Screeching fan motor in outdoor condenser
Hi,
My 18-month-old home has two condensers in the back yard; one is working fine, the other woke up half the neighborhood at 3am this morning when it started screeching until I shut it off. Aside from the noise, the fan is turning. I've noticed two things, either of which I think could be the problem.
1. The bottom of the problem motor is covered with a black crusty substance, which the other one is free of. Could this indicate that the "permanent lubrication" has leaked out of the motor? If so, do I need a new motor?
2. When I open the condenser, I notice that the fan assembly is "loose"; there is some play, and I can move the assembly up and down a bit. Could the screeching just be vibration from this, or is this play normal?
If I have to replace the motor, I'm fine with that. I'm going to be renting this house out soon and living in Korea for a few years, so I'd rather have this fixed now before I make that move.. especially since the local shops want $90 just to come out and look!