PDA

View Full Version : Furnace motor overheats and stops


michaelpb
Aug 15, 2010, 12:27 PM
A repairman said my 6 year old furnace motor was bad when it would overheat and stop running. They wanted a $1000 to replace. I went online and bought the correct replacement motor and installed it wire for wire. The new motor has done the same thing. The filter is brand new, changed in March and still clean. There is no obstructions on the air intake. What could be causing the new motor to do the same thing as the old motor. I had the capacitor tested at a repair business. They were initially getting some odd readings so they changed the battery in the multimeter and were still getting some numbers that weren't consistent but compared it to a brand new capacitor which came up with the same results, so said it was okay. What could be causing the motor to run then start to overheat, stink then shut off?

wmproop
Aug 15, 2010, 01:18 PM
Did the old capicitor match, what was written on the side of motor housing as to correct capicitor

Everyone normally has a rule of a new cap.always with a new motor and one that matches

michaelpb
Aug 16, 2010, 02:32 PM
I didn't replace the old capacitor since the guy said it "seemed to be fine" when he tested it (even though he was getting some numbers that changed every time he tested it). Plus he said since the motor would start then shut off once it over heated, it wouldn't be the capacitor. I just ordered a new capacitor with the same numbers and will install it when it arrives in a couple of days. Does it sound like it could be a capacitor problem?

mygirlsdad77
Aug 16, 2010, 03:46 PM
Yep, id start with a new matching cap. Then if problem persist, check secondary heat exchanger(if 90+ furnace) and evap coil (if central air) to make sure they aren't plugged.

michaelpb
Aug 16, 2010, 10:00 PM
Thanks, I will post what happens when the cap comes in and I install it.

michaelpb
Aug 18, 2010, 12:08 PM
Got the capacitor, installed it in 2 minutes and the unit runs perfectly fine. Was initially told blower motor was bad and should also replace capacitor, all for $1000. Bought a capacitor for $23 and did it myself. Just another blow to an industry that seems to try and take advantage of people with no knowledge of AC equipment.

wmproop
Aug 18, 2010, 02:49 PM
Sorry for the blow to the industry,
But glad you fixed it

mygirlsdad77
Aug 18, 2010, 03:16 PM
Thanks for the update, glad you got it going.