Ken wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
We survived Ike in extremely good shape compared to others in the
vicinity. The only significant problem is the AC unit: the
compressor won't come on. My AC guy swapped out the start & run
capacitors, bypassed the
relay, and checked all the obvious stuff. No compressor action. He
theorizes that power-line chatter at the storm's outset could have
so confused the aged system that it committed suicide trying to keep
up. His best guess is a seized compressor piston on this 17-year old,
3-ton, Trane and he's checking with his buddies for a used
condensing unit. Observations and suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks.


Does the fan for the condenser unit start?

No.

Did he measure the voltage at the leads going to the compressor?

Yes

Why did he bypass the relay
(contactor)? Was it not latching up?

Even if the relay latches, the points could be burned, preventing contact.

I know these are fundamental
checks, but you would be surprised at how some pros diagnose a unit.

Well, the first thing he did was test the start capacitor and pronounced it
"marginal." So he replaced it. No joy. That's when he went through the "try
this, test that" mode.