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Need help with my compressor wire to capacitor melted

Adohrn

Active member
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
25
Its a traders pro 4gal 830210.

This is one I inherited so don't know history. When I turned in on sometimes would start and sometimes not. When it would start ran fine and charged up tank no problem. When it wouldn't it would just hum loudly. Opened up the case and one of the leads to the capacitor is melted. The metal clip is black and disintegrated and fused onto the the capacitors pin. Some of the melted clip is still attached to the wire and running loose. I think when I moved the unit around it was randomly coming into contact the the capacitors lead allowing the motor to start.

Why would this Happen? The wire is bent at a 90 degree angle to the clip and looks a little stressed was it just a broken wire and therefore a loose connection? Or something else entirely. Can I just put a new clip on the wire and clean the lead to the capacitor and have a functioning unit? Should I replace the capacitor. The unit looks in good shape. Pulled the plug to the tank and no water or rust came out. Hopefully discharged to the capacitor by pulling the leads and shorting with insulated screw driver. Very loud with some fireworks. Tell the truth this size capacitor makes me very leery. Its around 5 inches long and 2 in diameter.
 
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LEVE

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Jun 23, 2008
Messages
1,727
Location
On the Willapa
The clip failed to keep good contact with the lug on the capacitor. As it failed a resistance formed between the two points. That resistance caused a power drop to occur and power was expended jumping the poor connection. That caused the connection to decay more, it's a vicious cycle. Soon the heat crystallized the wire, the lug and the clip. Then you noticed the failure.

I'd replace the wire, the clip and the capacitor. If it's still holding a charge, it's likely good, but the lug connector is shot, so get rid of the dang thing.
 
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Adohrn

Active member
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
25
Thanks will try. If I can clean off the capacitors lug will try to keep it. At least until I know if the unit works. If I need to buy a new capacitor where would you suggest going to get it. Napa?
 
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Adohrn

Active member
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
25
Called the company up and got the capacitor shipped for $25. Happy.
 
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