Central A/C Capacitor/Compressor - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums

Original message

JDD

69.158.48.78

"Central A/C Capacitor/Compressor" , posted Mon 7 Jun 16:29

Our central A/C unit is 8 years old. It's labelled "Olsen" and the plate says it's manufactured by Goodman Manufacturing Corp. in Houston Texas. It's Model CK30-1T serial number 9506098022.

My wife turned on our central A/C this year and it ran for an afternoon with the cover on. I sat it overnight and turned it on the next morning. Nothing happens except that the metal above the fan motor gets hot. I tried it again recently and it made a loud BUZZ noise once.

Serviceman told me the fan motor and compressor are trying to start but the capacitor is burnt out and he can't tell how bad the compressor is until he replaces the capacitor. Was quoted $220 to replace that. Was also told that if I also need to replace the compressor I might as well replace the whole unit. They won't put in a capacitor to 'test' the compressor so if I replace the capacitor and then have to replace the whole unit because the compressor is also blown I will have thrown away $220.

Is it likely that the compressor is also blown (Is this an unfair question)?
What is the reasonable range to replace a capacitor? A compressor?
Am I unreasonable to expect the service man to tell me free of charge (except for the $65 I already paid for a service call) whether or not the compressor is actually blown before I decide to buy a whole new unit?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments you might have.

Replies:

backyard mech

24.9.23.63

"Re(1):Central A/C Capacitor/Compressor" , posted Mon 7 Jun 23:43

Most capacitors cost around $10-$25 US. If you can see the capacitor take down it's rating. They are rated by mfd and volts. They can be tested after discharging using some volt meters or instruments that measure microfarads (mfd). Discharging them first is very important as they can potentially unleash thousands of volts for several seconds. First turn the power off to the unit. Usually disconnecting the wires going to them and laying a screwdriver across the terminals will discharge them (use a tool with insulated handles). USE CAUTION! Sometimes when a capacitor goes bad it ruptures the container or bulges the container it is in. This makes identifying a bad one easy however if it is leaking be careful not to get any fluid on you, it's acidic. I imagine most part suppliers would help you determine ratings or even check it for you if you brought it in to them. Additionally there are booster capacitors called hard start kits that wire to existing good capacitors when a compressor won't start. A compressor should last more than 8 years under normal conditions. In the US Johnstone Supply a National supplier of Goodman parts should be able to assist you. www.johnstonesupply.com
Good luck

Absolute Tempcontrol
Aurora Colorado

xenos
Webmaster

67.71.23.94

"Re(1):Central A/C Capacitor/Compressor" , posted Mon 7 Jun 19:30

Yes I would tell you first.

Xenos.

The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.