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gsquaredcc · 03-09-2024, 12:18 PM

A few weeks back, the run capacitor in my Coleman Mach Polar Mach burst; I replaced the capacitor with its equivalent and tested the unit - all worked great. Shortly there after, we drove a couple hundred miles on some bumpy SC roads and once we arrived at our destination - the AC would not turn on. Once I returned home, I got on the roof once again to test a few things out and these are my findings thus far.

The unit has a start capacitor with a PTCR attached, I tested the capacitor and it was within its range. I then tested the run capacitor that I installed prior to the trip and it was within its range. Last night, thinking that the PTCR could have been bad, I replaced it too. I ohm tested the compressor and it appears fine (although there seemed to be an oily residue on the base of the unit). I also pulled the T-stat (just in case a wire came loose) and discovered one of the commons was loose. Afterwards, I started the generator and the AC ran and blew cold air. I let it run until the T-stat hit the set point - after that, it would not come back on.

Today, I went back out to try the unit again but to no avail - but I did discover the following:

with the fan control on auto and the switch on "cool" - nothing happens, no hum no nothing... But if I place the fan to the "on" position (and wait for the fan to spin up) and then place the switch to "cool", I can hear the compressor draw and engage; however, if I place the fan back to auto, the entire unit shuts off...

Any suggestions???

jacwjames · 03-09-2024, 01:24 PM

How old is the AC unit?

gsquaredcc · 03-09-2024, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

How old is the AC unit?

I am not quite sure of its age, I do know that it is long since been discontinued, and without me climbing back up on the roof and looking - I would only be guessing. The Model No. is 9203C876. Once these thunderstorms pass, I can venture back up and take a look. I will take some pictures of "those wet spots" on the compressor and post them.

Another strange note and something that might be of importance but forgot to mention; during the last trip, the furnace would not come on either. So, when I found that disconnected common wire at the T-stat, I thought that could have been the culprit the entire time. But now that the AC is still being squarely I am not sure.