Roof Mounted Heat Pump not working.

[SX_RVing]

We have three 15000 btu penguin heat pumps on our rig. The center heat pump recently developed a problem. In either the heat or cool mode, the compressor won't stay on.

Here are the symptoms: When you turn the Unit on, the fan starts, the compressor comes on momentarily and trips off due to high amperage draw. From the e-plex system, the amperage draw is between 30 to 40 amps. I think the compressor actually runs, but only for a second or two. The compressor then continues to cycle on and off every 20 to 30 seconds, but won't stay on.

I replaced the start capacitor and relay (PTCR device) by installing a hard start kit. The original start capacitor and PTCR device had failed, and were partially melted. And, I'm still having the same problem....The compressor won't stay on.

Anyone else experience a similar situation? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm a little frustrated with this right now!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sebastian

[GaryKD]

Hi Sebastian,
On my coach there is a start and a run capacitor. They are right next to each other. When one goes bad, I replace both. I'm not sure if yours is the same or if the hard start kit replaces both. Just a thought.

[SX_RVing]

Hi Gary,

I have both start and run capacitors. I've been thinking about trying a replacement of the run capacitor as well. The hard start kit includes the start capacitor and relay (PCTR device) only. I makes sense to replace both (if the compressor won't stay on), but the the Tech at Dometic said all I would need was the start kit.

I want avoid replacing one piece at a time, and then find out I have to replace the whole unit. But, for the cost of a capacitor it might just be worth a try.

Thanks...If you think of anything else, please let me know.

Sebastian

[rvlearn]

I had the same problem. It was repaired by Newmar in Nappannee. The Tech replaced the circuit board after replacing the capacitor failed to fix the short cycling.

[RV Wizard]

rvlearn, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here. I am sure you will enjoy the forums. Take care and keep us posted.

[RV Wizard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SX_RVing Hi Gary, I have both start and run capacitors. I've been thinking about trying a replacement of the run capacitor as well. The hard start kit includes the start capacitor and relay (PCTR device) only. I makes sense to replace both (if the compressor won't stay on), but the the Tech at Dometic said all I would need was the start kit. I want avoid replacing one piece at a time, and then find out I have to replace the whole unit. But, for the cost of a capacitor it might just be worth a try. Thanks...If you think of anything else, please let me know. Sebastian

Sebastian, did you by chance ohm out the compressor windings? Be sure to check windings to ground for a short. The 30 to 40 amp draw you see for the fractions of a second can be normal start up amperage. Did you inspect the thermal overload and the connections on the compressor itself? Let us know what you find. The system had a three year warranty but it sounds like your is beyond that time frame, sorry.

[SX_RVing]

RVlearn,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Hopefully, that sort of easy fix will be all that is required with mine.


RV Wizard,

I had the shroud off the Heat Pump, and quite frankly all I could see was some wiring to what appears to be the reversing valve. I couldn't find/see a thermal reset, or much of anything else for that matter (I can post a picture if you think it'll help).

I called Dometic tech support to get some help with trying to diagnose the problem. The tech told me that they needed an amp draw test, which requires the compressor to run for 10 to 15 minutes and then check how many amps the compressor is drawing. Since the compressor won't stay on, I can't perform the test. With out the test, they can't help me...I have to have it diagnosed by a dealer....And, they won't sell me parts. Kind of a Catch 22! The Tech Support person said it sounded like the compressor was bad.

Anyway, I confirmed that the unit has/had a three warranty. The problem started just as the warranty was expiring. But I had thought it was only a two year Newmar warranty, which is why I didn't pursue that avenue earlier. Sooooo, I called Newmar today and explained the problem and asked if they could diagnose the problem when I was in the area in August, and still get Dometic to cover the parts under warranty, since it happened just as the warranty was expiring. We had a three-way tele-conference, and Dometic agreed to provide assisstence on the parts, and I pay for the labor.

So for now, I have no A/C but it'll be fixed in August.

If anyone knows how to diagnose this further, I'd being willing to give it a try.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Sebastian

[RV Wizard]

Why not get another service center (all have working relationships with Dometic) and get them to repair the unit now? It does not have to be a Newmar dealer. It could be anyone qualified and is warranty authorized for Dometic to get this issue taken care of for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

[SX_RVing]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Wizard Why not get another service center (all have working relationships with Dometic) and get them to repair the unit now? It does not have to be a Newmar dealer. It could be anyone qualified and is warranty authorized for Dometic to get this issue taken care of for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

I'd like to have it fixed now, but my schedule won't allow me the time to take it some where and wait for parts. We are leaving for NH in a few days. I might try to find someone to repair it in NH, but, I'm not sure I trust just anyone to work on it. Sometimes it seems that dealers do more damage than good, and I don't know a good dealer (or service guy) in NH. I'll have to research it some.

My reasoning for going through Newmar was that I had discussed this issue with them several weeks ago, just as the warranty was expiring. The person I spoke to mistakenly informed me that the warranty on the heat pump was through Newmar, for two years only. So, I wanted Newmar's assistance in getting it extended until I could have it diagnosed and fixed.

We'll be traveling through Indiana in August (going to our Son's wedding in Colorado). I figured we'd swing by Newmar and have it done at that time. It's not the most convenient way to get this fixed, but right now, it seems to be the most feasible.

Anyone know a good RV repair facility in the NH lakes region?

Thanks again for your comments and help.

Sebastian