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tahomerepairs · Jul 9, 2011, 05:37 AM

Hello , I have an older 10 seer Goodman PTAC, 3 ton unit. It has a dual run capacitor for the condenser fan/ and compressor. A couple of weeks ago the compressor was not starting, so with my limited knowledge and Google I was able to determine the right size cap. A 45/5, I went to a supply house and got a new protech 45/5 dual cap. Put it in , everything worked great for a few weeks, last night no compressor. How likely is it for a new cap to fail or is this a likely sign that the compressor maybe on it's way out. Could I possibly benefit from a "hard start" kit added in somewhere, would a hard start be in addition to, or in lieu of the run capacitor. Would I benefit(or is it even safe?) to go from a 45 MF to a 50 MF cap for the compressor.Just hoping to get through one more summer I think next year will be time for a new one. Thanks so much for your time-Tom

twinkiedooter · Jul 9, 2011, 10:46 AM

I'd skip trying to solve this problem myself and hiring a qualified tech to check out your unit and fix it professionally. Many a do it yourselfer has been electrocuted by fooling around with a high voltage a/c unit. Even if I did know what the failed part was I'd still want MY unit professionally check out. Are you willing to risk your life/health for a measley service call?

If you have $ for a new unit (Thousands of dollars) you certainly have the money for a service call. Probably not just the capacitor but maybe a weak/going bad relay switch also involved here.

Stratmando · Jul 9, 2011, 11:04 AM

The Capacitor Voltage need to be over 240 volts, Unit may recommend a 370 Volt Capacitor.
What's the Voltage?
Can be higher than 240 volts, not lower.

tahomerepairs · Jul 10, 2011, 06:08 AM

Thanks stratmondo, blah blah twinkiehumper, electrocution blah blah blah, cause I ask for advice don't assume I'm an *******. The start wire burnt off the spade terminal at the compressor 4 dollar fix, I probably loosened the connection when I tested the compressor last time

Stratmando · Jul 10, 2011, 07:35 AM

With your wording, you sounded Smart enough to be safe.
Good you got it.