Frozen compressor

[Reefgeorge]

I have a Cruisair 16K BTU unit (fx16c-p/m52) with a frozen compressor (techumseh aka8515exd/aka5512exd). I was researching the start capacitor values to look into a "harder start" option and found:

The start cap that Cruisair puts in this unit is a 43-53 micro farad cap. The start cap that Techumseh calls for is 72-88 mf and they state that you can go up one start cap value (88-108) if needed. Now I presume that one of the reasons that a smaller cap is used is due to the reversing valve equalization process at start up but is there a reason that any of these larger caps is a bad idea?

Thanks.

 

[spcoolin]

George~

The 5512 compressor that you mention is 12K...It will not work well in a 16K system...

The 8515 is a OEM compressor and is not available at any supply house I have ever done business with...It's also the only one you will get the correct operating pressures with in a 16K system.

As far as the start cap...All I can say is try, but I think you are barking up the wrong tree...The damage is already done...I have tried the large hard start relay/cap kits for units up to 5 tons...
Even if you do get it to roll over again...It won't last long...maybe a day...maybe a month...

Steve~

 

[Reefgeorge]

Steve

I must have gotten my cross reference numbers wrong. I was just trying to verify the start cap value. Is 43-55 uF correct? If so, why is it lower than the Tecumseh specs, is it the equalizing through the reversing valve cycle at start-up?

I understand that I need to replace the compressor or entire condensor and that Cruisair parts are important but I am just trying to buy some time while I deal with a tsunami of cascading failures on my hands this month(s) (water pumps, water pumps again, freezers, AC, batteries/chargers). In the split/air cooled HVAC world, a hard start solution can sometimes buy a decent amount of time.

You and I have discussed this on your site and I intend on ordering said Cruisair parts and others through you when I can get to it.

Thanks.

 

[spcoolin]

I remember Tecumseh coming in & changing the start cap value for the 8515 a few times....

The last I heard it was 43-53 uF @ 330 volt...That's also what I show in the 2010 price book for the 16 recip...

I don't ever remember it being any higher than that...but lower...

Steve~

 

[spcoolin]

Oh...And the SMX will only equalize/energize thru the reversing valve if it has been less than 2 mins since last shutdown...(2 min is plenty of time for the system to equalize thru the cap tube)

The older SMX firmware did it on every start, but some folks with self contained units under a bunk, or in a locker of a sleeping cabin complained that the "click" noise was waking them up...So they changed it across the board for all units to only if it had not been off for 2 minutes...

I don't remember exactly when the change occurred, but it was long ago & your systems are new enough to only do it if it's been less than 2 min...

Steve~

 

[Reefgeorge]

I went up a range value and no luck. Is there any risk (fire or component damage) in trying the next range up again?

 

[spcoolin]

Give it up George...It's DONE !!!....Sorry buddy...

Steve~

 

[Reefgeorge]

OK, I'll be over at your site for parts when I can get to this.

How do you determine if you have a burnout and acid problem?

Thanks.

 

[Avenger]

How do you determine if you have a burnout and acid problem?

It usually involves peeing in a cup.... are you having flashbacks?

 

[Reefgeorge]

I am staring through a window pane, trying to figure it out.

 

[Finalee]

You could remove the assembly from the boat and bring it to a shop for comressor replacement. The can give you a good idea of how much contamination is present when they flush the lines. Its a good idea to flush whats still in the boat regardless.

 

[Reefgeorge]

After the condensor unit is removed and on its way to the shop, what's the best way to flush the line set and evaporators (2)?

 

[Reefgeorge]

Still have not dealt with is issue yet and back looking at it. I guess I have 3 optons:

A) Complete replacement of the entire system with the latest refrigerant which will include the evaporators and complete line flushing.

B) Replace the condensing unit with a new one containg 417a, leave the existing evaporatos in place. I understand that the replacement is 1-2" taller than my existing unit which might create some fit problems.

C) Rebuild the existing condensing unit with an new compressor, dryer, and exchanger tubes. The installation is very tight so this would alleviate the fit issues and gaurantee oil compatibility.

I am not considering A at this time.

Questions:

1) I am leaning towards C). What are the pros and cons of a rebuild?

2) if I can overcome the fit problems in B), is this really a direct drop-in. Does the new unit come with mineral oil as in the existing R22 system or do they use another less compatible oil? I understand that 417a can use mineral oil, POE, or AB oil.

Thanks,

George
2002 Cabo 47
MAN mechanical 800/8's