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tpi
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014

Intertherm Polaris roof AC units

A friend just bought a bus conversion with two of these roof air units. They blow cold and sound OK while running. But the startup is very sluggish on at least one-its compressor drags to a start even under decent shore power. The blowers start normally.

He's contractor and will go through and check voltages and the electrical system-he's just beginning troubleshooting.

Is there anything of note when checking starting capacitors for these units? Does anyone have any info on the Intertherm Polaris-such as when these units were used and how well they were made? There doesn't seem to be much out there about them. He's fully prepared to replace with modern but if they're decent and can be fixed cheaply..........

2 Replies

  • I would recommend replacing both capacitors, they are only about $15 each at Johnstone supply. In fact a buddy called me yesterday to fix his home heat pump, the capacitor was bad. It is fairly common, enough so that when I had a service van, I had about 15 various size capacitors on it, so I did not need to run to a parts store.

    You might also look into the SPPE4 for the air conditioners. IT helps boost the compressor amperage while starting to overall start it quicker and reduce overall amperage. The SPPE4 is rated at 90-130 volts.

    Fred.

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