Hard Start Capacitor

[rkswyo]

Once you pull the cover off you should see where it goes. Mine was an addition as there was not one there from the factory. Like many other things it is a cost cutting item.

[ILUVRVing]

Thanks for the quick reply - so IF I have to add it, the hard start cap should come with wiring diagram explaining how to do so?
Sorry for the ignorance, I'll know more once I get up there and pull the shroud and retrieve the cap.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by ILUVRVing

Thanks for the quick reply - so IF I have to add it, the hard start cap should come with wiring diagram explaining how to do so?
Sorry for the ignorance, I'll know more once I get up there and pull the shroud and retrieve the cap.

Yes

[ILUVRVing]

Another question comes to mind. In my case - IF I'm adding the Hard Start Cap - then is there something in my AC that is going bad (defective) that needs to be replaced (stock cap or something) in addition to adding a Hard Start cap?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by ILUVRVing

Another question comes to mind. In my case - IF I'm adding the Hard Start Cap - then is there something in my AC that is going bad (defective) that needs to be replaced (stock cap or something) in addition to adding a Hard Start cap?

http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/05/27/rv...tart-capacitor

Read this.

[rkswyo]

From what I have read the capacity of the SPP6 is greater than the one that comes stock. Some AC's do not even come with them. Mine didn't. The SPP6 i bought came with very basic instructions. See my attachment for wiring details. There are multiple terminals in the locations shown and you just "piggyback" them.

[skipper194242]

ILUVRVing how long does it stay off before trying to restart? if less then 5 minutes needs a time delay. pressures dont have time to equalize. any time i add a hard start capacitor to a unit i replace run capacitor if it has any age on it.

[SpringerPop]

Good idea! Run capacitors are relatively cheap.

I have always believed that the five minute time-out is way over-kill, and that high and low sides equalize in less time than five.

I watch the gauges.

Why five?

Pop

[skipper194242]

not just psi but temperture gives windings a little longer to cool. heat is a enemy. if your unit has to start in less then 5 minutes need to check mfg. duty cycle.

[ILUVRVing]

Thanks for the reply/info guy's
The AC shuts down when the thermostat set temp is reached and would come back (try to) when temp gets hot enough to cool rig down. Honestly I was sleeping when this would happen and would wake from the breaker tripping noise or causes it got hot. I woke up shut off the AC reset the breaker wait a min and turn back on. It did try to come right back on after shut off (less than 5 min) only a couple of times - it kicked on shut down and tried to come back on less than a 5 min time, Other than that it would just run as expected.
When I got home and tested off of my dedicated 30amp service I would manually operate the STAT to test and the breaker would trip after running the AC for a while and I would bring the STAT up to shut off the AC, then with in a min or so, bring the STAT down to have the AC come back on and the AC would trip the breaker again.
I like the idea of replacing the run cap as well. If I'm going to work on something I don't want to have to revisit it again. So even if it's questionable I'd like to change it.
Question is what do I replace it with? Is there a "better than stock" one? How do I know what run cap to get or where? I got the Hard start cap from this thread...
Any help is GREATLY appreciated !

FYI I also plan on doing f100turbo's fan delay mod as well.

[skipper194242]

you replace with same value run capacitor. it is rated in UF. there is also a voltage rating printed on can. some a/c has dual capacitor.. one side for fan other for compressor. both values must match what came with unit.

[SpringerPop]

Originally Posted by skipper194242

not just psi but temperture gives windings a little longer to cool. heat is a enemy.

Makes good sense to me.

Hadn't considered winding temp rise on more frequent starts.

Pop

[ILUVRVing]

Originally Posted by skipper194242

you replace with same value run capacitor. it is rated in UF. there is also a voltage rating printed on can. some a/c has dual capacitor.. one side for fan other for compressor. both values must match what came with unit.

OK sorry for the ignorance, I got the Hard Start CAP from Amazon via link provided here, Once I get the info off the original run cap where / who can I get a replacement one from?

[skipper194242]

check the existing one for ratings. a/c supply houses carry them. also available on e-bay. brand and model number of a/c get information on line.

[ILUVRVing]

Just to add: I had changed the 20amp AC breaker to test if I had a weak breaker but had the same results so I went back to the stock 30/20 amp breaker. Also each test I only had AC on nothing else drawing AC. Batteries are on Solar Xantrex inverter charger...

[ILUVRVing]

Originally Posted by skipper194242

check the existing one for ratings. a/c supply houses carry them. also available on e-bay. brand and model number of a/c get information on line.

K - sounds like once I get up on the roof this weekend I'll be able to track down a replacement Run Cap with the info off of the stock one and the make model of AC...
Anything else I should be looking at (besides giving everything a good cleaning)?

[skipper194242]

tighten up all wire connectors where applicable. before disconnecting any wires from capacitor short across its terminals to discharge. they will hold charge even with breaker off.

[ILUVRVing]

Originally Posted by skipper194242

tighten up all wire connectors where applicable. before disconnecting any wires from capacitor short across its terminals to discharge. they will hold charge even with breaker off.

Great advice thanx - I been made aware of that....
Just wish I knew What Run Cap to get before this weekend

[Herk7769]

Hard start capacitor SPP6 ordered.

I also ordered 12 inch pigtails to "permanently" install the Franks unit in the camper. I also ordered 0-20 volt digital voltmeters to monitor incoming and outgoing voltages. The incoming volt meter I got with a loop ammeter so I can see amps going into the Franks unit (and the camper).

[SpringerPop]

Originally Posted by ILUVRVing

Just wish I knew What Run Cap to get before this weekend

And once you DO find out, please post it back here for the future reference.

Pop