We have a Trane AC and the condenser fan did not run for a while one
day. Then it started running again. I think it was the first hot
day last year.

The fan did not run at all on a hot day? Some upper end units have fan cycle
switches that do not allow the fan "outside" to come on until the pressure
in the system gets high enough. This is a more efficient setup. Soem fans
come on as soon as the compressor starts "most are this way"

I had a technician come out and he said that there was nothing wrong
with the unit. He said that the only service I should do is to
clean the coils with a stream from the garden hose.

turn the breaker off first and look inside the coil as well. If you have a
double row coil, it will need split and cleaned by a profesional eventually.
Not "Joe Bobs service"


Should I be oiling the fan on my unit? If so, how do I do it?

If the fan motor has a little cap on the side of the bearing housing "end
plates" then they are to be removed once a year and about 3-5 drops of oil
inserted with a Zoom spout oiler. "It's very light oil" maybe 20 weight.
like 3N1 oil.

At the beginiing of the cooling season maybe turn the breaker off and take a
long then screwdriver and insert it through the fand guard and give the
blade a spin. you would be amazed. If the fan turns easily and makes no
noise your bearing are probably good. There can be other reasons for
failure. Faulty Capaciter, open winding in motor, Shorted wires/windings.
Service techs can truely earn the money you pay them....




No, because like most motors of this type and era, they are sealed and
not designed to need or accept oil. If they were meant to be oiled,
the tech would have done it.

Yea, Every tech will do everything perfect. Especially on a Friday after
putting in 12 yours and no lunch break.
I have had bad days... also