Salon air handler sticks

[davidwigler]

The salon has two air handlers on a 24k condenser. The larger 16k air handler fan will not start immediately and sometimes sits for 5 minutes before spinning fine. Power is 230 volts and stable. The cabinet is sealed and lubrication would be major surgery. Knock on wood the Freon leaks have been fixed and the system works great for the last two years. Any ideas?

[krush]

The bearings are worn out in the blower motor.

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Concur with Krush re bearings. Lubing will probably help short term while you're searching for a new motor. If the motor has a good bit of slop (end play), you might put a nylon washer/spacer on the shaft to either pull or push the shaft to a slightly different position on the bearings. This might give it some life, albeit, short term.

I have a similarly buried air handler in the salon. I have no idea what I'll do when it's my turn--probably sell the boat. Good luck.