- Nov 5, 2001
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Our AC condenser is making a squealing noise, and the fan isn't turning. Anyone have a diagnosis?
Originally posted by: Rastus
Most likely low on coolant.
Could be a bad temperature switch that is on one of the tubes coming out of the compressor. I always cut the wires to the switch and short them out on the circuit side to make sure. If the fan comes on then, that's what it is. The temperature switch is what controls the fan coming on and going off. It keeps the pressure down by cooling the condenser.
Originally posted by: Rubycon...feel the liquid line. This is the SMALL copper line on the unit that runs to the indoor fan coil. It should be lukewarm. If it's hot as hell than the unit is running a very high head pressure and should not be run until repairs are made! There will be a high head pressure switch which will eventually open however the compressor can exceed full load amps while this pressure builds to cut out and suction pressures will also rise and you'll have significant increases in energy usage as well as insufficient cooling running like this. If you need AC and cannot wait until a repair person arrives set a water sprinkler up so it gently sprays on the outdoor unit covering as much as the exposed area of the condenser as possible. You should be able to limp by this way until repairs are made.
Originally posted by: Auggie
This is my situation - I was feeling the lines (there's like two lines - one big pipe and another little copper tube with very little insulation on it) - the little copper tube was unbearably hot.
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Our AC condenser is making a squealing noise, and the fan isn't turning. Anyone have a diagnosis?
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
i dont think its a capacitor, or fan wouldnt turn at all. It would just hum and throw a breaker.
Originally posted by: Rubycon
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
i dont think its a capacitor, or fan wouldnt turn at all. It would just hum and throw a breaker.
Shaded pole motors even with locked rotors draw a fraction of compressor FLA so the breaker will stay closed. This is why the stator MUST have a thermal overload device so the windings don't catch fire in the event of a locked shaft.
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Our AC condenser is making a squealing noise, and the fan isn't turning. Anyone have a diagnosis?
Got pics?
fan motor is seized?
fan belts are slipping?
if you turn the power off to the unit, get a screw driver and turn the fan, does it spin freely? If it doesnt then it is siezed.
If bearings are fked oil isnt going to help.
i dont think its a capacitor, or fan wouldnt turn at all. It would just hum and throw a breaker.
Originally posted by: Mill
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Our AC condenser is making a squealing noise, and the fan isn't turning. Anyone have a diagnosis?
Got pics?
fan motor is seized?
fan belts are slipping?
if you turn the power off to the unit, get a screw driver and turn the fan, does it spin freely? If it doesnt then it is siezed.
If bearings are fked oil isnt going to help.
i dont think its a capacitor, or fan wouldnt turn at all. It would just hum and throw a breaker.
I've had a cap blow twice. Once the fan didn't move at all and the other time it did. I think a blown cap is possible for sure.
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
let us know, i am ok to be proved wrong :thumbsup: