1988 Tempstar ac unit help/advice

[scorpio333]

I recall someone or two on here is a HVAC guy. Well it looks like the dang thing finally died. With thermostat set to cool the fan on the unit spins and blows cold air outside. Seems the compressor won't start. I pulled the cover and checked connections, but that's about the extent of HVAC knowledge. Google hasn't been much of a help. Since it's 25 yrs old and all the refrigerant laws my guess is the whole unit getting replaced would be easier to replace than capturing the coolant and replacing the compressor, if that's what the problem is. Trying to learn a bit and to be honest it's just over my head. The furnace is also about 25 yrs old. The wife is getting more cranky by the second and that really helps me try to figure out what's going on.

[John4cam]

cam is the hvac guy here.

[Cam99]

I'm here, someone tured on the cam-symbol

IF it has a bad compressor you are right , it doesn't make any sence to spend the money to replace it at that age, however, if the condensor (outdoor) fan is running, but the compressor isn't it could be just a bad capacitor. Most units have a dual capacitor in the 35/5 uf range. The fan motor would hook to the lower uf terminal the compressor to the higher, and there is a common. It will be hard to check without a capacitor tester, but look and see if any of the wires are burned off at the terminals which is fairly common. Also look and see if the capacitor itself is swelled up. If it is it's probably bad. Also if you take the lid of the condensor off there are three wires that hook into the side of the compressor under a small black cover on the side. Take the cover off and check to see if those wires are still intact.

[scorpio333]

Thanks Cam, I'll be checking those out in the morning.

[Cam99]

Thanks Cam, I'll be checking those out in the morning.

no problem. Let me know what you find

[scorpio333]

No burned wires, they all look good. I've got no way to check the capacitor, but it's not swelled. At this point since it's 25 yrs old we're just going to get some estimates on replacing it.

[Cam99]

Probably a safe bet. Where r u located at if u don't mind me asking?

[scorpio333]

Bethel Park, south of Pittsburgh. Not sure you come out that far.

[Cam99]

Bethel Park, south of Pittsburgh. Not sure you come out that far.

Bit out of my range but if u have any questions on ur bids just let me know

[scorpio333]

Bit out of my range but if u have any questions on ur bids just let me know

Will do, thanks!