2 ton rheem compressor locked up

[dwepproductions]

not sure what the last dude that serviced it did but he did replace the capacitor as I tested the old one and it was bad. But the compressor will not start, it will act like it wants to start for a second then shut off again.

Things I have tried
letting the compressor cool over night and restart
hooking up a hard start to the capacitor
checked continuity on all wires going to compressor, nothing is loose
gently tapping to moderate tapping on the compressor with a rubber mallet

The compressor is only 4 years old - any ideas or does it need to be replaced. Im just trying to help this person out and save them a grand on a new compressor.

[Elimin8r]

Sounds mechanically stuck. You will need a pro!

[amd]

Have the contractor check the wire gauge and all electrical connections.

The voltage at the contactor (line voltage going into the unit) should be checked when the compressor attempts to start.

If everything looks fine, have a hard start kit added; if that doesn't work, the compressor will need to be replaced.

[beenthere]

If your trying to help them out.

Quit trying to start it. Your making a worse situation. Gonna cause a lot of clean up time/money.

[Oldschoolmetal]

Compressor is probably under warranty if it is only 4 years old...

[udarrell]

There is usually an underlying cause when compressors seize-up.
If it's an electrical problem, then it is not a seized compressor.
Was the replacement RUN(?) capacitor the right micro-farad?

Even during the initial installation, depending on the general layout of the condenser & evaporator, it may not have been piped properly for adequate oil return to the compressor.

A TXV metering device that prevents pressure equalization on shut-down will help reduce liquid migration into the compressor oil, etc. ...

Look for & figure-out the cause of the problem, or over time, you may be replacing the new compressor.

As mentioned, check all sources of voltage drop; contactor points, plus all connections including at compressor terminals, & even proper conductor sizing to the unit.

I used to rock the compressor by reversing its rotation back & forth; however, even with a correct potential relay & start capacitor, it's at high risk of seizing-up again. - Darrell

[bmathews]

It sounds to me like the compressor is locked up. Could be for any number of reasons. My advice is to find out why it locked up. Fix that problem. Replace the compressor and move on. It's nice trying to save the customer $$$. But it's their a/c, not yours. Give them the price of what it takes to make it right and move on. If you're not sure of what caused it. Then get somebody at your company who does.

[tinner73]

hit it with a bigger mallet!

[HoneyDo]

I agree with bmathews, sometimes I get so sick and tired of trying to save someones old stuff and keep some money in their pocket. Usually it can be saved but when you try your best and cannot solve the problem they are cursing you because of all the labor hours $$$ lost trying. Give'em a price and move on.

[dwepproductions]

aight guys it is what it is - just wondering if there were some tricks to get her running again, looks like hes gonna have to fork over some money for a new compressor.

[bmathews]

You have to have confidence in your abilities, skills, training and tools. Basically yourself as an a/c tech. You probably spent a lot of time on this. There is no need too. You appear to not be stupid. You did what any other pro on here would have. Call it, give them a price and move on. Sometimes you win a few, sometimes you lose a few.

[Airmechanical]

You have to have confidence in your abilities, skills, training and tools. Basically yourself as an a/c tech. You probably spent a lot of time on this. There is no need too. You appear to not be stupid. You did what any other pro on here would have. Call it, give them a price and move on. Sometimes you win a few, sometimes you lose a few.

boy, all this diagnosing sounds pretty dang easy!

isn't it dangerous though!



.

[bmathews]

boy, all this diagnosing sounds pretty dang easy!

isn't it dangerous though!



.

Sometimes too routine IMO. That is where the danger lies.