[AboveTheBULL]

Hi! Does anyone have the technical service manual for the GE ASQ10AKS1 room air conditioner (window unit)? I have searched the internet high and low for it, and it's driving me crazy not being able to find it.

Thank you!

 

[supers05]

It's unlikely that they'll be one. Best you'll likely to find is a user manual and maybe a parts list if you're lucky.

Why do you need it anyways? Maybe we can help

Cheers!

 

[AboveTheBULL]

I'm thinking the run capacitor is failing. Takes the unit several minutes (between 5 and 15) for the compressor to engage, but only on its first run. It then cycles properly afterward. Oh, and that first engagement is a jolt that dims the lights in the room.

Never have disassembled a room air conditioner, so was mainly worried about possibly damaging the cabinet or a panel. Figured the service manual would've been helpful in that regard.

Am I on the right track? BTW, GE told me they have the service manual, but that it's only available to factory service technicians. Go figure, right? LOL...

 

[supers05]

Those things are pretty disposable. If it was the cap and/or start windings, I'd expect it to do that every time. I'm thinking more like the bearings are stiff, which warm up after the first run for the day.

But if you still want to open it....
They are all mostly the same. They'll be a screw or 2 in the front panel. One is usually hidden behind the filter. It'll also have several plastic tabs holding it to the metal around the edges. With a small slotted screwdriver, you can work each clip off, and the front panel will fall off.

Then they're be a dozen screws holding the case to the frame. They all come out, and the case lifts up easily.

That's it. Take a garden hose to it, and wash both coils and the garbage out of the bottom. Give it some time to dry before plugging it back in. You will then be able to see the cap, and test it if you want. A hard start kit might help, but they cost a good portion of a new unit. (The main reason why no one wants to fix one.)

Cheers!

 

[AboveTheBULL]

Thank you for the replies, super. I understand that the parts for these things are wildly expensive ($900+ for the compressor in a $400 window unit!), so definitely not going on that route. But I really just want to learn and play around with it -- and hopefully in the process, maybe get it running right just as a hobby or something. I probably sound crazy as heck... LOL...

 

[user_12345a]

Check the run capacitor.

Check all connections - voltage drop could cause issues starting.

The compressor may be failing - tight bearings/lubrication issues would show up by checking the amperage draw - normally should be lower than that of the compressor.

You won't be changing a compressor on a window unit.

You can get a cheap two-wire hard start kit and which wires to the run cap terminals. Doesn't fix the cause but jump-starts the compressor so it doesn't overheat and shut off on overload.



Match hp range on the kit to tonnage - 1 hp per ton. (1 ton = 12 000 btu)

Probably supco spp6 -> http://www.amazon.com/SUPCO-SPP6-Start-Relay-Capacitor/dp/B0002YTLFE#customerReviews

There are probably better start kits but at a higher cost and with a relay to mount - not worth it on a window shaker.

 

[supers05]

No, it's a great way to learn. It's just doesn't make financial sense. For learning, they are great.

They are critically charged. An ounce over or under and it's significant. They use desuperheaters. (the discharge loop in the bottom sump)
They also use cap tubes.

I wouldn't fix one unless it was a burnt wire or thermostat, etc. Everything else would only be of education value.

Cheers!

 

[user_12345a]

capacitors including 2-wire hard starts are cheap. worth trying.

 

[Tizzer]

This site may or may not help the OP learn about window units.
http://www.hvachowto.com/