A/C Fan motor question
 

Hello,
It looks like my fan motor needs to be replaced. Symptoms: When I turn on the a/c, I hear the compressor turn on but the fan motor does not turn on. If i hit the fan with a screw driver, it will start to run.
Question: It it always a good idea to replace the motor with the same brand? My a/c make and model is lennox, 10acb24-10p.
Please let share your thoughts.

Sounds more like just the starting capacitor is bad. A whole lot cheaper to just replace then a whole new motor.
The capacitor is what give the motor a kick in the butt to get going.

Is there an accurate method to test the capacitor?

You have stated the classic example of a bad capsitor.Look and see what you have and get an excact replacement.Try to get one made in America because the other ones are failing faster than you can keep up with them.
I have replaced my daughter's cap three times in 6 years.
In order to see that it is bad you need a $75 special meter.A new cap costs about $10.

When you say hit the fan do you mean turn the blade with a screwdriver? If the answer is yes replace the capacitor.

local Graingers has them check the size prices here... http://bestbuyheatingandaircondition...capacitors.htm

Thank you all for your feedback.
Yes, I meant to turn the blade with a screwdriver. I will go ahead and replace the capacitor. Will report back.

I took off my capacitor to test it and to my disbelief...my multimeter does not have capacitance testing.

I also checked the motor and it is an Emerson Model# K55HXDFM-6844. The unit is an Lennox however the motor Emerson.

Does this mean someone has already changed the motor on this unit once before?
Not sure what should be my next steps now...

lennox would have the motors made for them by a company like emerson, ge, ao smith, so your motor may or may not be original. Most motors that get replaced are aftermarket motors. these would use a separate capacitor not the original dual capacitor you have in the unit. they also are reversable and the name plate on the motor should say it is reversable if it is not the original.

Some meters check capacitors (MFD) some don't. There is a formula for doing it with Voltage and amps. I don't remember it but I would guess you could do an internet search and find it. For most homeowners it would be easier to just change the capacitor in your situation.

Get a good caoacitor, USA made or genteq, try to stay away from a relabeled china made Dayton capacitor

This is a recording, change the capacitor don't get all caught up in over thinking it or messing with meters and wiring. Keep it simple.

I replaced my run cap and now the fan starts however it’s running in reverse.
I think it has always ran in reverse...I am not 100% sure.
I have double checked and triple checked my wiring, it is exactly like the way I took it off.
Could the motor be bad?

Not that it matters now but there is a very simple way to test capacitors with an ohm meter. Set it to the 1K range and put the leads across a DISCHARGED capacitor. (Very important to discharge it first.) The meter should measure resiistance at first, then swing to infinity...that is how a working capacitor will read.:thumbsup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean.of.to (Post 1004043) I replaced my run cap and now the fan starts however it’s running in reverse.

I already got a new run cap, now my problem is the fan is running in reserve? could it be a bad compressor?

NO.

Fan is mis-wired.