Dead Compressor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Huck · 12-26-2003, 08:12 PM

Is there a way to check my capicators ---with a multi meter?. It's just dead. 220V, dual stage

shuttermutt · 12-26-2003, 08:24 PM

Hate to have to say it, but you have double-checked the power source, right? If you've confirmed the compressor's getting power, the next thing I'd do is a continuity check across the switch. Also, make sure your overload isn't thrown.

Testing caps can be tricky and dangerous. Yes, you can learn a little about what's going on with your meter, but if you're not sure what you're looking for, the odds of learning anything useful are slim. My recommendation is to test via replacement. Before you replace, however, can you start the motor by turning it by hand?

walker · 12-26-2003, 08:51 PM

I agree, capacitors are pretty reliable. Stick your multi meter in the outlet first and check your source. Try turning your motor by hand with the belt loose. Then check your switches.

Huck · 12-26-2003, 09:36 PM

I can turn the 5hp motor by hand with no problem. Will have to check the wiring and switchs with my meter. I know the unit has 3 capicators---start and run. Huummmmmm

cdowns · 12-26-2003, 10:18 PM

i'd say the obvious first place to check wquld be your circuit breakers

jmanz69 · 12-27-2003, 12:52 AM

If you put your meter in diode checking mode, you can check your caps. You will see the cap start to charge, if that happens, then it is probably good. If it just lays limp and the voltage does not go up, then your cap is probably dead. I check motor caps all the time at work like this. Most of the motors that come in have bad thermals though. Very rarely do I find a bad cap. Also, turn the motor by hand, is there a lot of resistance? Does it feel like maybe a bearing is bad and cold be binding. I would start at the power source and work my way thru the circuit. See if you have power, then see if you have power at the switch, then see if you have it on the other side of the switch, then at the motor, then check on the other side of the CB on the motor. I bet you'll find your problem in there somewhere.

Good luck

12-26-2003, 08:12 PM	#1
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Dead Compressor Is there a way to check my capicators ---with a multi meter?. It's just dead. 220V, dual stage

12-26-2003, 08:24 PM	#2
shuttermutt Don't say "Oops!", Doctor Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 677	Hate to have to say it, but you have double-checked the power source, right? If you've confirmed the compressor's getting power, the next thing I'd do is a continuity check across the switch. Also, make sure your overload isn't thrown. Testing caps can be tricky and dangerous. Yes, you can learn a little about what's going on with your meter, but if you're not sure what you're looking for, the odds of learning anything useful are slim. My recommendation is to test via replacement. Before you replace, however, can you start the motor by turning it by hand? __________________ 'Mutt 1968 CST LWB: R.I.P. 1967 Chevelle: TPI 454 beast 1967 C10 SWB: Claimed when Bumpster didn't put it on his list

12-26-2003, 08:51 PM	#3
walker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Phx AZ about 30 miles Posts: 698	I agree, capacitors are pretty reliable. Stick your multi meter in the outlet first and check your source. Try turning your motor by hand with the belt loose. Then check your switches. __________________ Andy,Phx AZ '67 C-10 (Ahhh, done at last. Well there is that disk front end I want to put in and...) "23 C-Cab-sold '48 Ford 8N tractor(still working) '67 Scout(Now on the road) '70 MG B.-sold

12-26-2003, 10:18 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i'd say the obvious first place to check wquld be your circuit breakers __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-26-2003, 09:36 PM	#4
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	I can turn the 5hp motor by hand with no problem. Will have to check the wiring and switchs with my meter. I know the unit has 3 capicators---start and run. Huummmmmm

12-27-2003, 12:52 AM	#6
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	If you put your meter in diode checking mode, you can check your caps. You will see the cap start to charge, if that happens, then it is probably good. If it just lays limp and the voltage does not go up, then your cap is probably dead. I check motor caps all the time at work like this. Most of the motors that come in have bad thermals though. Very rarely do I find a bad cap. Also, turn the motor by hand, is there a lot of resistance? Does it feel like maybe a bearing is bad and cold be binding. I would start at the power source and work my way thru the circuit. See if you have power, then see if you have power at the switch, then see if you have it on the other side of the switch, then at the motor, then check on the other side of the CB on the motor. I bet you'll find your problem in there somewhere. Good luck



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