Replacing an air conditioner compressor

Keep us posted!

Thank you all very much for your replies. I now have several new things to look into and hopefully will have a better resolution to the problem.

dougrainer wrote:
Both Dometic and RVP(Coleman) do NOT sell replacement Compressors. So, finding a Compressor for a RV roof top unit will be quite a challenge.

So true! Just matching the "form factor" (Size, Shape, Ports) could be a real challenge. What's more... Most home "Window Shakers" with the BTU's of an RV rooftop, are 220-Volt.

I've had good luck a couple of times over the years finding "semi-new" take-off A/C's at an RV dealer for a very reasonable price. These are units that were removed from new RV's because the buyer wanted either a larger unit or a heat pump. It's a worth a few phone calls anyway...

time2roll wrote:
Just at start up? Maybe a new start cap is all you need.
There is a new "Microair Easy Start" that has been very successful in reducing start amps.

Otherwise you should be looking at a complete new upper unit.

This is what I would do.

Both Dometic and RVP(Coleman) do NOT sell replacement Compressors. So, finding a Compressor for a RV roof top unit will be quite a challenge. Both Companies replace the complete upper unit if the Compressor is bad under warranty. Doug

I think you will find the replacement is less expensive. Much better as well.

However before you throw money at it... Have you thrown copressed air at it?

I find when my breakers start tripping.. Generally a minute or 3 after start up however... the condenser needs cleaning big time.

My thought is,

If it needs Capacitors, Blower Motor, Controls ==> Fix it

If it needs Compressor or Sealed System Leak Repair ==> Replace it

By "way too much current" do you have a way to measure it? Your compressor should have "LRA" (Locked Rotor Amps) on its label or tag. If it's drawing that, either the compressor is locked (replace the unit) or the capacitor is bad.

Are your two A/C units alike? You could swap capacitors and see if the suspect unit now runs. Power OFF, then short across the capacitors with an insulated tool before handling the connections.

To replace the compressor, you will need the following:
Brazing torch and silver solder
Replacement compressor
Solder-on charging ports
Filter/drier to add to system
Vacuum pump and manometer
Manifold gauge set with hoses
Freon refrigerant of the proper type
Suitable scale to measure charge

Unless you have access to all of that, I would try the Easy Start kit and if that does not solve the problem, look at a new unit online. Hardest part of replacing an A/C unit it getting the new one up onto the roof.

Just at start up? Maybe a new start cap is all you need.
There is a new "Microair Easy Start" that has been very successful in reducing start amps.

Otherwise you should be looking at a complete new upper unit.