and Ma Bell electronic tech who has forgotten more than I remember, LOL. I have an old Digikey paper catalog I can loan you that will have numbers, which normally dont change on electronic components. Epting Distributors in North Charleston might be able to cross reference your cap. I have found that on some days they are willing to help with your project and other days, well, they may be having a bad day.
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Happy Traveling,
Tom
2017 172pod
2011 F150 STX
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2022 at 3:05pm
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Spoke with Camping World. They will contact Dometic Monday. My caps are discontinued, and Amazon doesn't have them. I gave her the model no. of the AC unit, same as the MFG no. I think. She gave me what she thinks are the upgraded numbers, but Dometic wants you to go through a dealer. After leaning what she finds out, I might call Digikey again. Their shipping costs more than the cap. Also might call Epting Distributors. I feel sure the start cap is bad. The run cap might be good, but maybe replacing it too before it goes bad. Good idea? Thanks
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Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2022 at 5:01pm
i think that sounds like a plan. Lucky it happened now and not mid summer. Keep us posted.
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Happy Traveling,
Tom
2017 172pod
2011 F150 STX
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 02 May 2022 at 4:28pm
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You're right Tom. Drove down to Camping World today and picked up the new start capacitor. $83. None of the other places had it. They couldn't get the run capacitor. Fortunately I don't believe that's the problem. It runs with a kick start, and blows cold air, just won't start. I'm hoping this cures it, and I will clean the two coils before trying it. Just heard thunder, don't know when, maybe tomorrow. I live in the camper, it was 91 last time I checked. I have the windows open and 3 fans going...
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 May 2022 at 5:01pm
The caps should be labelled with their capacitance and voltage ratings, or you could get hold of the schematic. Any cap with the same specs would work fine as long as it fit physically.
I'm still assuming you're talking about the fan start cap not the compressor. If you were wanting the compressor start cap I'd suggest getting an Easystart instead which replaces the start cap and greatly reduces (by 3x or more) the compressor start current. Even a 2kw genny can start the a/c with an Easystart installed.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 02 May 2022 at 5:45pm
offgrid, I'm not too tech savy. There is only 2 caps on my AC. One start, and one run. Are you saying there are two start caps?
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 4:22am
No, there are only one start cap. I had to check the schematic. The run cap is connected to both the fan motor and the compressor, the start cap is only connected to the comp.
What confuses me is why you think your start cap is bad? I thought it was your fan motor, not your compressor, which is having trouble. If it's the fan motor then changing the start capacitor should not have any effect. So back to my original question: does your compressor turn on and run ok (evaporator gets cold).
Here is a link to a wiring diagram This is from the Easystart manual so it also shows how that is connected replacing the compressor start cap. If you are indeed having trouble with that cap starting the comp then rather than spend $80 on a new start cap I'd consider biting the bullet and getting an Easystart It's expensive but it does a great job cutting the start current of the a/c down to sobethg reasonable for either a small generator or a 20 amp receptacle.
. https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners - wiring diag
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 6:39am
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it starts up and blows cold air if I give it a kickstart by turning the squirrelcage. I had the start cap checked and it's bad.I think that's what helps it to cycle on and off. They are notorious for going bad. I just want to replace it and get some cold air for the upcoming summer. I have considered an easystart but I sold my Honda generators since carrying them and gas was too much trouble. But I would like to eventually have another rig with easystart, generator, solar,etc. for boondocking. Then I could be offgrid. Like you!
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 11:07am
offgrid, you said this...If it's just the fan/can motor then it is probably worth just replacing that, but does the compressor start up and the evaporator (inside coil) get cold? I mean really get cold, not just blow some cool air.
Thd fan is working, and the compressor starts for a minute and cuts off, a little cold air for a minute, so the answer is no...
I had the start cap replaced. And the evaporator coils cleaned. Right now its just blowing air but not cold.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 11:09am
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Anybody know someone in Summerville who can take a look?
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 3:10pm
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It kicked on and ran for awhile and brought the temp down from 91 to 70.I thought it was working. But now it won't do anything. Just an occasional short humming.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 4:12pm
I found a new unit I'm thinking about replacing it. The reviews say it is easy, plug and play, quiter, lighter, and one said takes a half hour. Anybody done a replacement? I don't know if it will fit the existing hole. How can I know for sure? This is it, $718...
https://www.rvpartscountry.com/dometic-13500-top-unit-only-a-c.html
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 03 May 2022 at 5:14pm
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Just watched another video and this guy had to hand start his fan like me. He replaced the "fan" capacitor and the fan and compressor started right up. I replaced the "start" capacitor, but didn't cure that problem. How many capacitors are on it? I only saw 2. The other one, what I'm calling the "run" capacitor has a bunch of connections. Maybe it's bad. I don't know how to check it. That's the capacitor I think they said was unavailable.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 04 May 2022 at 4:32pm
Update for my continuing saga: Dometic has a toll free number. They cross referenced the capacitor part number and gave me the updated new number. All the places I looked were out of stock. Except Ebay. And they were the cheapest. Will get it in less than a week. Camping world wanted twice the money, and maybe I would get it in 2 months, maybe not. South Carolina's heat and humidity won't wait for that. The ac is blowing cold air, it just takes assistance to get the fan going. The ac only has two capacitors. I replaced the "start" capacitor thinking that would do it. Not starting, right? Wrong. Then I watched a video about house ac's. I'm getting an education. House and RV ac's are similar. He started the fan by hand. Then showed how to discharge the other capaciter, called the "run" or "duel" capaciter and replace it. It's the one with 3 prongs, one is compressor, one is fan, the other "common". Apparently, these have a tendency to go bad. DO NOT do this your self unless you know what you're doing, a capacitor that is not discharged can hold a lethal zap. It started right up. I'm not saying it's going to fix mine, we'll see. Stay tuned.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 05 May 2022 at 6:53am
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I am told the new run capacitor I am about to install is a hard start capacitor. I am using it because it is the same as what it came with. I just want it to work. I will consider a soft start capacitor either in my next rig, or next ac.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 05 May 2022 at 2:53pm
After watching numerous videos, I'm still baffled about AC's. I'm still trying to get some helpful clarification. Maybe I'm not being clear, or making this harder than it should be. I turn the ac on from the thermostat. There is a humming. I'm guessing this is the compressor but maybe somebody knows and can tell me. Then, I kick-start the fan with my hand by reaching up and giving the squirrelcage a spin counter-clockwise. It starts running and blowing cold air. It cools the camper down. Then it starts blowing cooler air more slowly, makes an increasingly louder noise and cuts off. Then as it starts to warm up, I repeat this. I have seen on Youtube this is likely a bad start capacitor. The AC has two capacitors. I replaced the smaller black one I'm told is the start capacitor. It says start capacitor right on it. But it's acting the same. The fan is not starting. I've ordered the other capacitor I'm calling the run capacitor, or 3-pronged duel capacitor, and will have it replaced next week. It has three prongs, and two are labeled fan and compressor. I'm hoping that will fix the problem. Maybe the two capacitors work together, and the three prong duel capacitor is responsible for helping starting AND running. But I'm just guessing. I don't have a clue. That's why I'm here, to see if anybody does have a clue. Guess that's why AC techs get the big bucks. Or maybe they don't know either, and are just winging it. Again, has anybody ever confronted this problem? If so, PLEASE dispel the mystery. Summer is knocking on the door!
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 15 May 2022 at 3:55pm
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Update...right now I'm enjoying a working AC. I had both capacitors replaced. And the AC cleaned. The coils were cleaned. The Evaporator coil has a freeze sensor stuck in it. The AC has been cutting off and the thermostat was flashing between the 72 temp and the e5 code. I could see and reach it from inside, so I pulled it out, cleaned it and replaced it. It did it again so I reinserted it again. So far it's running good, I'll keep an eye on it, and if it continues to happen, I'll order a new freeze sensor since it's cheap and easy to change out. All of this was cheap compared to a new unit.
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 8:29am
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Another update...So far it seems to be working as it should. Maybe cleaning it and replacing the two capacitors did the trick. Will know more when the brutal South Carolina summer comes. We just had 97 and it's not even here yet. Thanks for hanging with me everybody...
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 9:30am
Thanks for posting your saga. I'm sure it will be helpful for anyone encountering the problem in the future. Would you post the part numbers so that it will be easier for someone to find them? That would be very helpful.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 10:11am
Also glad you got it running.
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Happy Traveling,
Tom
2017 172pod
2011 F150 STX
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Posted By: richardd
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 2:24pm
This is the MFG. No. (part number) for the 13,500 BTU Dometic AC:
641915C751J0
Start capacitor: 61B2D250043NNCA (old pt. no.)
3311883.000 (new, replacement pt. no.)
Run capacitor: 39-02-0270615J (old part no.)
Not sure what new run, or duel capacitor pt. no. is. Think it's 3314471.017. Check to be sure. It's important the microfareds and VAC match. SC 43-uF, 250VAC, RC 55/15uf, 370VAC. When ordering it they should be able to tell you. Shop around for best price. I got the SC from Camping World but they are the most expensive. Got the RC on Ebay for good price. These are made in China. I understand a company called MARS has USA caps, but didn't try them.Try Digikey.com. DO NOT attempt this operation unless you know what you're doing. You have to discharge the caps to handle them, or risk shock. If your AC has the symtoms as mine, don't try replacing one cap at a time. Just replace both and be done with it.God Bless~
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