j-d wrote:
Good Pix! You have separate RUN Capacitors for Fan and Compressor. The 7.5@370-VAC is Fan and the 45@370 is Compressor (sometimes called HERM for the hermetically sealed part which is the compressor and coils). If you replace either of those, you can use xx@440-VAC as well. You can go UP on capacitor rated voltage just not down.
Picture your photo of the yellow wiring diagram turned 90* to the Left so it's right-side-up. The dotted-line box on the Left side of the diagram shows an optional Start Assist with a PTCR device. THAT IS WHAT YOU HAVE INSTALLED. A SUPCO SPP6 would be equivalent. The dotted box in the middle shows a Start Assist also, but with Potential Relay. That is the better system. That device called "5-2-1 Compressor Saver" is an aftermarket Potential Relay system. The SUPCO SPP6e "E-Class" approximates what a Potential Relay does, just not quite as well.
OK, starting... If you don't have too low a voltage or insufficient amperage (including too light a power/extension cord), it is of course possible your compressor is failing. More likely:
1. RUN Capacitor is Bad
2. PTCR or Start Capacitor is Bad
I'd say, IF you're at a good power source,
1. Disconnect Power
2. Short across Start Capacitor (the plastic one)
3. Short across Compressor Run Capacitor (the 45 one)
4. Remove the Red and Yellow Wires from the Compressor Run Capacitor that lead back to the Start Assist (black Capacitor with that little PTCR cube. Be sure they don't get against any other terminals.
5. Restore Power
6. Start A/C
7. Starts Better? Discard Start Assist Capacitor and PTCR. Replace with 5-2-1 or SPP6e starting at Step 1
8. Still Starts Poorly? Start at Step 1 and Replace 45@370 with a new 45@370 or 45@440 capacitor
9. Repeat A/C test starting Step 5
10. Better? GOOD. At this point you can re-connect Start Assist and try again. You may or may not notice a quicker start, probably won't unless you get to a generator or lower voltage/amperage shore tie. OR, you can upgrade to 5-2-1 or SPP6e. I would not settle for another PTCR Start Assist like SPP6 if I was replacing a bad one.
11. Report Back!
12. Happy Weekend!
This should be made a sticky, moderators.
