AC fan not spinning

[Human]

First time posting, long time lurker.

I have a AC question, when my AC unit tries to kick on, the fan doesn't spin and is very hard to spin, it has a lot of resistance after about 2mins or so the unit will stop trying/kick off and when the unit is off the fan will spin 100% freely with no resistance.

I searched online, but I have not been able to find anything about this issue so I figured someone might have some ideals of what it could be.


Thanks for everyone help/input.

 

[510ebl]

If you mean the fan on the outside unit, mine had the same symptom last week. A new fan motor fixed it. I proactively replaced the capacitor as well, since I was in there.

In my case, I was able to order the Nordyne part number that was on the fan motor for a direct replacement.

 

[mrvm]

Prolonged usage of a CAP out of spec can cause fan motor issues.

 

[landlord30]

I would check the cap first. Just had to replace mine 2 weeks ago.

 

[The Cobbler]

a bad cap would be mu guess too

 

[yeldogt]

If the fan will not spin by hand -- it needs to be replaced.

Installing a quality cap at the same time is a good idea ..some have one some have two

 

[Terry D]

Sounds like a motor. Usually in my experience, with a bad cap, you will still be able to manually spin the motor to get it started. But in your case, yours is electrically locking up on startup. You could try just a cap, you should replace it anyway with a new motor. If you are in a bind and its hot out, I have taken a good size box fan and strapped it to the top of the condenser, just plug it in and let it run constantly. Or you can use a sprinkler to put water on the outside coil. Either way, you will have air conditioning until you can get the parts.

 

[Wrench97]

Motor spins freely with the unit off but not with the unit on replace the capacitor first(actually test it first is the best way but lacking the meter to test a cap buying a cap is cheaper then buying a meter with the capability).

 

[Human]

Thanks for the all help everyone. I have looked at the capacitor it looks 100% normal, not leaking and not expanded. I tried to test it today, but I think my multimeter might is bad.

I did make a video of the issue.

So if I do need to replace the motor, anyone know what i need to look for?

 

[Wrench97]

Do you have a DMM with a function to read microfarads( µF on the meter)?

This may be it, try using the brand and model of the unit to look for it.
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XT42RBE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[510ebl]

I bought mine from supplyhouse.com, maybe check there too.

 

[yeldogt]

Just google the part number -- you should be able to buy an exact replacement.

I always tell people to get the exact replacement .. that way you know it will just fit in place when the old one comes out. They do make universal type replacement motors that make replacing them easier for the HVAC companies .... but, they are familiar working with these motors and know the various "adjustments" that need to be done given what came out.

The exact replacement motor with have the same mounting screw location -- shaft size and wires. In some cases more than one manufacturer makes the same motor .... GE labeled motors are very common

 

[karoc]

Guessing your compressor is coming on, so that means you do have 220v. Is that Rheem or Rudd unit, they had those 825 rpm motors.

 

[JABgj]

You should change the cap regardless if you change your motor or not. Change the cap first, looks like it might be your problem and if not, it will be ready to serve when the new motor goes in.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Sounds like a motor. Usually in my experience, with a bad cap, you will still be able to manually spin the motor to get it started. But in your case, yours is electrically locking up on startup. You could try just a cap, you should replace it anyway with a new motor. If you are in a bind and its hot out, I have taken a good size box fan and strapped it to the top of the condenser, just plug it in and let it run constantly. Or you can use a sprinkler to put water on the outside coil. Either way, you will have air conditioning until you can get the parts.

X2. Time for a new motor and run cap.

Tommy