AC outdoor unit problem

[St3v3]

My central AC will start normal for a few cycles and then from what I can tell the fan on the outdoor unit (RUUD Model: UAMC-048JAZ) is not on, and the compressor is not on. I am thinking (well hoping) that its the capacitor. The thing is after it sits for a while it will start working again. It has done this 2 times thus far. I was thinking also could it be the fan motor going out? I thought I'd read somewhere that if the fan stops working that the compressor will shut itself down from overheating? And that's why after an hour or so it started up again working. Not sure if that's true or not.
Any info on what to do would be appreciated. So should I start with the capacitor and then check the fan motor?

 

[MongoTA]

Open it up and give it a visual.
If the wiring/connections all look good, you can discharge then remove and test the capacitor. If the capacitor tests bad or looks bad, replace it with an equivalent rated capacitor.
Sometimes a hard start kit can help, but typically for older units. If you go the hard start kit route, install one recommended by the manufacturer.
Capacitors are the first thing I'd test.
Good luck.

 

[JRC3]

When in doubt, hose it out. Clean the condenser coil, even if it looks fine. Sounds like a dirty coil.

 

[fitter30]

If condenser fan motor overheatsand stops compressor will trip on internal overload. Check to see if contactor is pulling in. Take a pick of the wiring diagram condenser.

 

[St3v3]

If condenser fan motor overheatsand stops compressor will trip on internal overload. Check to see if contactor is pulling in. Take a pick of the wiring diagram condenser.

 

[St3v3]

I ordered a new run capacitor and new start capacitor. Today I tried running the AC and this time the fan doesn't turn on at all, All I can hear is the compressor running, I feel it should be one of those, if still nothing I suppose it could be the fan motor itself. I had this system installed back in 2005 or 06 and this is the first time it has not worked, I change the filters twice a year and I had it serviced once and they said it was fine, but they recommended something with the ducting to wrap it thicker with something.. But I didn't feel like spending $1400 that they quoted me. So I'll post on the outcome after I switch em out (capacitors)

 

[Gila Monster]

It's very likely a capacitor.

Also, with the unit disconnected, get a long screwdriver and try to manually spin the condenser fan and see if it freely spins or if it feels locked up. Might need both.

 

[metlmunchr]

And don't run the unit until you have resolved the capacitor and/or condenser fan motor problem. Repeatedly letting the compressor kick off on the internal overload is a quick way to kill the compressor, and a burned out compressor will require a new condensing unit as well as a bunch of other work and materials to clean the mess from the burnout out of the rest of the system.

 

[Mikeske]

I had the compressor on my heat pump running but the fan not working a couple days ago. I called for a service and since I do not have the knowledge base to do this work they came out today and replaced the capacitor, In the picture the capacitor should be flat across the top and this one is budging. Since my Trane XR 15 is still under warranty until September the capacitor was at no cost, I did have to pay for the service call and the entire unit was checked over including the inside unit. Since my outside unit is located in a carport the serviceman sure liked the fact that he did not have to crawl around in the dirt and the outside unit was dusty but otherwise clean. Of course the air conditioning has to stop working during the start of a heat wave but in a hour and half after the service house was nice and comfortable.

 

[St3v3]

I changed out the capacitors (run & start) and all started up like it should. Ran it all day and no problems!! Thank you for the help everyone. much appreciated...