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UPDATE #1 -- Re: A/C problem, need help ASAP

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UPDATE #1 -- Re: A/C problem, need help ASAP Ignoramus2645 08-02-2006
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Posted by Ignoramus2645 on August 2, 2006, 11:18 pm
Some new developments.

1. The main 24VAC coil contactor is fine, I must have mis-measured
something.

2. I understand why there are three terminals on the capacitor. There
are really two capacitors in one "can". They share a common. One
capacitor is for fan and another is for the main compressor motor.

3. If I disconnect one lead to the capacitor (a fat blue lead), then,
if my wife resets the breaker, the cooling fan starts up just fine and
I hear humming noise from the motor. I did not let that continue for
much more than 2 seconds.

My conclusion is that most likely, the capacitor for the main motor is
shot.

Q U E S T I O N S:

1. Anyone know how to calculate required capacitance by "rated amps"
of the motor? (I realize that motors are all different, but I need
some way to guesstimate)

2. Do the two coexisting caps share a common terminal, or does one of
them have one contact on top and another being the (grounded) can?

Answers will be appreciated.

More to follow.

i


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Posted by CJT on August 2, 2006, 11:20 pm
Ignoramus2645 wrote:

> Some new developments.
>
> 1. The main 24VAC coil contactor is fine, I must have mis-measured
> something.
>
> 2. I understand why there are three terminals on the capacitor. There
> are really two capacitors in one "can". They share a common. One
> capacitor is for fan and another is for the main compressor motor.
>
> 3. If I disconnect one lead to the capacitor (a fat blue lead), then,
> if my wife resets the breaker, the cooling fan starts up just fine and
> I hear humming noise from the motor. I did not let that continue for
> much more than 2 seconds.
>
> My conclusion is that most likely, the capacitor for the main motor is
> shot.
>
> Q U E S T I O N S:
>
> 1. Anyone know how to calculate required capacitance by "rated amps"
> of the motor? (I realize that motors are all different, but I need
> some way to guesstimate)
>
> 2. Do the two coexisting caps share a common terminal, or does one of
> them have one contact on top and another being the (grounded) can?
>
> Answers will be appreciated.
>
> More to follow.
>
> i
>
There ought to be a diagram somewhere, and some markings on the
capacitor, that will tell you what you need to know. Anything else
is just guessing.

--
The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to
minimize spam. Our true address is of the form che...@prodigy.net.

Posted by Cydrome Leader on August 2, 2006, 11:27 pm
> Ignoramus2645 wrote:
>
>> Some new developments.
>>
>> 1. The main 24VAC coil contactor is fine, I must have mis-measured
>> something.
>>
>> 2. I understand why there are three terminals on the capacitor. There
>> are really two capacitors in one "can". They share a common. One
>> capacitor is for fan and another is for the main compressor motor.
>>
>> 3. If I disconnect one lead to the capacitor (a fat blue lead), then,
>> if my wife resets the breaker, the cooling fan starts up just fine and
>> I hear humming noise from the motor. I did not let that continue for
>> much more than 2 seconds.
>>
>> My conclusion is that most likely, the capacitor for the main motor is
>> shot.
>>
>> Q U E S T I O N S:
>>
>> 1. Anyone know how to calculate required capacitance by "rated amps"
>> of the motor? (I realize that motors are all different, but I need
>> some way to guesstimate)
>>
>> 2. Do the two coexisting caps share a common terminal, or does one of
>> them have one contact on top and another being the (grounded) can?
>>
>> Answers will be appreciated.
>>
>> More to follow.
>>
>> i
>>
> There ought to be a diagram somewhere, and some markings on the
> capacitor, that will tell you what you need to know. Anything else
> is just guessing.

He's better at the guessing part. I suggest he wears a blue shirt
tomorrow, and white socks.

Posted by lp13-30 on August 2, 2006, 11:43 pm
At least 90% of the time, you can tell if the capacitor is bad by
looking at it. The top will be bulged out and look like a dome, rather
than being flat. You are correct that it actually two capacitors in one
shell. Heat is what kills them, so chances are very good that is what
your problem is. Since they quit using PCBs in them, they do not last
worth crap. The fact that they are made in China or Mexico probably
doesn't help matters. The only good thing is that they actually cost
less than they did 30 years ago. BTW, if you replace this yourself, get
a 440 volt cap rather than the 370 it probably has. Probably about $1.50
more. For that matter, if you have a service company replace it, ask
that they put in a 440. They can and do fail also, but generally last
quite a bit longer than a 370 volt. Good luck Larry


Posted by Ignoramus2645 on August 2, 2006, 11:44 pm
> There ought to be a diagram somewhere, and some markings on the
> capacitor, that will tell you what you need to know. Anything else
> is just guessing.
>

Yea. Great idea. Here's the diagram:

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/AC-Compressor/diagram.jpg

It is actually very straightforward.

i


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