nordyne hp compressor hot
#1
05-22-13, 03:40 PM
nordyne hp compressor hot
I have an older nordyne 5ton package heat pump. Model number unknown as it has faded off.
The unit worked fine all winter, but upon switching to cooling it seemed to work for about 30 minutes then the compressor stopped and both fans kept running.
I removed the cover while still running and the compressor was very hot to the touch. If the unit is completely cool, the compressor will come on as normal but gets too hot to touch with bare hands in just a few minutes. If it is not completely cooled down, the compressor will not come on but the fans do. When it is running, the big line on top gets cold and the smaller one below is to hot to hold. Both of these "measurements" are from about 6 inches from compressor housing.
I did replace the dual capacitor as it tested weak. No change.
The compressor is no louder than it has been when running. The discharge air inside does not seem as cool as it has in the past, but that is as perceived by my hand on the vent.
Any suggestion for diagnosing this will be greatly appreciated.
The unit worked fine all winter, but upon switching to cooling it seemed to work for about 30 minutes then the compressor stopped and both fans kept running.
I removed the cover while still running and the compressor was very hot to the touch. If the unit is completely cool, the compressor will come on as normal but gets too hot to touch with bare hands in just a few minutes. If it is not completely cooled down, the compressor will not come on but the fans do. When it is running, the big line on top gets cold and the smaller one below is to hot to hold. Both of these "measurements" are from about 6 inches from compressor housing.
I did replace the dual capacitor as it tested weak. No change.
The compressor is no louder than it has been when running. The discharge air inside does not seem as cool as it has in the past, but that is as perceived by my hand on the vent.
Any suggestion for diagnosing this will be greatly appreciated.
#2
05-22-13, 05:20 PM
Member
make sure the outdoor coil is clean and fan is rotating in the proper direction. Other than that it needs to have the refrigerant charge checked by a professional.
#3
05-22-13, 06:48 PM
Both coils are outdoors and are very clean. Fan rotation? How could that have changed on its own?
Oh, and thanks for replying.
Oh, and thanks for replying.
Last edited by moosyeye; 05-22-13 at 06:49 PM. Reason: added
#5
05-22-13, 09:00 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
A bad compressor run capacitor will cause these symptoms.
Most units have a dual capacitor serving the compressor and the condenser fan motor.
Most units have a dual capacitor serving the compressor and the condenser fan motor.
#6
05-23-13, 04:08 AM
Member
Also you said you replaced the capacitor.... orbit were wired wrong it could cause those symptoms.
#7
05-23-13, 04:34 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
You might turn off power and verify that the wire on Herm is connected to Start on the compressor. Could be a broken wire at the compressor terminals or a miswired dual cap.
If the wiring checks out okay, it is probably a refrigerant issue and a pro is required as hvactech has already posted.
If the wiring checks out okay, it is probably a refrigerant issue and a pro is required as hvactech has already posted.
#8
05-23-13, 08:54 AM
The fan is pulling air in thru the coil and blowing out the top. The same red wire from the compressor is on the herm terminal. The connection on the compressor is not accessible, I will try to look at it with a mirror.
Would a charge issue only show up on cool? The heat seemed to work fine all winter. Wouldn't low charge indicate a leak?
Would a charge issue only show up on cool? The heat seemed to work fine all winter. Wouldn't low charge indicate a leak?
