When my unit kicks on, the condenser fan won't start running unless I give it a nudge. Once I start it spinning, it runs fine, but when it stops, it won't start on its own again. I took the motor off & brought it to a repair shop. He checked it out & said it's good, but capacitor was bad. Got a new capacitor & put everything back together, but it still won't work. Should I replace the contactor also?

Are you sure you got the wires back in the correct positions?? If so the sounds like you need a new motor after all.

In addition, does the motor become too hot to touch after it has run through a cycle? If it was tested cold, problems with the windings may not have been detected.

The cheapest thing for you to do at this time is to mark the wires on your capacitor and take it off and buy a new one just like it. Put it back in place and put the wire back on and try it.

If you don't know if the wires are right on the capacitor ask us and we will guide your through.