Dometic AC compressor

[powellmj]

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.

[A1RVTraveler]

The compressor is going bad. Replace the entire unit. The 15K unit is a direct replacement for the 13.5K unit. Just bolt it down and connect the same wires.

[powellmj]

Thanks guys. That was all I could think of also. And DFord is correct, a new upper unit is about the same pricing. Next question, can I install the 15Kbtu in place of our 13.5Kbtu; without making any electrical changes?

[DFord]

It's just a guess on my part (but I've been servicing HVAC/R equipment for over 50 years) that the compressor is going bad. According to the video, that sound is coming from inside the compressor. If it is, there's no way to fix it without replacing the compressor. Before you do that, compare the price of replacing the compressor with the cost of replacing the whole unit.

[PaulJ2]

Sounds to me like after running for a bit the compressor then seized up.

[powellmj]

You guys have any suggestions after seeing the video?

[powellmj]

Dometic RV AC noise after starting

So, this is what it sounds like.

[powellmj]

And right back where I started. Ran well off/on the first night and part of the next day. Then it started making the same noise as before.

[powellmj]

Well, the part came in and after installing; it seems to have helped the issue. Multiple startups and no more noises. It's been running about 5 hrs now and all is good. I did capture video of the unit before the fix and I'll see if I can post. Thanks for all the input.

[wa8yxm]

LittleBill wrote:
I love how 6 people recommended hard start kits...

how exactly does this fix the problem of it running fine then in 3 minutes a loud bang?

the unit obviously has issues.

Good point.. The loud "bang" might be the compressor shutting down Sometimes they can be noisy but on A/c's. that is ..... Rare

[powellmj]

So, my part was on back-order and just came in today. I'll be installing tonight and see if there is any difference.

[larry_cad]

dougrainer wrote:

larry cad wrote:

LittleBill wrote:
I love how 6 people recommended hard start kits...

how exactly does this fix the problem of it running fine then in 3 minutes a loud bang?

the unit obviously has issues.

Guess I missed the part about a "loud bang". Just went back to the OP and guess what? I missed it again. Maybe you can point out to me where it is??? Or maybe you can point out to the six of us where it is?

He stated loud noise, not a loud Bang. Noise===bang same thing:h Doug

Doug, you are correct, the OP stated "loud noise", is this post it was translated to loud bang. Subtle difference but significant.

[dougrainer]

larry cad wrote:

LittleBill wrote:
I love how 6 people recommended hard start kits...

how exactly does this fix the problem of it running fine then in 3 minutes a loud bang?

the unit obviously has issues.

Guess I missed the part about a "loud bang". Just went back to the OP and guess what? I missed it again. Maybe you can point out to me where it is??? Or maybe you can point out to the six of us where it is?

He stated loud noise, not a loud Bang. Noise===bang same thing:h Doug

[larry_cad]

LittleBill wrote:
I love how 6 people recommended hard start kits...

how exactly does this fix the problem of it running fine then in 3 minutes a loud bang?

the unit obviously has issues.

Guess I missed the part about a "loud bang". Just went back to the OP and guess what? I missed it again. Maybe you can point out to me where it is??? Or maybe you can point out to the six of us where it is?

[DFord]

Be sure to remove the old start kit components before installing the replacement parts or else that will cause more problems.