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powellmj's avatar
powellmj
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2019

Dometic AC compressor

On our bedroom AC unit when you first turn it on, you can hear it click and the fan starts, then it seems like it lugs down trying to start the compressor. It will then run for about 3 mins and then makes a very loud noise. I took the top cover off and cleaned all around, even brushing the fins with a tool. Had my wife turn it on with me on the roof and the noise is clearly coming from the compressor. I read something about a "kick-start" or "hot start" option for compressors and I wanted to get your opinions. I'm on the house hookup with a dedicated circuit and surge/drop protector, power is not the issue. It happens at 72 or 95 degrees outside. Yes it's out of warranty by a few months. Thanks in advance for reading all the way through.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    One of the things I will never emotionally understand is why the !@#$@#$@ they do not install the hard start caps at the factory

    Academically I know the an$wer to that que$tion but ala$... $tupid they are.
  • They do not install start kits any more, just install one and odds are it will be fine.
  • I'd check the start capacitor. It would be round in a black plastic can maybe 3 or 4 inches high and about 1-1/2 or so around. If it shows any sign of something coming out of it, it's bad and needs to be replaced along with the start relay that controls it. Some use solid state devices these days instead of relays. Replace the capacitor and it at the same time. The start capacitor is only meant to be in use less than one second to get the compressor started and then must be disconnected to wait for another start. If the relay fails to disconnect the start capacity as it should, the capacitor will quickly overheat and be ruined. The compressor's start windings could be ruined at the same time so don't keep trying it. The capacitors are a lot cheaper than replacing the whole unit if the compressor burns up.
  • Typical roof airs do not have service ports. In my experience problems with the compressor or refrigerant loop generally find you replacing the roof air rather than repairing.

    I have seen some handy folks add service ports and repair refrigerant leaks and recharge with good success. Not a task for us mere mortals. :)

    Good luck.
  • I would call a regular AC tech and have them check it out
    .Jerry Parr

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