Air Conditioning - Fan working, but not always turning

I'm a relative newbie with an occasional problem that has turned chronic. When the compressor starts, the fan blades turn, but not enough to crank over. After a while, the compressor shuts off (I think I read on another post something about some sort of trip switch?). Anyway, I have a red reset button that restarts the motor, and when I get a stick inside to manually swing the fan blades around, she turns over and all is well... until the next time the compressor needs to start the blades, and I'm back at square one.

The blades seem "rusty" and sound as much when the motor is trying to turn them, so I'm wondering if and where there is a spot that just needs some WD-40 love. I've also seen folks speak of capacitors and such, and that's a bit above my knowledge level. Any links to general diagrams would be appreciated. I have a Lennox that I'm guessing is 20 years old (we've been in the house 2 yrs.).

when I get a stick inside to manually swing the fan blades around, she turns over and all is well... until the next time the compressor needs to start the blades, and I'm back at square one.


Sure sounds like its just the capacitor. Turn power off to unit outside look inside it for the cap that goes to the fan get new one just like it. make all wires and put back same way. Dont let unit run when the fan is not working.

ED;)

First off, thanks for the help on the last post. I saw someone else comment on this in another thread, but this is just an incredible resource. THANKS!

I replaced the capacitor late this afternoon (it's a 20/5 dual capacitor, FWIW), and the fan started up like a charm. Went to dinner, came home and the A/C was blowing room-temp air again. Reset the kill switch, started it back up and restarted easily again... but is now out again. Haven't personally seen it struggle to start again, so I don't know if it's the same issue as before, but I'm more confused than ever given that it restarted easily following the new capacitor.

Again, thanks for the help -- and see if you can repeat it!

Did you oil the bearings in the fan motor.Try that since you said it was rusty and sounded like it.So whats not working the fan or the compresser.

I have a relatively knowledgeable uncle who is advising me that if the fan has a decent amount of side-to-side play (which it does), then the motor needs replacing. Since I've already replaced the capacitor, half (well, maybe not that much) of my battle is over. We'll see in the morning, as long as I can find a match.

I have a relatively knowledgeable uncle who is advising me that if the fan has a decent amount of side-to-side play (which it does), then the motor needs replacing. Since I've already replaced the capacitor, half (well, maybe not that much) of my battle is over. We'll see in the morning, as long as I can find a match.

It may not be the motor but the bearings that are bad.

I'm working way above my pay grade if I'm opening motors up... I'll see if I can get in in the morning; I can't jack it up any worse than it is right now. Question is, can I jack ME up any worse?! :)