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    chunte30309's Avatar
    chunte30309 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 26, 2006, 03:47 PM
    Central AC not working properly
    My central ac works for a 1 or 2 hours then fan on the exterior unit stops turning (motor still running) and shortly after hot air comes out of the vents. I will then shut it off, by turning off the thermostat for about 2 hours and it will work again for about 1 to 2 hours. Unfortunately for me, the technicians (from my Insurance Co) always show up during 1 to 2 hour when it is working? Hence, they give it a clean bill of healthHelp me please!
    letmetellu's Avatar
    letmetellu Posts: 3,151, Reputation: 317
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    #2

    Jun 26, 2006, 08:23 PM
    You say that the fan on the exterior unit stops turning (motor still running)
    Does this mean that the shaft from the motor is turning but the fan is not. If that be the case it should be very noisy and be obvious as to where the problem is. If that is not what you mean would you please explain.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jun 27, 2006, 06:09 AM
    Sounds like you need to replace the condenser fan run capacitor. Have an HVAC technician use his Fluke Multimeter and check the capacitance of your run and start capacitors. All wires need to be removed from capacitors before testing. If your condenser unit is at least 6 years old, I'd proactively get him to replace the contactor (relay) while he's there. Also, have him oil each port on the condenser fan with 15 drops of ISO 32 wt. turbine oil and take a garden hose and gently clean all dirt and debris from the condenser coils. Ensuring your capacitors and contactors are in good shape is at the heart of trouble-free air conditioning.
    chunte30309's Avatar
    chunte30309 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jun 29, 2006, 07:19 PM
    Guys... thanks for your help.

    letmetellu: Yes, I do hear a noice when the fan (blade) not turning. Also,

    Additional question...
    Even when the ac is working, I have to place my hand at least 2 feet front the vent to feel the air. Do you think my condenser fan (in attic) may be acting up?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
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    #5

    Jun 29, 2006, 08:59 PM
    Don't you mean furnace fan in the attic?

    I think you meant in your original description that the outside condenser fan would stop running, but the compressor would keep running. However, when this happened, cool air stopped coming out of the vents in the house. Is this correct? If this is correct, get the condenser fan run capacitor replaced.
    chunte30309's Avatar
    chunte30309 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Jul 8, 2006, 04:50 AM
    Txgreasemonkey, etal,

    Thanks for your assistance and guidance. The tech showed up and with your tips, I was able to ask the right questions. He replaced my condenser fan motor. That was the "culprit" - my AC is now working. It only took them 3 visits ( 2 of which they claimed that the AC was working) but the got it done! Thanks A Mil!

    Cleve
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