[smithma]

Our condenser unit had a problem where the cooling fan would not always startup. Tap it and it starts and runs well for several on-off cycles, then stalls again on startup.
So the friendly AC repair guy shows up and the dear wife forgets to tell him that bit of information and he only does a furnace cleaning and general checkout of $160. Later, they told her that we needed a new 'phase shifter', blower cleaning, and rejuvenator kit for a cost of $852.
Apparently the phase shifting capacitor is reading 8.6uF (does a tech actually have a meter that will read this accurately?) that should be 10uF. Since a motor cap is about $20 and the blower cleaning shouldn't take very long, this leaves us with a rejuvenator kit that costs about $700.
What's in it? The AC unit is about 12 years old (and in NC), so is it worthwhile?
Will the motor stalling be fixed with a new capacitor (or does it need a new motor)?

[WallyHelps]

That sounds overpriced to me. I don't know what the "rejuvenator kit" is actually comprised of, but I'm wondering if it is what is known as a "hard start capacitor".

Take a look at this excellent page, specifically at "Problem #2" and see if you think this might help. I imagine you can buy something similar in an appliance repair parts store.

Alternatively, I'd look for a new service man.

Best of luck,
WallyH

[T-Top]

The reading of the mfd on the capacitor is to the point and easy to read and should be changed out if reading low. The rejuvenation kit is just like the give me your money kit. Ask for a break down of the kit cost and what is done. Its people like that, that gives people like us a bad name. If they can not give you a good explanation of the charge, call the chamber, BBB, and your attorney general with your complaint.