Air Conditioner

[Just4Fun20]

Thanks everyone for many good posts on Air Conditioners. Based on those responses I reset my thermostat and replaced the start capacitor. The start capacitor is reasonably cheap and had a decent chance of fixing it. In fact, the unit "tried harder" (motor turned, tried to compress) but I still have a problem.

When the unit requests cold the fan (air movement) turns on and then 10-20 seconds later the compressor kicks in. However, it only runs for 3-8 seconds before it shuts off for 20ish seconds and tries again. I called a repair shop (not easy to do in Alaska) and they said to test for over-current. I did, and it is the problem. When the compressor kicks in it's drawing 50A. My rear unit is pulling 10-12A under the same conditions. BTW, before the new Start Capacitor it would just kind of click (once) and clearly not run. Now the compressor runs, or it sure sounds like it is and it generates a very small amount of cold (by feeling the coolant lines near the compressor).

Sadly, I think I know the answer, but... Can the unit be repaired? In general, it seems replacement is the only option.

Thanks for any advice.

I can't do anything until we're back in the lower 48 and then I can find a shop that knows about Coleman Mach8 AC's. The good news is, that although it's been hot in Alaska, it's nothing that 2 AC's can't handle. I've been fixing things all my life and it's been my experience that the more you know going in the better the results will be.

[nvs4602]

You should be able to take an ohm reading on both compressors. They should be very close to one another. You have to disconnect the power lines from each to take the reading. At least this will tell you if the compressor is bad.

[Just4Fun20]

Sorry for the delay and thank you. I'll get a meter on it, and the one next to it and compare them. That said...

Can the compressor be replaced in a sealed unit, such as the Coleman Mach 8?

If it can is it more or less expensive then just replacing the whole unit, which costs a bit over $1,000.

[Jimjensen]

Originally Posted by nvs4602

You should be able to take an ohm reading on both compressors. They should be very close to one another. You have to disconnect the power lines from each to take the reading. At least this will tell you if the compressor is bad.

This will tell you electrically if it’s ok or not, it will not tell you mechanically ( bad compressor bearings)if it’s ok or not.

[Jimjensen]

Originally Posted by Just4Fun20

Sorry for the delay and thank you. I'll get a meter on it, and the one next to it and compare them. That said...

Can the compressor be replaced in a sealed unit, such as the Coleman Mach 8?

If it can is it more or less expensive then just replacing the whole unit, which costs a bit over $1,000.

Do yourself a favor, if you have a bad compressor replace the whole unit not just the compressor.

[Dom]

You may have a bad run capacitor.