a/c motor over-amps and sometimes whines

I have central A/C in my house. The motor on the compressor outside the house is over-amping. I know this because a tech guy checked out the compressor after the motor did some screaming a few days ago. I figured that a bearing was not doing well and had the compressor evaluated.

Anyway, the tech wants to replace the motor for $400. My usual inclination for house repairs is to do them myself, but I have never repaired something like an a/c unit.

The unit is a Bryant and it was manufactured in 1987.

Any thoughts on this? How hard is changing an a/c motor?

michael

: I have central A/C in my house. The motor on
: the compressor outside the house is
: over-amping. I know this because a tech guy
: checked out the compressor after the motor
: did some screaming a few days ago. I figured
: that a bearing was not doing well and had
: the compressor evaluated.

: Anyway, the tech wants to replace the motor for
: $400. My usual inclination for house repairs
: is to do them myself, but I have never
: repaired something like an a/c unit.

: The unit is a Bryant and it was manufactured in
: 1987.

: Any thoughts on this? How hard is changing an
: a/c motor?

I'm not quite sure what you're describing here. In the outside condenser unit there is a fan motor and a compressor. Each a separate component from the other.

If the fan motor is the problem, most homeowners should usually be able to install a replacement them self. But if the fan motor is the problem, I don't know why a technician would evacuate the compressor (meaning remove the refrigerant from the system). The compressor has nothing to do with the fan motor.

If the compressor needs replacing, you can NOT do that yourself and I would think it would cost a lot more than $400. A new compressor alone could cost that much, not including labour or refrigerant.

Dan O.

Thanks for the comment.

My language was the problem. The issue is the fan motor.

: If the fan motor is the problem, most
: homeowners should usually be able to install
: a replacement them self.

How do I go about finding what sort of a motor would fit my unit?

michael

: How do I go about finding what sort of a motor
: would fit my unit?

The first choice would be to get any numbering off the condenser unit and contact a factory authorized service or parts depot for the manufacturer. They should be able to supply the proper replacement from that information.

Failing that if you can get all the numbers off the old motor and contact a factory parts supplier, a commercial refrigeration or HVAC supplier, they may be able to cross reference those numbers to a suitable replacement.

Failing that, taking the original motor along with the condenser brand, model and serial to a local commercial refrigeration or HVAC supplier, they should be able to match up a workable replacement.

Lastly, taking the original motor to a local motor shop to see if it can be rebuilt.

Dan O.