Air Conditioning - Replacement of run caps as PM?
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eclipse
05-10-07, 01:18 PM
My 23-year-old 9 SEER 3 ton Rheem is still running well, but it does have the original run caps. I had the (original) contactor replaced as PM as couple of years ago. Should the same be done for the run caps as well? They are the originals, and it occurred to me that it might be a good idea to have them replaced so as to avoid a failure that might end up damaging something if not caught in time. And they aren't that expensive. As additional info, there is no hard start kit on this CU. What do the pros think?
Ed Imeduc
05-10-07, 01:39 PM
If it starts and all runs. Let it alone. Just make sure to keep it clean around the condenser coil outside and the air filter inside. Might check the copper lines as they go into the outdoor unit. Small copper line warm to hot big copper line cold and wet. Had one unit that was 42 years old and running.When we took it out. Over the years it had had just one new condenser fan is all
GregH
05-10-07, 01:43 PM
Normally the internal thermal protection in a compressor does a pretty good job of protecting the windings if a starting component fails.
However, run capacitors and a hard start kit are not that expensive so if it gives peace of mind it could be worth it.
Opps! Seen you post Ed and I hope we don't get into a brawl over this one. :D
Original caps could go another 23 but if it feels good to do it it might not be a bad idea.
However, run capacitors and a hard start kit are not that expensive so if it gives peace of mind it could be worth it.
Opps! Seen you post Ed and I hope we don't get into a brawl over this one. :D
Original caps could go another 23 but if it feels good to do it it might not be a bad idea.
jim-connor
05-10-07, 02:19 PM
As a technician, I would be hesitant to suggest that a good part be replaced. But if the customer wanted new caps with the understanding that the old ones were still good, then I would do it.
Considering that contactors and capacitors are common failure items, it may not be a bad idea to just replace them. While you are at it, I would also check the compressor connections. These too, can be trouble.
Hard starts? Probably not necessary as your system likely has a flowrater.
Now keep in mind your system is quite old. It's hard to say how long it will last. I just worked on a 25+ year old GE. Replaced the condenser fan motor and runs like a champ. I also worked on an old Carrier, this was over 30 years old. Same problem, bad condenser fan motor.
Considering that contactors and capacitors are common failure items, it may not be a bad idea to just replace them. While you are at it, I would also check the compressor connections. These too, can be trouble.
Hard starts? Probably not necessary as your system likely has a flowrater.
Now keep in mind your system is quite old. It's hard to say how long it will last. I just worked on a 25+ year old GE. Replaced the condenser fan motor and runs like a champ. I also worked on an old Carrier, this was over 30 years old. Same problem, bad condenser fan motor.