For most of the summer our AC units have been throwing breakers, usually on the hottest days. Sometimes only once a day but often every few minutes. We are currently on shore power but it seemed to be even worse when running off the generator. It's mostly just an annoyance but if there's something I can do to improve it, that would be great.
On a more serious note, recently the front unit started taking longer and longer before the fan would start running. I took the cover off and the fan seems to be hard to turn by hand. Is this something I can fix myself?
Spray CrossionX or 3 In One oil on motor shaft at the shaft bearings to free it up. Replace motor as soon as you can
Check 120v voltage when everything is running. Motors that are fed low voltages will draw more amps.
Could breakers be worn and too sensitive.
A tight-turning blower could contribute to blowing breakers. One good way to try to loosen up roof air conditioning blower motors is to use a Zoom Spout Oiler container to get some lubrication on the blower shaft near each end of the motor, and then work the oil in by rotating the blower. Keep it up until motor rotates easier. Lube both roof air blowers.
Clean roof air evaporator coils and improve air filters for improved cooling and lower demand on units to cool. Use aluminum-safe coil cleaner, like Arm & Hammer Biodegradable HVAC and Air Conditioner Coil Cleaner Foam Aerosol Spray, No Rinse. This is also a good preventative to keep units working.
It may be a good idea to get some lube onto old blower motors before they slow down. Almost any type of oil will do some good. Many think WD-40 is a solvent, not a good lubricant, and is way over-marketed. https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/1wa9a6/ysk_wd40_is_a_solvent_not_a_lubricant_mistaking/
Best to use a non detergent oil. The sticking motor maybe what's blowing your breakers.
Cleaning the condenser coil should help.
For oiling the motor (motor ends of shaft), a light non-detergent oil is the best. Sewing machine oil fits that spec.
Thanks very much, everyone! I went ahead and oiled the other unit as well. The motors have little caps on each end for oiling so I guess it is supposed to be a regular maintenance item. The one that was hard to turn will now keep spinning a second or so after I give it a spin. Haven't needed AC for a few days now but it's supposed to be 90+ the next few days so we'll see if it helped the breaker problem.
With that motor being that hard to turn you might plan on replacing the start/run capacitors as that puts quite a strain on them along with age of the capacitor they could be getting week.
Mike