AC Motor is going out

[Shaihulud2090]

Hey all. This story starts with me fixing interior leaking and replacing my shroud with an ICON replacement for the Dometic Duo-Therm Penguin. I replace the shroud. I slept in the trailer parked in the driveway overnight with my girlfriend because we've traveled the south west in it and it still holds a special place. It's cozy. The AC ran fine. I did however notice a new noise on shutdown, kinda of this high pitched, not very loud whir whir whir as the fan spun down. A couple of day's later I decide to work from the trailer because of indoor noise and I needed a quiet space for some meetings. The AC motor lagged on startup. Then started tripping the trailer breaker throughout the day. So, I go with the usual suspect, capacitors. I replace both the startup and run capacitors with same rated capacitors off amazon. Yeah, they're the off brands. But, I'm still getting lags and tripped breakers. So I break out the multimeter. The capacitors' capacitance is testing within specs. I do a resistance test on the motor's start, run and common power leads. Start --> Common is within specs. Run --> Common is OL. Start --> Run is OL. From what I know that means there are problems in the windings of the motor. The unit is almost 20 years old, so this isn't a shock.

But I'm in a conundrum. I'm looking at new units starting at $800. A used unit starts at $400. A new motor is about $200. I know I can make this work putting a new motor in it, but then there's the compressor....which has been operating fine. However, in 2.5 weeks I have a 2 week trip coming up and reliability is a concern. Given the age and the time constraints, what would you do?

 

[Shaihulud2090]

I've looked at my options. I think I'm screwed. I really don't want to spend 1400 for an ac local to me. And I can't get one cheaper in less than 2 weeks (freight). I ordered the fan motor which will be here in 4 days. In the mean time, I'll go look at some local places. Maybe there's something affordable.

 

[rpnelson]

I've looked at my options. I think I'm screwed. I really don't want to spend 1400 for an ac local to me. And I can't get one cheaper in less than 2 weeks (freight). I ordered the fan motor which will be here in 4 days. In the mean time, I'll go look at some local places. Maybe there's something affordable.

Hey all. This story starts with me fixing interior leaking and replacing my shroud with an ICON replacement for the Dometic Duo-Therm Penguin. I replace the shroud. I slept in the trailer parked in the driveway overnight with my girlfriend because we've traveled the south west in it and it still holds a special place. It's cozy. The AC ran fine. I did however notice a new noise on shutdown, kinda of this high pitched, not very loud whir whir whir as the fan spun down. A couple of day's later I decide to work from the trailer because of indoor noise and I needed a quiet space for some meetings. The AC motor lagged on startup. Then started tripping the trailer breaker throughout the day. So, I go with the usual suspect, capacitors. I replace both the startup and run capacitors with same rated capacitors off amazon. Yeah, they're the off brands. But, I'm still getting lags and tripped breakers. So I break out the multimeter. The capacitors' capacitance is testing within specs. I do a resistance test on the motor's start, run and common power leads. Start --> Common is within specs. Run --> Common is OL. Start --> Run is OL. From what I know that means there are problems in the windings of the motor. The unit is almost 20 years old, so this isn't a shock.

But I'm in a conundrum. I'm looking at new units starting at $800. A used unit starts at $400. A new motor is about $200. I know I can make this work putting a new motor in it, but then there's the compressor....which has been operating fine. However, in 2.5 weeks I have a 2 week trip coming up and reliability is a concern. Given the age and the time constraints, what would you do?

If the motor is making the noise it is not necessarily the windings. I would suspect the motor shaft bearings are dry. You may be able to remove the motor and lube the bearings and re-install it. But a replacement motor is doable too if the compressor and cooling coils are in decent shape. Would save a grand of $ or so.

 

[Shaihulud2090]

If the motor is making the noise it is not necessarily the windings. I would suspect the motor shaft bearings are dry. You may be able to remove the motor and lube the bearings and re-install it. But a replacement motor is doable too if the compressor and cooling coils are in decent shape. Would save a grand of $ or so.

I attempted to swap the motor with the Dometic replacement kit, but the mounts were different and would require I take the unit off the trailer to mount it. I sent it back and purchased a used Coleman mach 8 with everything I need to get it installed for $550.

Ive began removing the penguin. Got the lower removed. Afternoon rains are making it difficult. Should have it completely installed this weekend.

 

[Shaihulud2090]

I attempted to swap the motor with the Dometic replacement kit, but the mounts were different and would require I take the unit off the trailer to mount it. I sent it back and purchased a used Coleman mach 8 with everything I need to get it installed including the ADB for $550.

Ive began removing the penguin. Got the lower removed. Afternoon rains are making it difficult. Should have it completely installed this weekend.

 

[Shaihulud2090]

Have the mach 8 installed. Working well. Doesn't seem to blow as hard as the penguin I, but it's cold.