Forum Discussion

austinjenna's avatar
austinjenna
Explorer
Aug 02, 2016

Ac Startng Capacitor Question

This last weekend my AC died and after reading on this forum it sounded to me like the starting capacitor was bad since the compressor would try to start, quit, try again a few seconds later etc...

The RV tech came out and I was correct. He replaced it and I was good to go. So now I am wondering if this is a common component that breaks often, or not worry about it? I see I can pick one up for about 11 bucks off Amz Link Just wondering if you guys carry a spare with you. Im no electrical wizard but I can easily remove the AC shroud and replace it.

8 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 03, 2016
    Common yes. Go bad often... Well.. Depends on what you call often

    First: if they sit for like years, they go bad, even if they sit in a spares box

    Second: Compaired to the compressor. yes, often (perhaps half the compressor's life)

    Third.. they often last decades. in fact this class of componet I have seen last several decades.
  • hypoxia's avatar
    hypoxia
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2016
    I carry spares and replace the PTCR with Supco SPP6. There would be little chance of finding replacements in Mexico or Podunk USA on a weekend and we spend lots of time where it is hot. I also carry a spare for the residential refrigerator.

    I use the MARS brand whenever possible, they seem to be excellent quality. I did get some Titan Pros a couple of years ago & they have been OK. I have a large box full of Packards from a few years back that I need to dispose of, they were so bad they would leak brand new in the box.
  • CJW8's avatar
    CJW8
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2016
    I just replaced (had replaced) the caps on stick and brick AC. The bad cap was actually causing my condenser fan to run backwards. The technician said the quality of capacitors have gone down hill since most are now made in Asia or Mexico. The ones he used were American made.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2016
    Agree with both views. They don't fail that often and are not hard to find. Still they're inexpensive and small. So hot where we are that a/c failure would send us home... so I keep spares for fan herm and start.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2016
    I rarely have to replace a start capacitor- usually it is the PTCR start device that burns up. Run capacitors seem to be nose diving in quality though.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2016
    I wouldn't both - they don't go bad often, are readily available if you need one. Just my .02

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