HVAC trouble

[scuba415]

Hi all,

I am having trouble with my HVAC unit.  It is a Climatemaster vertical stack, installed in a condo.  I was told it is a custom unit, and the internet doesn't pull up anything with the model numbers.  I went to turn on the heat the other day and it made a low humming noise which is normal, but the blower did not come on, then it just shut off after about a minute.  I then tried the AC and it too did not come on.  I looked up the most likely causes for the blower not coming on and read that the start capacitor, the control board, or the motor itself are likely causes.  I pulled the capacitor and tested it, and it seems dead with the ohmmeter, though it is not bulging or leaking.  So I ordered a replacement from Amazon, they sent me a slightly different cap, same specs, but not the model number I ordered.

Here is a link to some photos:  http://s288.photobucket.com/user/steveatwurk/library/?sort=3&page=1

I want to test the capacitor in the unit, but wasn't sure if I should use the one that I received.  The new cap is on the left, the old cap is on the right in the photo.

The blower and motor turn easily by hand, and the unit has actually gotten very little use since it was installed in 2001, so the motor is basically brand new.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

TIA,

Scuba

 

[Jedi Appliance Guy]

Both caps are the same. If you're lucky it will solve your issue. It's safe to try it.

[strumpfman]

I think you are talking about the fan on the inside unit. Usually best way to comfirm is, to give the fan blade

a little turn to get it spinning.If motor fan continues running its the capacitor. Use a screwdriver not yr hands. If you can not get to it

physically just try the new capacitor and see what happens.

[A & G Enterprises]

make sure the old and the new capacitors have the same micro ferads,were you getting high amps on the motor

[AccApp]

+1 to the caps are identical, 5 µf and 370 vac. Got nothing to lose by trying. It is not a "start" capacitor but a run capacitor but helps provide torque to start. The blower motor is a PSC type, very common in HVAC. 

More explanation here: http://www.industrial-electronics.com/AC-DC-motors/54_Permanent-Split-Capacitor-Motors.html

[scuba415]

Many thanks to all that took the time to respond.  The capacitor fixed my problem, and I am a happy camper!