View Full Version : Will a bad Capacator cause a Condenser Fan Motor To get hot?
jimjbbanks
Jul 29, 2010, 07:19 AM
My Central A/C is starting to blow fuses. The fuses are located in the A/C unit. The fuses blew and when I replaced mthem it took about 9 hours and the fuses both blew again. I replaced them and they blew after about 20 minutes. They are 30 amp time delay fuses. I checked and the fan motor was very hot. Is the Fan Motor bad or is the Capacitor going bad? It is a GE. I don't know the tonnage. Anyone have any solution. I will appreciate any help.
Stratmando
Jul 29, 2010, 08:17 AM
Ye, and if you can't test the capacitor, Replacing is a quick cheap test.
Does the motor spin freely?
jimjbbanks
Jul 29, 2010, 09:03 AM
The Fan motor spins very freely. As soon as I replace the fuses it will run perfectly and then blow fuses again. I have a breaker in the main panel, so I cut two pieces of copper pipe and put them where the fuses go. It came on and ran for about 20 minutes and then threw the breaker. I checked the fan motor immediately and it was very hot. It was able to spin very freely. It was just hot. Thank you so very much for your quick reply.
Stratmando
Jul 29, 2010, 11:26 AM
I would try a new cap and test, then install new fuses.
The Fuses did a good job telling you the motor has a problem.
jimjbbanks
Jul 29, 2010, 11:35 AM
I would try a new cap and test, then install new fuses.
The Fuses did a good job telling you the motor has a problem.
Hey.. Stratmando.. Thanks so very much. I will try new Caps. The Fan Motor was very hot but did not freeze up. That was where I was confused, I just wondered if the Cap would be bad and that was what caused the Fan motor to get hot and blow the fuses. I 'll take your kind advice. I guess if the Cap does not solve the problem, I'll have to spring for a new blower motor?
Stratmando
Jul 29, 2010, 11:43 AM
Only other thing you could do is with power isolated from motor, check each lead to the motor for resistance to ground. Scales of rust can fall and cause problems.
jimjbbanks
Jul 29, 2010, 12:54 PM
Only other thing you could do is with power isolated from motor, check each lead to the motor for resistance to ground. Scales of rust can fall and cause problems.
Thanks... I'll let you know how this works out. I am a disabled 75 yr old veteran. Just can't afford to call a tech. I appreciate so very much your help.sure is hot here in Fla.
Stratmando
Jul 29, 2010, 02:56 PM
I feel your pain, I may be a little further south, Tavernier.
More info is always here.
Trying capacitor first?
jimjbbanks
Jul 29, 2010, 05:40 PM
I feel your pain, I may be a little further south, Tavernier.
More info is always here.
Trying capacitor first?
Yes... I'll do the cap thing. And then look for a used Fan Motor if the caps prove not to be bad. Until then I'm putting the window units to work. I tried the test you mentioned but my tester must be on the outs as well. I live in a rural area anjd they want to charge quite a bit to come out this far. I can't blame them though. I'm sure with the help you gave me, I'll be up and running in a few daYS.. tHANKS AGAIN
Stratmando
Jul 29, 2010, 05:47 PM
Good Deal, Good Luck. Let us know the damage. Take Care