I’ve got an American Standard that’s giving me issues. The compressor fan is running intermittent, and when it gets hot, obviously, the a/c doesn’t cool. I watched it run for a short period, it stopped, then I gave it a cool shower, and the fan started running again. Fan motor, capacitor…….? I don’t know why it’s giving me issues, it’s only 23 years old. I’ve replaced one compressor fan on it, but it didn’t fail like this one is acting, it locked up tight.
Thanks in advance.
Ron
The capacitor is at least 50/50 chance of the problem.
Originally Posted by Ron H 520
They don't build them like they used to. Can you imagine, cheap crap, only lasting 23 years?
A capicator 'should' be $20 . Watch where wires go and an easy swap. If 2 caps, small is the fan. 1 cap with 3 terminals watch where they go.
Be careful those caps pack quit the punch
Longevity and efficiency are two different deals.
It’s been a good one for sure. I had it serviced and the tech said I better use it till it dies, the new ones now will not make it as long as this one. I’m going to go with the capacitor, it’s the least expensive shot at a fix.
Thanks for the help, good bunch here.
When you say it’s locked up tight… meaning the fan motor? You can’t spin the fan by hand? If that’s the case, I’d say the motor is locked up and a capacitor won’t solve that problem.
Yes it could. The capacitor's job is to shift the input AC phase giving the fan motor two phases to help it start. If it doesn't start it draws maximum current until it causes the internal thermal switch to open. All it takes is a small movement of the fan to get the fan motor off its ass and running, hence the hose and the hose also cools the thermal switch which needs to reset. Bottom line: if the capacitor fixes it, it was bad.
If the fan won't turn with the power off, it is N F G.
Motor locked up was prior issue years back. This failure, the motor turns free. I’m ordering a capacitor today. Won’t hurt to try it.
Sure it won't. Don't forget to put your fingers across any of the terminals after you take it out to make sure it's discharged.
Or just discharge with a screw driver
That was my point…
Nothing like a cool house. It was the capacitor. Thanks guys.
I was told this may be bad for my pacemaker/ defib thingy!
Well my comment was tongue in cheek. A capacitor cannot charge on AC BUT they should be respected.I was told this may be bad for my pacemaker/ defib thingy!
Capacitor
welcome
Did you get this right all by yourself or did you cheat and read the post 3 above yours?
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