AC Still not working---Update---
First, Thanks to all who suggested possible problems to check on my Coleman Mach 15,000 AC unit. So I checked the start and run capacitors and they are in spec. To be sure I even swapped them out with...
Forum Discussion
This is a 15,000 BTU, not a 15 Amp unit. We have one, and it's on a 20A circuit within our RV panel, 30A coach.
The question seems to be: Is the Compressor Locked (Stuck)?
There are three Amperages related to a compressor:
Starting, AKA Peak Inrush. This could be 50A or more and it takes good equipment to measure it. My cheapie Horror Fright clamp-on AC Ammeter cannot capture that.
Running, probably around 10-12A. Cheapie WILL capture that.
LOCKED ROTOR AMPS, Along with Running Amps, will be on a plate or label on the Compressor. LRA for this Mach 15 A/C is probably around 50A. Cheapie WILL capture this amperage.
But what usually trips on LRA, is an INTERNAL cutoff within the Compressor.
IF IF IF the RUN Capacitor is bad, Compressor will go into LRA and trip off on the internal protection. Very many tries, the Compressor will get HOT and it takes a LONG time, say half an hour, to cool enough for another try.
So, I recommend this: Disconnect Power and let the compressor cool while you get an Ammeter. Then, be on the roof, at the compressor, Ammeter clamped on input power, and have a helper turn the system ON. See what the Amps are. IF it's LRA, you have only seconds to read it before the internal trips the power off. You want to be on a full power shore tie, no extension cords. Give the Compressor its best chance to start.
Possible Hail Mary: I've seen this work, albeit rarely. Compressor COLD. Again, on max available AC power: Same as the AMPS test, but this time you're next to the Compressor with a RUBBER MALLET. Line up a clean shot at the upper end of the Compressor where you won't hit a line, wiring or component. Have your assistant turn the system on and Smack the Compressor a split second later, before the internal will open the circuit. As I've said, odds are against this but I've seen it work. Odds? My speculation is 5-10 pct. But it's sure a cheap try.
The question seems to be: Is the Compressor Locked (Stuck)?
There are three Amperages related to a compressor:
Starting, AKA Peak Inrush. This could be 50A or more and it takes good equipment to measure it. My cheapie Horror Fright clamp-on AC Ammeter cannot capture that.
Running, probably around 10-12A. Cheapie WILL capture that.
LOCKED ROTOR AMPS, Along with Running Amps, will be on a plate or label on the Compressor. LRA for this Mach 15 A/C is probably around 50A. Cheapie WILL capture this amperage.
But what usually trips on LRA, is an INTERNAL cutoff within the Compressor.
IF IF IF the RUN Capacitor is bad, Compressor will go into LRA and trip off on the internal protection. Very many tries, the Compressor will get HOT and it takes a LONG time, say half an hour, to cool enough for another try.
So, I recommend this: Disconnect Power and let the compressor cool while you get an Ammeter. Then, be on the roof, at the compressor, Ammeter clamped on input power, and have a helper turn the system ON. See what the Amps are. IF it's LRA, you have only seconds to read it before the internal trips the power off. You want to be on a full power shore tie, no extension cords. Give the Compressor its best chance to start.
Possible Hail Mary: I've seen this work, albeit rarely. Compressor COLD. Again, on max available AC power: Same as the AMPS test, but this time you're next to the Compressor with a RUBBER MALLET. Line up a clean shot at the upper end of the Compressor where you won't hit a line, wiring or component. Have your assistant turn the system on and Smack the Compressor a split second later, before the internal will open the circuit. As I've said, odds are against this but I've seen it work. Odds? My speculation is 5-10 pct. But it's sure a cheap try.
