rear ac will not start

[jerry and toni smith]

After runnung the rear ac for a couple of days I found that on the following morning it would not start. The fan comes on and then the compressor will engage briefly then stop (less than a second). The compressor will repeat this process. I have heard that this may be a ac compressor start capacitor issue. Has anyone had a related problem and if so what was the cure? Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Jerry Smith, 2006 Alpine 34

[W8RLM]

It does sound like a start circuit on the compressor motor. I'm assuming that these are roof top air conditioners. If so, you (or a dealer) need to have the start circuit checked. I've had over 30 years with moors, and it could be one of four items:

1. Bad start capacitor.
2. Bad siwtch that engages and disengages the start capacitor. I'm guessing (hoping) that this switch is outside the compressor motor.
3. Bad start winding on the compressor motor.
4. Broken connection in the start circuit (wire came loose).

Hopefully, its number 4 - easiest to find. Replacing the start capacitor isn't too hard. It is usually separately mounted near the motor.

Make sure that all power is disconneced before checking anything. 120 VAC can ruin your day.

Good Luck

W8RLM - Bob

[mythplaced]

Ours was doing that...(compressor start then quit) but it stayed on for longert than a second...(30 sec)

turns out that the temperature sensor was was bad, and was telling the unit to shut off..or so says the tech ,,,,

We'll see...