Craig,
I believe that's the first theory that covers everything. First, why did the rear bearing go out on the motor in less than two years when the first motor lasted 12? Could have been a manufacturing defect for sure. But it could have also been slightly uneven drag on the fan. On the original motor, it was the front bearing that went out and I believe it's almost always the front bearing from what I've heard. And not like this. There was no wobbling of the shaft on the first motor. It was the bearing freezing and I was able to get by with lubricating it until I got the new motor.
The capacitor going out so fast is also unusual. That, I've been told, is probably related to the motor and now possibly related to the motor working extra hard.
Still, it's somewhat unusual to have two problems at once. When those two were fixed, and everything seemed to be working great for over a week, what are the chances of something entirely new going wrong? And of all things, it's the compressor acting like it's going bad. That's seemingly unrelated to everything else I believe. But then I'm clearly having bad luck for some reason. I must have offended the universe or something because when my wife was bringing home a new AC for the RV, the AC suddenly went out on the truck. So there's that.
Back to your theory. It's very possible that those coils are partly clogged. I've only cleaned them two or three times in 14 years and I'm thinking the last time was at least five years ago when illness got me really behind on repairs and maintenance of the RV. And I never cleaned them as you described which makes a lot of sense.
So. I'll clean then as you described and we'll see what happens. I have access to a pressure washer, but it's one of those awkward borrows because they have to break a rule to loan it to me. Do you think one of those hose nossles that's supposed to mimic a pressure washer would do the job? Also, there are some bent fins. Not a lot but more than I would like. They came with the RV and I missed them (not on my extensive checklist). Should I get the tool and fix them?
Note on the truck: Mechanic found a fried clutch that was not capable of engaging the compressor. He said the compressor wheel was turning freely, but not coming on. He did have a reason to suspect the compressor might need to be replaced too. So I'm now referred to the AC garage of my choice. He's new to the valley and knows the options but does not know which is best. So we're doing a work around with our other vehicle until we get back to our home base in December.
The motor may be involved too. But I think I have to clean the coils to know. It's capable of running strong. It's still unclear to me why it seems to blow air into the RV at two speeds. Fast when I'm getting cold air and a bit slower when I'm not.
On the electrical, I know my meter will detect continuity. Not sure on the other. I know it does a couple of things I didn't understand. So maybe. I've gotta find the sucker. That means my wife needs to remember where she put it when I left it out "too long" or I have to think like her and guess where she put it. Lord help me! I'll find it and there's a good YouTube video on checking all the electrical using a simple check list (assuming the meter does it all).
Sounds like I'll be having fun in a few days once the foam arrives. Thanks so much for helping out.
Bill
