"Doug McLaren" wrote in message
...
In article
,
jamesgangnc wrote:


As I understand it, it's a three phase motor but powered by one phase
power, and the condensor helps this arrangement work. If a motor
can't start, it'll draw a massive amount of current and get hot, fast.
My theory is that the condensor wasn't working properly and so the
motor couldn't start, the winds got red hot in a second before it the
breaker blew. But it's just a theory -- I've little actual experience
with this motor/condensor setup, though I am somewhat familiar with DC
motors. The motor seems to spin freely.

I only have one case of failure to work with, but I'm guessing that
the condensor got wet and that prevented it from working properly so
it couldn't help the motor start. My current plan is to clean the
condensor off, make sure it's all waterproof, and then run with it. I
guess since the motor is outside, with nothing flammable nearby, and
it does have an effective breaker, there's little actual risk of fire
-- at most, it'll fry the motor.

--
Doug McLaren,


Not making fun of you, but quit calling the capacitor a condenser.
Especially when talking about air condioners. I don't recall any calling a
capacitor a condenser in many years and I deal with electrical and
electronics every day. A condenser is usually though of as a part where the
refergent goes through.

The motor is not three phase either. It may be a single phase with a
capacitor start.
The capacitor does help it start up.

YOu probably have a fan motor and the compressor will have another motor
inside it. That motor is not replaceable except for the whole compressor.