Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Hard start kit capacitor failed on 4 ton carrier heat pump

Hi Folks,

Can anyone give me some advice on why the capacitor on the hard start kit on my Carrier 38ysa048? failed. I notice yesterday that the lights in the house were dimming every few minutes. I happened to be in the garage and noticed that the heat pump was running but also clicking like it was trying to start too. I took the cover off and found that the capacitor on the hard start kit was leaking. I presume that the fan was running but the compressor was not running. The unit is 7 years old. Is it normal for a capacitor of that kind to die after that time period. Should I just replace the capacitor and see what happens or drop back 5 and punt. I live in the sticks so inviting someone by for a look see is expensive.

Johnds

I would replace the whole hard start device. Apparently the AC unit has had problems before because it has a hard start device on it. They are mostly used when the unit is on its last leg or as a temporary device until a AC guy can get the right parts.
I installed a smaller hard start after a hurricane took out the
overload relay in my refrigerator. I never did order the right part
and replace the the hard start... That was about 6 years ago.

good luck
Larry
S. Florida

Thanks for the info. The hard start kit was installed new with the unit. Big unit end of the power line voltage wise. I run about 118-119 volts here in the sticks. The only other component in the kit is the relay. I am planning on just changing the capacitor first to see what happens unless I find out that is not the thing to do.

Newer electrical devices such as capacitors are manufactured under new regulations that prohibit certain compounds (THE GOOD STUFF) from being used so that our children are not born with bushy tails. Yes 7 yrs is not unusual for a capacitor failure pop a new matching one on there.

Newer electrical devices such as capacitors are manufactured under new regulations that prohibit certain compounds (THE GOOD STUFF) from being used so that our children are not born with bushy tails. Yes 7 yrs is not unusual for a capacitor failure pop a new matching one on there.

Sounds like a plan. The prices on capacitors varies widely btw. Anywhere from $7 on ebay for a made in china to $66 for a made in the USA. Mexico is there in the middle some place. I wonder how much of that is just plain price gouging or if the quality is just that different. The original equipment capacitor was made in Mexico btw.

Johnds

If your old start relay fails to take the new start cap out of the circuit after startup, it can damage your new start cap.

I recommend replacing both.

If your old start relay fails to take the new start cap out of the circuit after startup, it can damage your new start cap.

I recommend replacing both.

That is a good thought. As cheap as the new start capacitor is it makes it worth trying without changing the relay. To get a relay I have to buy the kit which is $90 for some reason.

Johnds

If your old start relay fails to take the new start cap out of the circuit after startup, it can damage your new start cap.

I recommend replacing both.

You were correct. I installed the new capacitor without changing the relay and it immediately smoked when I turned the unit on. The good news is that I completely isolated the hard start system and restarted the unit and it ran fine. I wonder why the hard start system was there to start with?

You'll find out why the hard start unit is there when it gets cold. ;)

The cap could have failed because the relay contacts were burned and stuck in a closed position. That would cook that cap in time.