Stupid A/C Thing

tgeb

I don't usually get down on this end of the forum, but the a/c quite tonite and I am looking for some advice on what to look for as far as ideas on what the problem could be.

Unit is a Goodman 42-1c and is 9 years old, has worked great till about 3 hours ago.

Went out and checked it and it was "buzzing" and the fan was not turning. Turned it off at the thermostat and had the wife switch it back on while I was outside, more buzzing and no fan, I used a stick to spin the fan and it started to go but the compressor never came on.

I decided to try replacing the fuses, just to see, and when turned back on the fan ran fine but again no compressor, though I think it sounded like it was trying to come on.

So what am I in for? Anything I should not let a tech try to sell me on. I don't want someone to pitch me a new system when this thing may only need a replacement switch or something.

Any advice you may have will be appreciated.

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Tom

www.gebcon.com

hf05

Capacitor or motor..

snapperhead

the fan and the compressor are off the same contactor with only 2 wires(lo voltage) for the contactor to close from a stat call.the system was running and the fan shut down first then the heat build up on the compressor tripped the internal overload within the compressor.the fan cooled down when you changed the fuse...did you read it with a meter to see if it was blown?then it started up when you powered up again but the compressor was still open on the OL within itself.shut the stat off NO COOLING and let the condenser cool off..give it a quick washing with a hose from inside out(some liquid fantastic poured down the coil wouldn't hurt).if you feel ambitious shut the disconnect outside and unscrew the top of the condenser and pop the entire fan section up and off to the side..teeter it on the coil,wires will limit the side ways move to get in there.with the power off after cleaning tighten all electrical ..compressor(might be slip clips),contactor and to the bottom of that disconnect.NOTE the thermostat calls in the contactor for the fan/compressor even with the disconnect OFF!the 24V comes from the air handler inside the house.when you spin the motor blade does it free wheel or slow down like it brakes or tight ..a little WD40 sprayed down the shaft and spin it might loosen it up..most outdoor motors are sealed no oil ports to lub......good luck PS don't let him and gas if a tech comes and don't hesitate to run him thru your re-start story.if the motro is shot check out Grainger supply by you probably have the motor if your interested...FRAME/RPM/volts are the critical on the info if you change it.

tgeb

Thanks Guys.

At this point I am fairly sure it is the capacitor.

I tested it with a digital multi meter and it don't look good.

I am going to pick one up while doing my site visits today and I'll let you know how I did when I plug it back in this afternoon.

__________________
Tom

www.gebcon.com

tgeb

Thanks again fellas.

It was the capacitor, ($15.00) put it in and away she goes.

It was 88 degrees inside when I got in this evening and it is now 76 in my little home office.

I appreciate the help.

__________________
Tom

www.gebcon.com

jaymac62

your most likely problem is the dual run capacitor (35 \ 5 mfd )? that helps the outdoor motor and compressor motor to start thats your likeiest problem.