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harmonybrew · 11-20-2018, 06:31 PM

I am working with a friend on his A/C on top of his 5th wheel.

2010 Heartland Road Warrior
AC is Dometic Model 59516.741GO

The fan works great. Also, I hear a steady humming come on in the compressor after the thermostat has been lowered, or the a/c is turned on, but no cold air.

The compressor is very hot.

I am thinking about checking the capacitor, but that is about all I can think of at this point.

If anyone has any advice. i greatly appreciate it.

Marcus

btw. 2 1/2 years on the road now!

LJowdy · 11-20-2018, 06:48 PM

The capacitor stores A/C and gives the compressor a jump or kick in the pants to get it moving. I there are 2 A/C's on the roof, listen to the other compressor and if it makes a different kind of noise then either the compressor is stuck (which will usually trip a circuit breaker) or there's no 134 in the system (which is bad). I think it's cheaper to replace the A/C than to try to retrofit a new compressor into the system.

EnduroRdr · 11-20-2018, 06:52 PM

My bet is on capacitor!

harmonybrew · 11-21-2018, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

The capacitor stores A/C and gives the compressor a jump or kick in the pants to get it moving. I there are 2 A/C's on the roof, listen to the other compressor and if it makes a different kind of noise then either the compressor is stuck (which will usually trip a circuit breaker) or there's no 134 in the system (which is bad). I think it's cheaper to replace the A/C than to try to retrofit a new compressor into the system.

There is just the one A/C. I have done a number of repairs on my own A/C's, and I think I agree, replacing a compressor is probably going to far on a unit that is 18 years old. But, it would be a cool bit of knowledge.

harmonybrew · 11-21-2018, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnduroRdr

My bet is on capacitor!

Thanks, I will test it

hypoxia · 11-21-2018, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harmonybrew

Thanks, I will test it

Also check the PTCR https://www.achrnews.com/articles/87...cient-resistor

Lots of good A/C units replaced due to poor troubleshooting.

Compressors rarely go bad in spite of what some would have you believe.

harmonybrew · 11-27-2018, 10:38 AM

LJowdy, there was just the one unit on top. We did test the capacitance on the capacitor (thanks EnduroRdr) It was fine, unfortunately.

hypoxia, we were on our way to the next step. I love to know exactly what is wrong. I do not like buying parts on hunches. So, thanks for that information about the PTCR. The next time I am having troubles I will remember this.ut

But, we never made it there. What we at first glance though was just condensation pooled under the compressor, on closer inspection, turned out to be oil. I don't know how it took both of us so long to recognize this. Newbies!

That pretty much summed it up. Oil leaking, no cold air, hot noisy compressor. Done.

And I would agree with you LJowdy, on an old unit, the only reason to try and build in a new compressor would be to prove it can be done. I am kindof busy right now.

Thanks guys for responding. Very appreciated!!!