This is a typical 'condensor fan not spinning' issue, so I'll try not to bore you with too many details...but here's the [I]Reader's Digest[/I] version of the issue: (HEIL NAC030AKC3 - spec's show a 35+3/370 capacitor) Fan stopped running last summer, and (thanks to this forum and you knowledgeable experts) I determined it was the capacitor. Local HVAC supply house didn't have a 35+3...but stated a 35+[B][U]5[/U][/B] was an acceptable replacement. Not knowing any better, I took it. Seemed to work fine for the rest of the season. Yesterday, wife calls me at work, saying it's not working again. Asked her to lower the t'stat and tell me if she could hear the outside unit turn on - she says "no." (Obviously, she was inside, so not sure [I]specifically[/I] what the condensor was/wasn't doing). I thought it was odd that the capacitor would crap out after only 1 season, but, seemed like the most-likely culprit, so I stopped at the HVAC supply house on the way home. Again, no 35+3 in stock, but was again told a '5' was fine. Got home late. I knew I should have powered it up to see just what it did first, but it was getting dark, so I just swapped out the capacitor. Had wife lower t'stat and watched unit to see what happened: Contactor pulls in, compressor starts, and fan starts nice and strong. However...after about 5-10 seconds, the fan slows and 'buzzing' noise increases - possibly the compressor straining? Fan eventually comes to a stop. From the other threads I've read, I'm wondering if the fan motor is failing (although it initially started nice and strong). Which (finally) leads to my question: - Could using a 5MFD instead of 3 have caused the motor to fail? - Or...is something else going on (contactor losing 'contact')? As always, your input is GREATLY appreciated. Wally

I have a 4 year old carrier ac unit. Blower blows inside and fan works outside..but not getting cold air. I am getting a low 1-2 sec hum every couple of minutes that seems to be coming from inside the outside unit..it does not appear to be coming from the electrical panel area of the unit. I removed the top and see no burned or melted wires. Any ideas on what it could be?