Central Air Unit
#1
Last week Central air went out. A surge occurred during a storm and smoke a wire and the fuses. Repairman replace the wire and removed the Hard start. Said didn't really need it. Yesterday it goes out again. I checked it and another wire that goes from a another part the looks like the Hard start coil to the fan and then the compressor is smoked. I replace the the connector and it works. Today it goes out....same thing. I replace the wire and it smokes the fuses and the wire as soon as the unit goes on. There is a PoP and thats it as soon as the compressor kicks in. Could that coil like piece be bad....or (hopefully not) might the compressor be bad....the compressor starts for a couple seconds before it goes.
Any direction appreciated before I spen $900 on a compressor. Thanks, Greg
Any direction appreciated before I spen $900 on a compressor. Thanks, Greg
#2
PLEASE USE CAUTION
Turn power OFF!!!!!!!WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!!!!Gain access to compressor,remove cover on compressor and check for damaged or burnt compressor terminals.You will need an ohm meter.Radio sells them for a few bucks.CAREFULLY label and remove compressor wires from terminals.WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.There will be 3 terminals.Place 1 lead of ohm meter on a terminal,the other lead to a good ground i.e. copper pipe or green ground wire.If the meter beeps or the needle of meter jumps your compressor is grounded.Check all 3 terminals to ground.Next,check each terminal,1 to 2,1 to 3,2 to 3 etc..The meter should beep or needle should swing.If not you have an open winding.The hard start kit was installed for a reason and a new one should be installed.If you compressor is electrically bad a filter/drier for burnt outs should be installed when compressor is replaced.I would recommend replacement of the outdoor unit.Outdoor fan motor is just as old as compressor.PDF