Condenser fan and cooling issues
#1
07-01-14, 06:47 PM
Condenser fan and cooling issues
I have read many threads on here with similar problems but still do not understand my exact problem. I am here to get knowledge for either repairing myself or at least having some knowledge when or if I call a tech.
My first problem is when the AC is turned on the fan on the condenser unit does not spin and there is a humming noise. I turned off all of the power and took off the side panel to check the contactor. I turned the power back on and the contactor sucks in and the humming noise continues. I then pushed the fan with a screw driver and it slowly started and then began to spin on it's own. I thought I may have started to zero in on a problem but was letting it run in an attempt to cool the house off a bit. I let it run for about 45 minutes but noticed that the air from the outlet was not cool. It felt as if outside air was just being pulled inside. I checked the condenser and the high pressure line and suction lines were the same temperature and not cool or hot but air temperature. The top of the condenser was hot to the touch above the fan. I turned the AC off and turned back on and the fan did not turn on it's own and it only hummed again. That is as far as I got and have left it off since.
Are the fan and cooling issues related? Any thoughts on what the problem or problems could be? Any direction on how I can begin to repair myself or do I need professional help?
Unit is a Goodman CK30-1B Serial # 9406098101
My first problem is when the AC is turned on the fan on the condenser unit does not spin and there is a humming noise. I turned off all of the power and took off the side panel to check the contactor. I turned the power back on and the contactor sucks in and the humming noise continues. I then pushed the fan with a screw driver and it slowly started and then began to spin on it's own. I thought I may have started to zero in on a problem but was letting it run in an attempt to cool the house off a bit. I let it run for about 45 minutes but noticed that the air from the outlet was not cool. It felt as if outside air was just being pulled inside. I checked the condenser and the high pressure line and suction lines were the same temperature and not cool or hot but air temperature. The top of the condenser was hot to the touch above the fan. I turned the AC off and turned back on and the fan did not turn on it's own and it only hummed again. That is as far as I got and have left it off since.
Are the fan and cooling issues related? Any thoughts on what the problem or problems could be? Any direction on how I can begin to repair myself or do I need professional help?
Unit is a Goodman CK30-1B Serial # 9406098101
Last edited by Dirt; 07-01-14 at 07:06 PM.
#2
07-01-14, 06:57 PM
I've done a little more research and would replacing the capacitor fix my problem? I see this related to the fan not operating properly issue but if I get the fan operating properly will the fix the cooling issue as well?
#3
07-01-14, 07:42 PM
I looks like you have at least 2 problems, you just need to deal with fan first. It most likely bad capacitor.
Capacitors can be half dead and new capacitors can be bad. So I suggest buying capacitor tester. I found 2 capacitors which had a few times less uF, than specs. I ordered capacitor from ebay and it was about 30-40% out of specs.
Capacitors can be half dead and new capacitors can be bad. So I suggest buying capacitor tester. I found 2 capacitors which had a few times less uF, than specs. I ordered capacitor from ebay and it was about 30-40% out of specs.
#4
07-01-14, 09:17 PM
Group Moderator
It is critical that the condensor fan be up to speed. Just turning is not enough. Replace the capacitor first.
35/5 Mfd 370 Volt Dual Round Run Capacitor
Make sure power to the condensor unit is off first.
35/5 Mfd 370 Volt Dual Round Run Capacitor
Make sure power to the condensor unit is off first.
#6
07-02-14, 04:47 PM
I installed a new capacitor, turned the power back on, and the fan started right up. It ran for about 5 minutes and then stopped. It came back on again after a few minutes and ran for a couple more and stopped again and so repeated the pattern. The top of the unit is very hot above the fan. What is my issue now? Is the fan motor or bearings burning out or do I have a different problem in the system? Please help.
#7
07-02-14, 04:55 PM
Member
Assuming that the capacitor is the correct value, the motor probably needs to be replaced. Recently, another poster had a similar problem. He replaced the capacitor and the fan would run for a few minutes and then would overheat and thermally shutdown. He ended up replacing the fan motor and everything is now working properly.
#8
07-02-14, 05:10 PM
FIXED! I rechecked the wiring and I forgot to check how the terminals were labeled. Hooked them up the right way and we have....AIR! Nice and cold are too. Funny how a $21 part from Grainger can mean a world of difference. Thank you to everyone!
