Drum Fan Capacitor

[cramer1]

I have a Profitter 42" drum Fan. It has a 2 speed "Speed Regulator" on it. On start up it hums and doesn't rotate, but if I toggle the speed knob between positions and "rock it" it will start up. It runs quietly with no imbalance or vibration, and when I shut it down it spins freely.

Since it runs and spins freely I am assuming my motor is fine, and the speed knob does its job so I am guessing it is a capacitor issue? Any tips on testing or with it being a cheap enough part would it be just as easy to replace it and see?

I haven't opened it up yet, but it is a Fastenal product and I can't seem to find any specs on replacement parts. I would think all of these fans would have pretty standard/similar parts but they seem to keep the tech specs to themselves.

Anyone run into this before? Thanks.

 

[fitter30]

Could find any specs on it.

https://www.fastenal.com/product/details/4134853

 

[chinboys]

Bad start capacitor based on the hum and your toggling of the two speeds that assist the start problem.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'd be inclined to agree that it's capacitor gone bad

 

[BillK]

if I toggle the speed knob between positions and "rock it" it will start up.

I would test the switch before buying a capacitor.

 

[MovingAlong]

I haven't opened it up yet, ...

Capacitor will probably have some markings on it. Post some pics...

 

[cramer1]

I have been traveling for work and haven't torn into it yet. I did go ahead and get a cap coming from Fastenal for $13 and some change.

I will post pics on what I find. I only paid $20 for the fan to begin with so if that's the fix it could turn out to be my deal of the year haha.

 

[mm08822]

Write down the specs when you get the new cap. If ever needed in the future you can shop for a possible better quality part.