Hi, Bernie,

In my experience in a coastal Virginia climate, the life expectancy of heat pump and air conditioner systems is 15 to 17 years. I suspect that yours is near the end of its useful life and caution against putting too much money into it. If there is ever a silver lining to replacing a dead or dying system, it's that heat pumps and air conditioners have gotten more efficient in the last 15 years, use more ozone-benign refrigerants, and will save you operating and maintenance costs compared with your current unit.

I recommend you have an HVAC professional check it out.

thanks for the comment...I think it is still operational...and under the theory that since it is already "broke" I can do no harm - I want to take a stab at it...agree with your comment on usage improvements, however, when I tell you that in our climate (unlike the east coast where I hail from) AC is a fact of life) that sometimes the machine operate 4 or 5 days a year, operational savings isn't a factor. Specifically I assume that there is some kind of breaker (relay) or reset switch to protect the compressor in the event of fan failure,,,I am looking for someone who understands that basic sequencing...not at all dangerous for me, I am well versed on working with electronics...do you understand (and if so could you share) the basic sequencing of an outdoor A/C compressor?

Hi, Bernie,

Most A/C compressors have a time-delay relay in the starting circuit. You may have to wait five minutes or so before it will energize the compressor. You might have a wiring diagram somewhere inside the outdoor unit or you can consult whatever maintenance information the manufacturer has on the internet.

thanks for the idea...but when this one was functioning correctly, I could hear the distinct sound of the compressor spooling up a second or two after the fan started,,,

I think there is a relay that might have gotten toasted from the fan overload...but I have never opened one up before...and I plan to, just trying to understand as much as I can before I turn a screw

appreciate any thoughts...thanks

your homes look very beautiful, btw...

Thanks for the compliment.

There is typically a starting capacitor for the compressor, too. I had two die on me and then ended up replacing the entire system anyway. Be careful messing with the capacitor since they can "bite" if not fully discharged.

Sounds like the condenser fan motor capacitor has gone out. This would cause the fan motor to hum but not turn. The compressor would come on until it overheats and then would switch off until it cools down.

thanks guys...I am going to pop it opened...note that even when cool the compressor no longer will start...but it was running just yesterday prior to the fan failure...the fan will operated with some urging under load...I think the fan motor is toast

It could be something simple like the start capacitor needs to be replaced. When was the last time you had a preventative maintenance check?

I'll bet not recently. Good question to ask.

There is a start and run capacitors for the fan, usually in one unit, but not necessarily. Since the fan runs if you coax it, the start side probably failed. They don't cost much to replace.

thanks for your comment...would that start capacitor prevent the compressor from coming on?

Sounds like you have a dual start capacitor. You will typically have three connections on it and it runs both your condensing unit fan and the compressor. So yes, if it is bad it will prevent the compressor as well as the fan from operating.

great info...will pop it open and look for it....3 leads...is it on a circuit board or in a metal case on it's own....please excuse the stupid question

sure is "ugly" lots of corrosion and possibly a "rust thru" on the top...connections are poor...could clean up but might be just pissing into the wind....could this thing still have a charge as Charles above had mentioned...best way to discharge? Ground the contacts? Obviously fuses are out although thermostat wiring still connected - low volts me thinks

That is it. Ideally you want to discharge the cap. I have removed them without doing so, but great care must be taken not to come into contact with any of the leads. This thing can delivery a nasty jolt and can even kill you! There are better ways to discharge them, however a very large heavy gauge screwdriver and a pair of gloves will be sufficient. just take the screwdriver and touch the C terminal to both the Herm and the Fan terminals. Make sure you reconnect it just as you found it. The cap is non salvageable. It is trash throw it away. I prefer AMRAD caps, you can buy them from Amazon if you can't buy them locally. They sell cheap Chinese brands that don't last very long as a last resort just to get it going though.

any color code to identifying the C terminal or should I follow the wires to their respective duties, ie, compressor and fan...there is a black, yellow and red...didn't notice and markings by the terminals but not a great visual where it is, also, a bit rusty as you can see

You should see an imprint on the top of the capacitor, I believe each connector has a different number of spades which is a second way to differentiate each connector.

good call on the spades 1 3 & 4