New compressor or, just a capacitor? - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| Speeedy6
 |  "New compressor or, just a capacitor?"
, posted Fri 14 Dec 09:41  
I have a Goodman PHK 030-1,an all electric package heat pump. It's been working great until yesterday.Now,as soon as the compressor in heat tries to come on it blows the fuse on one leg. I haven't tried it in cool. I tried to push in the contactor manually and I got a small spark/flash and the same thing happened ,you could hear the compressor try to start before the fuse blew.
Before this I called a repairman out of the phone book,he showed up in an old beat up pickup. He came in and asked about the problem and started out the door. I asked him if he wanted a wiring diagram and he laughed and said "naw, I'm an expert!"He was out there less than 5 minute's and came back and said the compressor motor was shorted and I needed a new compressor for over $1,000.00.He unplugged the compressor so I can use emergency heat and everything else works like that.
He made me doubt him with that "EXPERT"comment.I just want to make sure that's it. Is there a way I can check my compressor myself? And, what about the capacitor, could that be the problem and can I check that? It would be great if I only needed a hard start kit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mark
There's got to be a better way!
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Replies:
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| Freon
| "Re(1):New compressor or, just a capacitor?" , posted Fri 14 Dec 10:13
To make sure the compressor isn't bad, you need to meaure the resistance of each winding with your trusty ohm meter. BE SURE to pull the power disconnect and mark the three compressor wires when you disconnect them so reassembly is easy!!
Here's an idea of what you should see:
Run to common = lowest reading. You are measuring the run winding only.
Start to common = medium reading. You are measuring the start winding only.
Run to start = highest reading. You are reading both windings.
(Run to common) + (Start to common) = (Run to start)
also S winding should be 3 to 6 times the value of R winding.
Example = If C to R is 1 Ohm, C to S needs to be at least 3 Ohms.
For single phase:.8 to 1.8 ohms(approx) - common to run
2.5 to 3.8 ohms(approx) - common to start
run to start = equal to sum of the other two
Look for any signs of a burnt wire at the compressor. Check all the wiring to be sure there isn't any signs of excess heat including the wiring from the disconnect box to the condenser unit.
Look at the run capacitor. It may be a dual capacitor with three terminals. If it is bulging at the top or bottom or distorted in any way, replace it with an identical one.
If the compressor and run capacitor check out, look at the hard start lit. Many heat pumps have them but double check your unit to see if it's present.
If you have a hard start kit installed, I would disconnect it, again marking the wires. After the compressor has been sitting for at least an hour, try and start it with a call for heat. If you still blow a fuse then the hard start kit is probably not the problem.
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| tom446
| "Re(1):New compressor or, just a capacitor?" , posted Fri 14 Dec 09:58
If you are not comfortable with him, call another company for a second opinion. A service call would be cheaper than a compressor. A good tech can ohm out a compressor to see if it's windings are bad or there is a short in it.
If in doubt call a pro !
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| | static
| "Re(2):New compressor or, just a capacitor?" , posted Fri 14 Dec 18:11
Usually if the compressor is blowing fuses, you have a burn out.
If its just a matter of needing a start device, stuck compressor, weak / dead run capacitor etc. typically the internal overload inside the compressor will open before it blows the fuse or breaker.
So I think this guy you had to look at it is probably correct, but go ahead and do what Mr. Freon said to try to make sure.
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