compressor failure?

[tjc]

I have a Trane, tin can compressor and the compressor valves are bad. Its not pumping. Is there anyway short of cutting open the compressor to prove that it is indeed a mechanical failure, not lightning or a power surge?

The customer want to know because they want to claim it with insurance.

[d_griff]

not sure if i understand your question
if it was lightening or power surge i would think you would have a short or bad or melted windings,which would be on the elctrical side of the compresor operation,if you say it is not pumping and it is not a heat pump,then it is a mechanical thing and then you would have to cut it open to inspect the valve or piston to confirm and look for wear and tear.

[ReferTroop]

If its still running there's about one chance in 200 million that a mechanical failure is due to lightning. Run the suction service valve in and see if it will pull vacuum.

JS

[tjc]

I understand that its not electrical, but they are going to want proof, its a real pain I work with insurance claims a lot. I was hoping that I wouldn't need to cut it open. It is running still, just not pumping.

[ReferTroop]

As long as your charging by the hour what the hey, pull out your angle grinder with a cut off wheel and have a little fun...

[d_griff]

I understand that its not electrical, but they are going to want proof, its a real pain I work with insurance claims a lot. I was hoping that I wouldn't need to cut it open. It is running still, just not pumping.

i think the proof is the fact that it is still running,dont you??do the compression ratio.tell them the fact the motor is still running is the proof itself.what the hell would they know anyway if you were to cut it open and show them a worn discharge valve or something else,you could show them a brand new one and say its worn for all they know.

[Airmechanical]

I have a Trane, tin can compressor and the compressor valves are bad. Its not pumping. Is there anyway short of cutting open the compressor to prove that it is indeed a mechanical failure, not lightning or a power surge?The customer want to know because they want to claim it with insurance.

tell him good luck on getting the insurance company to pay for it, he can always have it checked via factory analysis,

and if he would like to pay for it you can send the p.o.s. off to the manufacturer,they will only charge you $750.00 to let you know exactly

(in writing) how and why the p.o.s. failed! although the cost of doing that may offset any insurance claim!



.

[Randy S.]

....boxing gloves, preferably, when you slug a compressor to death.

[jayguy]

going with AirM on this one....send it in. the amp draw is probably real low as well.

[Tech Rob]

If it's not under warranty, replace it and cut it open.

[roofas]

Just like D griff said / if the compressor is still running it is not a lightning of electrical surge. Tell your cheap skate customer to get off their wallet and pay to get it fixed. Those kind of people are the ones to thank when you look at your insurance premiums.

[hvacinstallation]

Bash it with a rubber mallet!!!

[BigJon3475]

You can sometimes hear a whistle and the suction line will get warm immediately after shutting the unit off under these conditions. Such symptoms indicate that the compressor is leaking internally from high side to low side. Otherwise you can do a compressor vacuum test if it has service valves. But I think these were both mentioned the first method is for heat pumps.