Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jul 24, 2011 08:56am | #11

   You couldn't have started the compressor going with a stick.  It may be that you started the condenser fan in the outside condenser/compressor box.

   The compressor is inside the outside box, in a closed area where you can't reach it without opening things, and even when you get to it there are no external moving parts.  When it's running it just hums/vibrates, with no visible motion.

   The condenser fan is also in the outside box, only you can see the blades of the fan in most cases.

   If the condenser fan is not starting by itself but will start with a push from a stick, either the bearings are getting gummed up or the capacitor is bad.

   So one thing you can try is to use your stick when the unit is turned off.  Push the fan a bit and see if it moves freely (continues spinning for a revolution or two after your push) or if it seems very sticky and sluggish.  If it seems sicky then it may work to oil the bearings, if you can figure out how to do that (or it may be that the motor will need to be replaced).

   If the fan seems to be spinning freely, though, then likely the capacitor (an electrical part about the size/shape of two D batteries end to end) has gone bad.  It's usually in a little box on the side of the motor.  You can take the old capacitor (or the entire fan motor) to a motor shop and get a replacement capacitor.  (Just be sure to turn off power to the unit before you go poking around inside.)  Or you can call a serviceman -- replacing a capacitor is a reasonably simple job that should be accomplished for the minimum service fee, plus a few bucks for the part.

   [Edited: Changed condenser(electrical) to capacitor to reduce confusion and conform to industry terminology.]

1. 
   Westchester | Jul 09, 2011 11:19am | #1

   Fan

   Thanks Dan -

   The fan I started are the large blades - under the grill in the outside unit - as you mention the condensor fan.  I didn't take the grill off - rather just pushed it with a stick and it started.  I can easily remove the grill and see if oil or WD-40 can get into the area I need to ease.  Anyway when I pushed the blades when the unit was off they seem to turn very freely and made many rotations - 

   Appreciate your advice and any further comments you can add.  The unit hasn't missed a beat in the last few days - but I'm figuring I will need a service call by someone sooner or later -

   Regards,

   SA

1. 
   DanH | Jul 09, 2011 12:16pm | #2

   Sometimes when a motor hasn't been started for awhile the bearings will be "stiff" until they get "loosened up" a bit.  Sometimes you'll have the problem if the motor's been off for an hour, sometimes if the motor's been off overnight, other times only if it's been off for days or weeks.

   Unfortunately, this often happens when the motor bearings are nearing end of life, and the bearings generally can't be (cost-effectively) replaced in a motor of that size.  Lubing them usually helps a little, though.

2. 
   [email protected] | Jul 12, 2011 04:49pm | #3

   NO WD40

   WD40 is not intended as a long term lubricant.  Do not use it for one. 

1. 
   Westchester | Jul 12, 2011 05:23pm | #4

   Fan -

   Thanks all -

   Really appreciate the help.  So far - no more fan failure with this 100 degree heat wave -

   Thanks goodness for that -

   Regards,

   SA

1. 
   Scott | Jul 17, 2011 07:07pm | #5

   Like Dan says, the fan bearing are likely near death. I would replace them as soon as convenient, or else you may be SOL in the next heat wave.

2. 
   Westchester | Jul 17, 2011 07:46pm | #6

   Bearings

   Thanks Scott -

   The unit is only 3 years old -  not over-used - 

   Do you see this problem at the 3 year mark or is this just unusual ?

   SA

3. 
   Scott | Jul 17, 2011 08:05pm | #7

   I'd say it's pretty unusual. We've had ours for over six years without issue. Are you aware of any problems with the fan, like bent blades (which would put rotational stress on the bearings) or any source of corrosion?

   The good news is that the fan motor is one of the more inexpensive components. And if there is any question about the fan being bent (especially after poking it with a stick), I'd replace it too, or you might face the same problem again shortly.

   If it were the compressor itself that went sideways, you'd have big reasons to cry the blues. Think of the money you're saving!!   ;-)

   Good luck.

2. 
   cap | Jul 23, 2011 09:05am | #8

   Capacitor would be a better choice of word here...
   Rather than condenser, when referring to the motor component.

   Like referring to "the wireless", instead of "the radio". And about the same era.

   Cliff

1. 
   Scott | Jul 24, 2011 01:47am | #9

   Cliff, I think Dan's referring to "condenser" as in the component of a refrigeration circuit. (Though a guy like you can certainly be excused for thinking about electrical components!!)

   The condenser is the part of a heat pump, when running in A/C mode, that dumps heat outside. The evaporator coils gather heat from inside the house (as the refrigerant boils).

1. 
   DanH | Jul 24, 2011 08:51am | #10

   Nope, actually he's right -- I was using the term for both.  I'll go back and edit my post (if it will let me).