Basement A/C

jeanbev · 01-24-2016, 09:25 AM

We have a 2001 Itasca Horizon 36CD with basement A/C that has been malfunctioning since last year. Presently problem is system trips breaker when calling for cooling. I have replaced all capacitors, relays. On one occasion 1 starting capacitor for #1 compressor blow up at top & sprayed oil. Technician states that compressors OK & also circulating fans. About to pull out unit to bench test. Last year had CW in Winter Garden to repair unit & they charged me for replacing compressor #1. Unit worked for 2 months then same problem as present. Bolts on unit appear to have not been removed as rust dirt present. Refuse to go back to CW to repair. Presently in Dundee FL until mid March Would appreciate any assistance comments etc...

Ranger Smith · 01-24-2016, 09:28 AM

First thing I would do is get a clamp on ammeter and see what is causing the excessive current draw and go from there. Does it instantly trip breaker or after running for a few. Maybe bad breaker also??

jeanbev · 01-24-2016, 04:34 PM

Done that amp draw normal 23A & breaker trips immediately. But if #1 compressor wired direct it starts, no problem with blower. Appreciate your comments.

bsamole · 01-25-2016, 01:21 AM

In my case I had to press the red reset button on the unit many times for over a year. Even drilled a hole in the cover to make access to the reset button faster. Finally replaced the PC board (upgraded model with different wires but great instructions). Also oiled the bearing while the unit was out. Haven't had a problem since.

Ranger Smith · 01-25-2016, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanbev

Done that amp draw normal 23A & breaker trips immediately. But if #1 compressor wired direct it starts, no problem with blower. Appreciate your comments.

23 amps on 20 amp breaker. Maybe the breaker needs to be replaced??

charles tuit · 01-25-2016, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

23 amps on 20 amp breaker. Maybe the breaker needs to be replaced??

Your system should have a separate breaker for each compressor. The first and easiest thing I would do before pulling the system is replace both breakers in the house system.

Good luck

DancinCampers · 01-25-2016, 07:47 AM

I would check the specs for the compressor replacement. It should not be drawing 23 running amps alone, but the units could be drawing that with both compressors online.

Does the unit work in the electric heat mode?, or does the #1 breaker trip also immediately.

I would also turn off the #2 breaker and see if the #1 compressor would operate in cooling mode.

If my memory serves me correct, the load balance on my previous 03 Adventurer was Compressor #1, indoor Hi and Lo, outdoor Lo was on breaker for circuit #1, Compressor #2 and outdoor Hi on breaker for circuit #2.

If your unit runs ok with the #2 breaker turned off, then a weak #1 breaker might be the culprit, as it also carries the current for the indoor blower motor Hi speed, which would kick in when compressor #2 starts.

capnj · 01-25-2016, 09:39 AM

Just for thought, if you can't stop the continuing problems and have had enough, check my post " bye-bye basement air " Good luck and I hope you fix your problem. Summer is not far away.

jeanbev · 01-25-2016, 02:28 PM

Halleluiah A/C system now works with a $43 breaker. When #1 compressor starts it draws 23A then drops down to 13A or so & if temps demand is more than 2* second compressor starts & once going after a few seconds drops down to normal running. A 20* drop in temp result after 20 minutes.

Thanks You All for your comments & help.

jeanbev · 02-04-2016, 03:54 PM

Gosh Darn.
Now exterior fan does not want to start. Compressor #1 starts & then when the outside condenser heats up system shuts down then once cooled compressor restarts for a minute or so then shuts down. Replaced capacitor did not rectify problem. Can only assume fan motor is the problem. Tech repairman coming tomorrow morning.

lwasouth · 02-04-2016, 07:17 PM

Check your interior coil (The one you see from inside the coach) If it has never been cleaned or you have a cat or dog, it could be blocked and needs to be cleaned. When blocked it will cause unit to stop.

DancinCampers · 02-04-2016, 09:31 PM

Turn off the compressor circuit #2 breaker and see if the system runs. It may just be the outdoor blower motor hi speed circuit that is not running.

jeanbev · 02-08-2016, 10:12 AM

Yep, system runs with #2 breaker off. will require to pull unit to check blower motor.

Tks for all your assistance.

jeanbev · 02-23-2016, 10:34 AM

Waiting for appointment to pull unit out as now outside lower smoking and noisy, must require lubrication, will keep you posted as to results, getting sick and tired of this recurring problem going on for 1 year now.

jeanbev · 03-11-2016, 10:24 AM

Problem identified finally after 1 year, outside blower motor toast. Replacement on order. Appreciate all suggestions.

jeanbev · 03-16-2016, 07:21 PM

A/C Problem persists.

Outside Blower Motor (ODFM) replaced with new one. Both fans start as normal also both compressors, provides cool air then after 1 min. ODFM shuts off & once compressor coil overheats, system shuts down, no fans or compressors operating. Checked high pressure switch appear OK. Could it be computer board as all capacitors replaced, also one on ODFM motor.

jeanbev · 03-18-2016, 03:54 PM

Finally Finally, we now can live in an igloo instead of a furnace. Once the Outside Blower Motor wa replaced the 1st stage would start & run but after 1 minute when the 2nd stage would try to start the ODFM would shut down but both compressors would continue to operate then when system would heat up total system would shut down. The slow burning fuse was the problem, it is necessary to check this fuse with an ohm meter as a visual inspection does not reveal a failure. Once fuse was replaced basement a/c system working perfectly. It is necessary to proceed through all the steps indicated in the electrical diagnostic charts for the 6535 series of basement a/c systems when a malfunction occurs. As they say live and learn all the time.

CaptBill · 03-19-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanbev

Finally Finally, we now can live in an igloo instead of a furnace. Once the Outside Blower Motor wa replaced the 1st stage would start & run but after 1 minute when the 2nd stage would try to start the ODFM would shut down but both compressors would continue to operate then when system would heat up total system would shut down. The slow burning fuse was the problem, it is necessary to check this fuse with an ohm meter as a visual inspection does not reveal a failure. Once fuse was replaced basement a/c system working perfectly. It is necessary to proceed through all the steps indicated in the electrical diagnostic charts for the 6535 series of basement a/c systems when a malfunction occurs. As they say live and learn all the time.

Can you post a pic, and tell where that fuse is located? Where did you buy the replacement?

jeanbev · 03-23-2016, 09:34 AM

I am unable to provide a pic of the basement a/c unit as we are underway north towards home but the slow burning fuse is situated in the wirebox component unit page 11 of the service manual for 6535 series two ton high efficiency packaged heat pumps. It is a black plastic circular item that the fuse is inserted in. It is located on the left side of the wire box connecting the ground wire to the Outside Blower unit. Item can be purchased at any outlet that sells fuses ie. Radio Shack etc...

LookAtUSNow · 03-24-2016, 06:49 AM

We started having problems with ours. It was the original unit in a 2001 Ultimate Freedom. We replaced the whole unit. After 15 years I felt like it had been used well. We haven't had a problem since. My recommendation would be if you have more problems, replace it. Otherwise it will nickel and dime you to death.