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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    north suburbs of Chicago
    Posts
    472

    Capacitors! Yikes!

    Thirty plus years and I have never come near replacing this many run caps in a season! I think in the past three weeks 75% of my calls have been blown caps in condensing units. Unfortunately that's about all that is blowing.

    All I can figure is it's the power company dropping back the voltage during these 100 degree days.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    burlington county n.j.
    Posts
    9,343
    Quote Originally Posted by Glennhvac View Post
    Thirty plus years and I have never come near replacing this many run caps in a season! I think in the past three weeks 75% of my calls have been blown caps in condensing units. Unfortunately that's about all that is blowing.

    All I can figure is it's the power company dropping back the voltage during these 100 degree days.
    same thing here, has to be something going on with the voltage.

    most of the caps are 10-15 yrs old so its not just a cheap chinese cap problem.

    went through so many 35-5s i had trouble getting them.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Moore, Oklahoma
    Posts
    2,596
    Could it be the record heat driving head pressures through the roof?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Near Chicago Il.
    Posts
    105
    Same thing here, and my brother and other HVAC buddy are all saying the same thing.

    I've replaced more caps already this year than I think I normally do over a 5 year span or more.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    bedford ind
    Posts
    1,080
    caps are going out everytwhere. And it's not just the cheap chinese ones. The mexican ones are too

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Paper Street Soap Company
    Posts
    2,294
    Ok so if you used 440s in place of 370s that should give you more of a buffer when these people experience power problems.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    north suburbs of Chicago
    Posts
    472
    And almost all are in units with no start components which is not that uncommon today. I wonder if these things are blowing when the compressor starts up or while running.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    north suburbs of Chicago
    Posts
    472
    Quote Originally Posted by Six View Post
    Ok so if you used 440s in place of 370s that should give you more of a buffer when these people experience power problems.
    Ever since I posted a question regarding this that's all I buy now if possible. 440.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    iowa
    Posts
    1,520
    seems like i see alot of low on charge or dirty condensor with my blown cap.....
    i have been trying to install 5 2 1's with my run caps.... just to see if it helps.... i many never know though
    geez!!! the more i learn the more i know i need to learn!!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Kansas City
    Posts
    114
    I've ran into same thing here. I have replaced at least 8 caps a day for the past 6 weeks straight. Most of them are 35/5 and 40/5. Also changed plenty of fan motors. It's gotten to the point I carry a 35/5 40/5 and 45/5 in my bag

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    In a boiler room
    Posts
    6,340
    I believe heat is the main killer. For sure the ones that bulge out on top.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Chicagoland Area
    Posts
    2,754
    My motor supplier says it's caps made in China.
    Local 597 Service Fitter
    Metal Trade Journeyman

    PAY ME NOW OR PAY ME LATER

    It was working when I left...
    WWFD

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Kansas City
    Posts
    114
    I have also seen more than I normally do that actually blow up inside the unit and go everywhere. Anyone else seen that lately?

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