I have a 20 year old RUUD 2.5 ton heat pump. The outside cooling unit started to "click" a few months ago when it was coming on. Sometimes it would come on and sometimes it would not. It eventually stopped coming on. We have replaced the contacts and capacitors but it does not help. Also, if we get the compressor to come on for a second, it will throw the breaker within seconds. Also, it gets hot. We have had someone suggest getting a "jump start" kit and putting it in. We don't have much money so I am trying to determine if it is a lost cause or can be fixed. Most of the numbers are worn off but we can read "Model outdoor-PCB-024". Thanks for your help. We live in Alabama.

If your compressor tripps the breakers that quickly your compressor is more than likely grounded. This means the compressor needs to be replaced. I would not recommend doing that on a 20 year old unit. I would instead suggest replaceing unit, as would most contractors. You can replace just the compressor. It would be cheaper, but in the long run it might cost you more.