Outside Unit Problems - Fan runs, compressor doesn't
#1
08-04-08, 05:11 PM
Outside Unit Problems - Fan runs, compressor doesn't
Hi,
I bought my home a year ago. The sellers said the outdoor unit was about 3 years old. It's a goodman CKL-36 IL.
It's been working great for the year since I bought the house and has cooled the house in the Memphis heat perfectly until today.
The inside blower (attic unit) is working, blowing room-temp air through. Is a brand new filter upstairs.
When I realized it wasn't cooling I found the outside unit was not running at all. I checked all the breakers and they're fine. The fan hangs upside down in the unit and the top of the unit (where the fan motor mounts to the lid) is very hot to the touch.
I read the forums and had my friend turn on the thermostat while I stood outside. I heard it go "bzzzz" for about 2 seconds but then silence. The fan didn't start at all.
I used a stick to start the fan and it's runs well. After about 2 minutes the unit went "bzzz" again (trying to start compressor?) but alas, it's not making the compressor noise I'm accustomed to. After about 5 minutes even the fan stopped running. The Goodman is kaput
I'm not an electrician but I can turn a screwdriver, wrench, splice a wire, etc. Does anyone have experience with this who might be able to help?
Even if I'm unable to fix it I'll hopefully at least have a *general* idea what's wrong and how much to expect repairs would cost (??) so when I call a repairman I'll know I'm not being shafted....
Thanks for any help or advice!
-t
I bought my home a year ago. The sellers said the outdoor unit was about 3 years old. It's a goodman CKL-36 IL.
It's been working great for the year since I bought the house and has cooled the house in the Memphis heat perfectly until today.
The inside blower (attic unit) is working, blowing room-temp air through. Is a brand new filter upstairs.
When I realized it wasn't cooling I found the outside unit was not running at all. I checked all the breakers and they're fine. The fan hangs upside down in the unit and the top of the unit (where the fan motor mounts to the lid) is very hot to the touch.
I read the forums and had my friend turn on the thermostat while I stood outside. I heard it go "bzzzz" for about 2 seconds but then silence. The fan didn't start at all.
I used a stick to start the fan and it's runs well. After about 2 minutes the unit went "bzzz" again (trying to start compressor?) but alas, it's not making the compressor noise I'm accustomed to. After about 5 minutes even the fan stopped running. The Goodman is kaput
I'm not an electrician but I can turn a screwdriver, wrench, splice a wire, etc. Does anyone have experience with this who might be able to help?
Even if I'm unable to fix it I'll hopefully at least have a *general* idea what's wrong and how much to expect repairs would cost (??) so when I call a repairman I'll know I'm not being shafted....
Thanks for any help or advice!
-t
Last edited by traynor; 08-04-08 at 05:13 PM. Reason: outside fan stopped blowing after 5 minutes
#2
08-05-08, 05:06 AM
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Location: south carolina usa
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Turn the power to the outside unit off.
Remove the control cover from the unit.
Look for the capacitor, which will probably be round or oblong and have three leads. If you see any apparent swelling or leakage of the capacitor, replace it.
Even if there is no obvious damage, it is probably bad.
For $15 bucks its worth a try.
CAUTION these babies can store a charge which will give you a good shock, so short the three leads together before touching them.
Take the old one with you so that the correct replacement can be made.
Be sure that you notice which lead came from which terminal and replace the correctly on the new cap. LOL
Let me know, even if I am wrong. Tom
Remove the control cover from the unit.
Look for the capacitor, which will probably be round or oblong and have three leads. If you see any apparent swelling or leakage of the capacitor, replace it.
Even if there is no obvious damage, it is probably bad.
For $15 bucks its worth a try.
CAUTION these babies can store a charge which will give you a good shock, so short the three leads together before touching them.
Take the old one with you so that the correct replacement can be made.
Be sure that you notice which lead came from which terminal and replace the correctly on the new cap. LOL
Let me know, even if I am wrong. Tom
#3
08-05-08, 08:20 AM
So far, so good...
Hey Gardner thanks for the reply.
I have the swollen GE capacitor in hand and am headed to the parts store for a replacement.
I'll post the final result here, but otherwise I'd say judging from the bulge on the thing this was the problem and I'll be running the AC again today.
stay tuned...
I have the swollen GE capacitor in hand and am headed to the parts store for a replacement.
I'll post the final result here, but otherwise I'd say judging from the bulge on the thing this was the problem and I'll be running the AC again today.
stay tuned...
#5
08-05-08, 11:56 AM
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Location: south carolina usa
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GREAT, glad I could help. Need lot'sa help myself at times.
Lot of nice and experienced guys on this forum willing to help others. Tom
Lot of nice and experienced guys on this forum willing to help others. Tom
