Bryant Compressor Squeel - video

MrTexasFreedom

I have a Bryant model 597CNO36-D compressor outside that is regularly tripping the house panel breaker and then after the breaker is reset, it will run, but periodically make a loud screeching noise. I believe it is the fan making the noise, but I am not certain. I have shot the following 37 second video that documents the noise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ38QUHsjnI

I opened up the unit (with the breaker off), and removed the insulating sleeve from the condensor. It was quite hot to the touch. Is this good?

The whole unit had become off-level, which I corrected.

I have found a replacement fan motor online for $213, but I don't want to swap out the motor if the condenser itself is the culprit tripping the breaker and I'll have to replace the whole unit anyway.

The unit is ten years old and it seems like the thing has to run all the time to keep the house at 75-76 degrees.

Here is the sticker with the model number, etc.




Any troubleshooting tips are appreciated.

I do have a voltmeter, but don't know what the values should be, etc. regarding the run capacitor or where the run capacitor is located. It does start without tripping the breaker, so I'm not sure that would be the problem, anyway.

beenthere

Sounds like the motor.

Keep looking for motors. You should be able to find one a bit lower priced.

MrTexasFreedom

Thanks for the vote on the motor.

I'm wondering about the condenser being hot to the touch. Is that normal? Should it be cool? I don't want to invest a replacement fan motor if the condenser is dead.

thanks for all advice!

beenthere

If the fan is spinning slower then normal. The condenser will be hot to the touch.

If your touching it where the motor mounts, it will be hot.

MrTexasFreedom

Ok. Well, I'm going to make the plunge on a replacement motor and see if that gets the unit to stop tripping the breaker. I'll keep this thread updated with the results.

Thanks!

StahlMaster

Yep...my vote is for the bearings in the motor. Check to see if you can shoot some lube into the upper and lower bearings. If that helps, you may get by with greasing the bearings. Save some $$$.

tweemz

I'll assume the motor is running the correct direction meaning discharging air upwards. That sound definately sounds like a fan motor bearing failure. Can you put your hand on the center of the top, over the fan motor and strongly feel that chatter there? Yes? then its the motor.

Congrats on being a DIY'r. As a professional HVAC guy let me offer one or two bits of advise. Dont even think of installing a new motor without a new capacitor. Take it out and have it matched up, make sure it's the correct spec. for the new motor too. Carefully inspect the fan blade around the rivits that hold the blades to the hub. Are there any cracks developing? Is there any vibration from the fan being out of balance? If so replace the blade too.

Hot compressor motor? Need more info. Could be O.K. could be short of refrigerant, which is bad because the last bit of refrigerant is needed to cool your investment (the A/C unit itself). This is pro territory.

I have DIY guys hit me all the time with "I have the parts, and I already took it apart for you, how much to fix it from here?" My answer is "Ninty dollars per hour, no guarantees." Pro's and DIY people can work together; always start with a recommendation from a friend, check the BBB, and demand accountability in writing. Just dont expect a guy to give you everything when your cutting his pay and 'adjusting' his work.

Save yourself the cost of the labor, yes, but do a professional job while your at it, and you'll win twice.

Oiling the bearings (only the fan side is accessable) would be a waste of precious time.