Could be the motor or the compressor is going bad. I would put in two separate caps and see what happens.
Hey all,
Had a call today a Trane XL12 4 ton split system from 1/2001. Dont have model or serial handy. Anyways about a month ago a tech went out and did a C&C and found run capacitor low on MFD's. Cap is a 50/7.5 440VAC. He changed it out only had a universal cap for that size. Cap work and unit ran for 3 weeks.
Another tech got called back out, cap bad again. Figured maybe fault universal cap. Replaced again with another univeral. Worked for 2 1/2 week.
I got the call today and sure enough cap was bad again. So I replaced again mean while I checked amp draw on the compressor. RLA 16.0, compressor running at 10A. Pressures were good, 10SC and 18SH TXV system. Condenser fan RLA 1.9A, fan running 1.6A.. Check voltage of each leg out of contactor 248VAC. 123VAC and 125VAC on each leg to ground.
Any idea what could be causing cap to blow? All connections tight... Thinking power issue supplying unit, customer has another unit the same and it has had zero issues. Ordered an OEM cap to try also will put it in tomorrow.
Any ideas?
PS, Cap is a motor-mate universal
Could be the motor or the compressor is going bad. I would put in two separate caps and see what happens.
define universal is it like the turbo 200 caps a multi mfd? the right cap is the right cap as long as he got the mfd and the voltage right you cant do a 370 whert a 440 went if it is universal that should not matter. Sounds like crappy caps. there may be a reason it is eating caps. I had a bunch do that to me one summer. I switched brands and OK. try the two cap thing I just did that too a while back .
Gas and go does not apply to refrigeration
Are you sure the first tech read the cap right and put the correct cap in it.
If I'm out on a call back for start or cap, i always recheck what I put in it. I have had a case or two where the last tech put the wrong rated part on it and I, being hot and tired, just replaced what was on it.
jim
Common sense isn't very common anymore.
Universal cap is rated for 370 or 440. So that's fine. Yes it's a multi mfd like the turbo 200. I called Trane a verified cap size before I installed. Should be a 50/7.5 which what was in there. So everything should be fine there. Maybe try to 2 cap deal so I can see what one blows if it does.
I have had the exact same problems with those caps, motor-mate universal caps are JUNK! I have replaced every single one I have ever used in a year or less, I had 2 seperate units that they would fail in 3-4 weeks. Did the same checks you did, checked amps, voltage, ohmed out motors, checked mfd of new caps, I was the only tech on these calls as I am the owner of my business and have no employees as of yet. I replaced all of the universal ones with OEM fixed value caps and have not been back on any of these since and they are all still running, I have checked back with the customers to be sure the problem was resolved. I have e-mailed motor mate about this and they never responded, caps labeled with a 5 yr warranty, I will never use this brand again, have a couple left I use only if I dont have the OEM cap, then I just put the universal on over the weekend or until I get the OEM cap. I noticed on the universal caps the temp rating is 70c while the OEM fixed style are rated at 80c or 90c for the temp, not sure if it makes the difference, just know that brand I have had nothing but problems with. Good luck!!
what is the starting amp on the compressor , might need to add start kit if not i would suggest checking resistance in compressor windings might be weak
cleared
I have heard bad things about the one size fits all caps I personally don't use them
I have had sitiuations like this. after 3 caps I found that the compressor terminals were dirty. cleaned terminals crimped on new stakons, after that no more problems. ckeck for tight connections at the comp.
a stupid question is a question you wont to ask, but don't
Use better run capacitors.
AmRad USA, or Mars "Made in Mexico" capacitors only.
Pretty much all of the Chinese made capacitors are junk.
Pretty sure those have non-bleed txv's and require a hefty start capacitor. Did it test ok?
Both sides of cap bad. Herm and fan. Going to try oen cap. Talk to supplier thos morning they stopped selling those caps because all the failures they were getting back. Warranty cap with a turbo 200. Only universal cap I'll use. Emergency only.
What was the voltage between the start and run winding?