Ruud A/C Unit outside fan issue. Won't start on it's own..?

Question

I'll spare the troubleshooting details, but will post if you need them. Basically when it is time for the outside unit to turn on, it just hums for about 30 seconds and will turn off.

If you take a flat screwdriver and kind of "help" the fan blades along, then they run fine through a whole cycle and cool down the house. But then it won't start again for the next cycle.

Any ideas?

Thanks. Which one is the capacitor? Is it the thing that hums or the big thing next to it?

Answer 1

The Capacitor is a small metal can, it may look like a tomato can, or sardine can. To find it, follow the purple wires coming from your outdoor fan, they clip right onto the capacitor. Turn off the power to the outdoor unit prior to looking for the capacitor, as they store a tremendous amount of energy. It will bleed off by the time you find it, and should not pose a threat to you. Once you've found the capacitor, call an appliance parts or HVAC company and ask if they sell over the counter to individuals.

Answer 2

First does the fan spin freely? If so then the motor bearings are ok. Next go to a trades HVAC supply house and purchase a replacement run capacitor of the same microfared rating and the voltage rating the same as the old one or higher. Use turbine oil for the motor,also available at the same wholesale house, possibly known as zoom spout oiler. the condensor fan motor is a low start torque motor so it can not be hard to turn by hand or it may not start.Shutoff power before servicing unit.Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Its the run capacitor, mine did it a couple of months ago. Open up your air conditioner control panel on the side, its a round or oval cylinder with three prongs on it. Take it out and check the numbers on it, then order the same one. They cost around 15-20. I ordered from a site in Kentucky, they were fast,

http://arnoldservice.com/air_conditioning_parts.htm

Answer 4

Sounds like a bad capacitor.

Answer 5

the motor, no, but the capacitor you can try to change its oblong or round and has 3 spade plugs to it , that is what starts things going, it a cheap fix, and also oil the motor, their are 2 ports put it in them, it helps

Answer 6

the moter need's oiling with 3 in 1 oil. it is about to freeze up from weather and wear . after you oil it with 3 in 1 oil let it sit about 2 min's then turn it on. as it is running apply more oil to the motor.