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So the starter capacitor in my AC condenser exploded a couple of days ago. I'm headed out to get a new one (found someone open!) and I'm just concerned that the failure could be just a symptom of a bigger problem like a bad compressor or fan motor (its a dual capacity capacitor that serves both). I bought a new fan motor accidentally(?) because at first I thought that was the problem. It was dark out, the fan was hot and humming but not spinning and I didn't open the control panel to find the blown cap.
Here's the thing: when the cap exploded, I heard it and went outside. The fan was spinning slowly, but laboring and the compressor was running. It took a few minutes before the fan stopped spinning and I'm a little concerned that leaving it on for 15 minutes or so could have damaged the other components.
I have a service appointment for Tues, but with some parts in hand I may be able to fix it myself. What I don't want is to blow another cap because the fan motor really was the problem when I have a spare fan motor sitting in my basement. On the other hand, if I install the new fan motor unnecessarily, I won't get my $100 back. Maybe I'll buy two caps...
Suggestions?
Here's the thing: when the cap exploded, I heard it and went outside. The fan was spinning slowly, but laboring and the compressor was running. It took a few minutes before the fan stopped spinning and I'm a little concerned that leaving it on for 15 minutes or so could have damaged the other components.
I have a service appointment for Tues, but with some parts in hand I may be able to fix it myself. What I don't want is to blow another cap because the fan motor really was the problem when I have a spare fan motor sitting in my basement. On the other hand, if I install the new fan motor unnecessarily, I won't get my $100 back. Maybe I'll buy two caps...
Suggestions?