I decided to test my window air conditioner today. It turns on okay, the compressor is running but the fan does not seem to be running. No air is blowing through the louvers and if I put it on fan only there is nothing. Last time I used it (last fall) the fan ran fine.
Wondering if I am going to need a new fan motor, a new starting condenser or, a whole new air conditioner ? Maybe the fan is just seized.
Any ideas ?
I keep my 2 feet on the ground, and my head in the twilight zone.
If you can get to the fan, it's probably gummed up with dirt and oil. Can you hand spin it, and see if it runs then? Sometimes you can clean and lube the fan bearings.
"Where would we be without the agitators of the world to attach the electrodes
of knowledge to the nipples of ignorance?" ~ Professor "Dick" Soloman
Then test if the leads to the fan are producing the correct amount of power. Yes power but no fan, I think you have your answer.
Yep , beware , there could be a bird or squirrel nest in there , occupied or not . Often you can reach the top of the blower fan by removing the front panel , enough to give it a manual spin . Some fans use start/run capacitors , and those may be worth replacing , depending on the symptoms , and the value of the unit . I'd bet on either a critter problem , or a bit of corrosion , an easy fix .
I won't question your Creator's wisdom , but you are responsible for your own actions .
Russ, W5RB
Agree with Russ. Could also be the start cap for the fan. Some do have them and they do go bad. Especially if its a dual cap shared by the compressor.
Yeah...I'm a furry...Deal with it!
I would suspect that the compressor condenser and the motor condenser (if there is one) would be separate because the compressor starts and runs. The fan just doesn't blow. I guess the worst case scenario would be a blown motor. I have lots of electric motors around here. If I can find one that is about the right size and the same shaft length .and radius I might be able to retrofit a new motor. Worst cane I'll need an entirely new AC. This is about an 8K BTU window unit. They are not too expensive these days. Probably around $200 or so,
I keep my 2 feet on the ground, and my head in the twilight zone.
Motors usually quit during use . Off-season faults are fairly likely to be capacitors , corrosion , critter nests or wire chews , etc.
Be ready to catch a face full of nest materials , or possibly live wasps , when you go pokin' around in there . Time to quit guessin' and have a look .
I won't question your Creator's wisdom , but you are responsible for your own actions .
Russ, W5RB
Yep... I will probably yank it later this week and have a look inside. First and foremost I'll be careful of anything that may have decided to take up residence in there over the winter. Then I'll check the components. I'll post my findings or any other questions here..Originally Posted by W5RB
I keep my 2 feet on the ground, and my head in the twilight zone.
Clogged with mummified stink bug carcasses.
YES ON THE GUMMED OIL! It can cause a motor's bearings to seize. Disassemble, clean well with acetone, and re-lube with a quality paraffin base blower/turbine oil of the recommended viscosity. (if you can't turn the fan by hand)
http://www.kingssupply.com/item37.htm
Last edited by kc7jty; 04-11-2011 at 02:37 PM.
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