DuoTherm by Domestic-Fan runs, no cold air

[teamfalcon]

Newbie here with an AC problem.

28' 2003 Rockwood 8278 purchased used last year.

Was working fine but now no cool air blowing.

Duo Therm by Dometic 13,500 BTU air conditioning with ducting, furnace.

I don't know the model of the AC, sorry and I'm not an AC guy...so here we go....

Any trouble shooting tips?

I removed the shroud and saw the fan running fine and the part on the right (compressor?) started to get real hot. What is that thing attached?



Here are other pictures I snapped.

[teamfalcon]

I found the model number: 57915.731 product # 991760388

[Perry White]

The part next to the compressor is the accumulator. If it's getting hot and not running, it's probably locked up or the start capacitor or relay or wiring could be bad. Pull the cover on the compressor wireing and see if anything is burnt off.

[teamfalcon]

Will do, thanks for the tip. I'll report back.

[GaryKD]

Hi teamfalcon,
If it is warm enough for A/C then I think Perry nailed the answer. Under a protective cover there should be a start and run capacitor. One or both may be bad. When mine go bad, it is easy to tell. I replace both at the same time and carry spare capacitors.

[teamfalcon]

Looking at the compressor, from the top.

I remove that nut and take a look to see what's going on inside?

[ottffss]

If the fan runs but no cold air and the compressor feels like it is running but is almost too hot to hold - then you have a loss of refrigerant. Verify by measuring the amp draw, if you are only pulling 7-8-9amps or so that will confirm refer loss.

Duo-Therm typically does not provide refrigerant service ports, they be added, but the general feeling is to replace entire unit.

If the compressor remains cool and fan runs it's likely a start capacitor. A failed cap can often be visually identified by a convex top - they are normally concave.

[teamfalcon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss If the fan runs but no cold air and the compressor feels like it is running but is almost too hot to hold - then you have a loss of refrigerant. Verify by measuring the amp draw, if you are only pulling 7-8-9amps or so that will confirm refer loss. Duo-Therm typically does not provide refrigerant service ports, they be added, but the general feeling is to replace entire unit. If the compressor remains cool and fan runs it's likely a start capacitor. A failed cap can often be visually identified by a convex top - they are normally concave.

That's exactly what's happening......

[teamfalcon]

Any reputable, trustworthy online shop for AC capacitor, parts, etc. anyone recommends?

[ottffss]

Caps get off eBay (your choice of name brands or off brands...)
As I understand, Duo-Therm does not market any of their parts anywhere.

You most likely appear to have a loss of refrigerant. You don't need parts but a shop that is willing to install service ports in order to recharge. There is much debate on the longevity of this fix. Basically the only other option is to replace the entire unit.

[teamfalcon]

Where would I find the AC breaker? I was told to be careful when I start messing with the AC.

I don't have the RV 'connected', should I be worried messing with the AC?

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamfalcon Where would I find the AC breaker? I was told to be careful when I start messing with the AC. I don't have the RV 'connected', should I be worried messing with the AC?

Given that capacitors can hold a full 120v charge for days/weeks and shock you (even when disconnected form shore) and that the A/C lines are pressurized and can cause injury if improperly opened, broken, or messed with it seems the advice you were told might be prudent.