[Krell]

Hello, HVAC people! Thanks for reading my post.

I want to remove the top panel on my Trane XE1000 heat pump, so I can clean out the leaves, etc on the bottom of the unit. I removed all of the 13 screws around the sides, but the top won't budge. I've banged on it firmly with my fist, trying to dislodge it, but I haven't yet gotten too violent with it since I don't want to damage it.

Taking the side panels off won't help, since the coils are all around the sides, blocking access.

The fan and some wiring are attached to the top panel, making it somewhat heavy, but it won't even budge.

What's the secret?

Thanks

 

[Krell]

Nobody else had this problem? Maybe if I use some padding, like a thick rag, and try to tap on the lip gently with a screwdriver and hammer.

 

[JJboy]

The top grid sits on 4 covers. You just need to pull the grid.

 

[Krell]

The top grid sits on 4 covers. You just need to pull the grid.

Thanks for the reply. Not sure what you mean by covers. The side panels? I am trying to get the top grid off. I removed all the screws I can see on the top grid, but it won't come up and off. This is a 1996 or 1997 Weathertron XE1000. The top grid has a lip that wraps around all 4 sides, and goes down about an inch, where the 13 screws go in. Thanks again.

 

[JJboy]

I meant the side panels. Can you post some pictures?

 

[hvactech126]

if all the screws are removed from the top and the electrical box side then pull up it will come up as long all the screws are out.

 

[JJboy]

I found the right tool for this job. LOL

 

[Krell]

That hammer ought to do it! :thumbsup:

I am posting a frontal pic of the unit. You can see the screws around the top rim. I had all those screws out. There are removable panels on the right and left side also. I think the "electrical box" panel is the right side panel (as you face the unit). If I remove this right side panel, it will allow the top to come off more easily ? I started to remove the right side panel, but something was pushing it out, from inside, so I put the screws back in, fearing that something would pop out that wouldn't go back in. Also, there was some paperwork stuffed up behind that panel too, which amazingly has stayed dry all these years.

What is pushing outward on this right side panel? The tubes? Just take it off anyway?

Thanks

 

[JJboy]

16 screws and 3 wires from fan motor... that's it. You will have the top cover and fan motor off.

 

[hvactech126]

yes, take rt side panel off so you have something to pull up on.... The panel is popping out due to stress.... No big deal will go rt back into place when putting back together. Make sure and remove fan wires in electrical box and mark or take a picture where they went. Then pull up on top panel.

 

[HvacWiz]

I'd be more concerned with how dirty the coils are on that trane unit than the leaves laying at the bottom.