Cooling Problem - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| makitaman60
 |  "Cooling Problem"
, posted Tue 7 Oct 12:24  
Yesterday I noticed a surge being caused by my unit,it had already stopped cooling and only the fan was blowing.Went to check it out and the circuit breaker had tripped, I reset and the unit started to cool again, but even after the set temp had been met the unit would not cycle off.I switched the unit off at the thermostat and now when I try to turn it back on it want cool but you can hear the compressor trying to come on.This is one of the dinosuar units you see on that TV ad. It's a Coleman/Evcon Heat Pump.I have called a serviceman to come out and check it, just would like to have a heads up on possible causes so I'm not fed a load of *%#! . It's just hard to find anyone trust worthy anymore, I had it checked when I purchased this property and got the run around about it not working right after I dropped a bunch of cash I just purchased a new board and thermostat and had the unit going my self and it's been running great for the last 2+ years. I think it maybe low on freon which could mean a leak in a line or worst case inside th compressor itself.I just would like a second opinion from some of you that work with HVAC equipment all the time, my field is a electronic tech, I shouldn't have a problem with the electrical portion but if it has anything to do with the freon I don't have the equipment.I'll be waiting to hear from some of you.
Thank You
Makitaman60
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Replies:
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| Silvertop
| "Re(1):Cooling Problem" , posted Tue 7 Oct 18:35
I had the pleasure of working on a Coleman recently that had the same simptoms or almost. Checked T1 and T2 for power into system. Turned off power and checked the compacitors (3) and the start for the compressor was bad. Have you checked these?
I also infromed the owner that it was a old unit and in need of replacement, you can put more money in them than they are worth in the long run.
One step at a time
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| | makitaman60
| "Re(2):Cooling Problem" , posted Tue 7 Oct 20:47
How right you are Silvertop , this afternoon we found that the cap terminal was almost corroided into.This caused the compressor to draw around 80 amps when it tried to energize(this explained the tripped breaker).I had the service guy to go ahead and replace all the caps.I hope I can get another 7 to 8 months out of this unit.Trying to wait till I get the other room added on before I replace the unit, due to most of the duct work is going to have to be replaced.Figured it would be cheaper to install new that to rework whats there.
Thank's again
makitaman60
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| Jojo98
| "Re(1):Cooling Problem" , posted Tue 7 Oct 13:16
Most HVAC contractors wil suggest replacing a unit at about year 12+, that's about the life of a unit, and one needs to consider cost of replacement vs. continued break down.
As fsr as the possible causes to troubleshoot, without a more detailed synopsis and pressure and temperature reading at best it's shotgun troubleshooting. An open circuit breaker doesn't bode well, I can tell you that. I would call a reputable HVAC contractor.
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| | jmar
| "Re(2):Cooling Problem" , posted Wed 8 Oct 00:12
compressor drawing lock rotor amperes not a good sign. When they replaced the cap Im hoping they did an amp check for your sake. Coleman units no offense are contractor pos not built to last the recips on those are known blow and cause a nasty mess inside the refrigerant circuit. If you get 10yrs out of them your very very lucky. More than 10 your pushin it. Back to the point if a cap has become shorted or swollen it will by all means trip the breaker. Still check your single pole contactor if the contacts are pitted or charred chunk it and replace. You can obviously get parts so its a nickle and dime part. Voltage drop from a contactor is another death blow to a compressor. Also megha ohm the insulation value of your compressor windings as well to see if their breaking down.
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| | makitaman60
| "Re(3):Cooling Problem" , posted Wed 8 Oct 16:50
It was only drawing a little over 8 amps.The high amps only appeared when he compressor tried to switch on, maybe a 1 to 2 second pull.All is well now working like it should.Thank's for all the inputs, may need you again sometime.
makitaman60
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