Internally Grounded RTU Compressor

[bandit2012]

OK, so I've been told by a vendor that we have an RTU with an internally grounded compressor (is that even possible?). His recommendation is that I don't replace the compressor but replace the unit because going forward this may have caused additional electrical problems with the unit.

I got a 2nd opinion and this vendor said nothing about that concern and recommends replacing the compressor.

My question for all of you pro's is which way should I go with this situation?

Thanks

[jpsmith1cm]

Hard to see the age and condition of the unit from here.

[bandit2012]

Age is about 5-7 years old. Not sure how to judge condition for you but I cant get a pic of it today.

[jpsmith1cm]

Age is about 5-7 years old. Not sure how to judge condition for you but I cant get a pic of it today.

Unless the unit has been seriously abused, then I'd say replace the compressor.

[bandit2012]

OK, here is a picture of the compressor. I'm not sure what you'll be able to tell from this but you guys are the experts.

[timebuilder]

OK, here is a picture of the compressor. I'm not sure what you'll be able to tell from this but you guys are the experts.

I think you started going down a rabbit trail.

Seeing a picture does not let us know the condition of the unit. We would gather that kind on info by a close, personal examination.

You used the word, "vendor." Is that an HVAC contractor?

From the type of compressor pictured, the unit is not very old. I would not replace the unit out of some misplaced fear of another grounded compressor in the future. However, I would expect to hear a reasonable theory about why the compressor became grounded, and what items were checked after its replacement to prevent this from happening again. But know this, there is no 100% guarantee about this not happening again, particularly since we can't be there.

If the compressor is defective, and it sure can be, for any number of reasons, then it should be replaced.

I think you are ripe for a second opinion.

[david24]

If the unit has already had a bad history with repair after repair i would consider replacing it. Under normal circumstances i would replace the compressor.

[timebuilder]

Did I miss something about a bad history?

Maybe a lack of the owner having it maintained is my number one guess.....

[Cagey57]

OK, so I've been told by a vendor that we have an RTU with an internally grounded compressor (is that even possible?) Absolutely possible and not uncommon. His recommendation is that I don't replace the compressor but replace the unit because going forward this may have caused additional electrical problems with the unit Also possible but that does not simply mean replace the "Unit".
I got a 2nd opinion (Good !) and this vendor said nothing about that concern and recommends replacing the compressor.

My question for all of you pro's is which way should I go with this situation?

Thanks

Based on the limited info you provided and the "2nd Opinion" you already have I would replace the compressor and not the entire unit. Unless there are other major issues with other parts of the Unit it is not really practical to replace the whole thing. Make sure that who/whom ever you have do the work (if you choose to only replace the compressor) also installs a new contactor for the "New" compressor.

[bandit2012]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.

[surenuff]

when a compressor grounds out, it can put some nasty stuff into the refrigerant lines. Make sure also that they due an acid test on the oil, and if it is acidic, that they take some kind of steps to deal with it or it will burn out again.

[freonrick]

I see that it is a heat pump. Are they changing the reversing valve also? If not it could also be bad so be ready to spend more money.