Garages and Carports - Is it time to replace my Craftsman Garage door opener?

Hey, guys... After 14 years, my Craftsman 1/2 hp garage door opener seems to have given up the task. I've checked all the rollers, sensors, tracks, chain, electrical lines (from the sensors to the motor), and possible obstructions. It still just clicks when I push either the wall button or the remote. Yesterday was the last time it worked and it was left in the "up" position. I unhooked the release and lowered the door and tried (with my neighbors help) playing with the chain/cable while he pushed the button and it worked (without being hooked up to the door). Once it engaged with the door, it just clicked again. Our conclusion (after a bunch of tries) was that it is just too tired to work under any kind of load. What do you guys think? Any suggestions? Maybe I should just go down and pick up another one... Thanks for your help.

Thanks, Dust

Do you get a HUM after the click? If so, it may be just a capacitor. Much cheaper and easier than a complete replacement. Since the unit works with no load, that may be the only problem. It won't lift the door will it? What will it do if you "Help" it when it initially tries?

If you are happy with it (and since it has the safety sensors) I'd probably try that first.

Though there will be some great sales starting soon...

Hey, thanks. I went down and tried it and apparently the good door fairy came and now, it's working. If I do have to replace a capacitor (sp?), what is that and what's involved with the job? I tried it a couple of times and it worked well (except for the usual stopping unless I hold the button down for the duration of the close cycle). Depending on the weather, time of day or position of the moon, it will choose to close only half way and go back up or then again it might just work flawlessly for a week or so. Do you have more info on this capicator? Thanks.
Dust

A couple things for you to check. Make sure the trolley isn't jamming against the bolt just in front of the motor unit. This will cause the problem you had with the door being open and just clicking. You should adjust the 'up limit' on the side of the motor unit. Turn it 2 full turns in the opposite direction of the arrow printed on the cover.

The problem that you have with the door only closing half way unless you hold the button down is usually caused by door sensors that are not pointed at one another. Each of them has a small light that should be lit and not flickering for them to work properly. Tweak them a bit if this is the case. You might also try increasing the 'down force' adjustment which is on the rear of the motor unit near all those white wires. Just a slight increase though as this affects the safety.

Well, I thought the opener had self healed, but alas, no deal. When I went down to try it again, the familiar click and hum. I'd like to investigate the capacitor idea before I go out and buy a new opener. Where can I get more info on this? Thanks.

Dust

Post the model number of the opener (the Sears part number). Should be something like XXX.XXXXX. I believe most of that age were made by Chamberlain...so we should be able to find something.

Gunguy...thanks. That model number is: 139.53644SRT. Thanks for your input. Later.
Dust

Well..heres the info...CRAFTSMAN | Model #13953644SRT | GARAGE DOOR OPENER | OPENER ASSEMBLY | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=13953644SRT&productCategoryId=0718000&brandId=0247&modelName=GARAGE-DOOR-OPENER&diagramPageId=00001&componentDescription=OPENER%20ASSEMBLY&documentId=10043424&blt=06)

They want $20 (plus shipping) from Sears just for the cap..I'd buy a new opener before I spent that much myself.

You may be able to find it at chamberlain or elsewhere for less.

Thanks for all your research. I think I'll take your advise and get a new one. Why chase a fourteen year old problem. Thanks again.
Dust

Just to be clear..no expert here. Might want to try the other suggestions..see what happens. From your descriptions though..don't think its adjustments.

You're right. I adjusted the living @#!! out of it in both directions... it would work briefly, but always went back to not working and the old "click and hum". Thanks again.
Dust