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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Cape Bretoner on August 11, 2025, 01:39:37 pm

Title: Roof A/C
Post by: Cape Bretoner on August 11, 2025, 01:39:37 pm
Has anyone replaced the capacitor in their roof ac I am having problems finding a replacement capacitor they tell me that its obsolete the silver one is shot . There's a replacement number for the black one, but they tell me it's back order about six weeks out. just trying to get information if there's a replacement capacitor number.  Any information would be appreciated.or it maybe time to replace the units
Title: Re: Roof Ac
Post by: Pamela & Mike on August 11, 2025, 02:33:39 pm
they tell me that its obsolete  ,
 they tell me it's back order about six weeks out.

Bologna/hog wash
These are available a lot quicker unless you have a good HVAC parts store in your city.

PATIKIL Motor Start Capacitor, 47-56uF/Mfd 250V 50/60Hz CD60 Run Capacitor... (https://www.amazon.com/PATIKIL-Capacitor-47-56uF-Starting-Electric/dp/B0C2TZCF7C/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=1338106519506999&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J_SwppZqbwah9ghjoog5jmKgMlMSFcX4SzzNxAfNw3mlWBz0hDv3juIMq6efPkLsOvNRfwDMFZHu0eUCNpJdR2xH2q2-5hO72efS-IfVzDLP19YHRSustjx342m0YHPvAvVb1y7ylDHvIO35bUtkAjW1S6wbC-xA1f60s0VD_b5CcTRr52hmVH4hWR3p8YctXxnPINWFqW8jNR7iHjBowxfAxax2y0x8GLKu5MXgeAE.EK8wpqXglFsJds7lKC7xo5ztO-Nv6bP-Y5znLZFLrJ0&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83631879307544&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=77231&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83632313658110%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=2791_13539338&keywords=47%2B56%2Bmfd%2Bcapacitor&mcid=3595585193f835479c88ff9ca1d12ec7&qid=1754936838&sr=8-3&th=1)


Amazon.com: BOJACK 20/10 uF 20+10 MFD 370/440 VAC CBB65B Dual Run Start... (https://www.amazon.com/BOJACK-Capacitor-Condenser-Straight-Conditioner/dp/B0DBYCGS2J/ref=asc_df_B0DBYCGS2J?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608145338971&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=77231&hvtargid=pla-4584207609897040&psc=1&msclkid=87f3052aa15c152731866db095e1c7f5)

While there check and replace if necessary the PTCR  that should be mounted to the floor right where you are looking.

Mike


Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: steve on August 11, 2025, 06:50:43 pm
Just something to consider (more $ of course) is that I believe the black one is the start capacitor, wired through a PTCR.  If you install a soft start it eliminates that cap and the PTCR doohickey .... eliminates maybe the wrong term, it upgrades that with a much better system.  Of course you still need that run cap.
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Peter on August 11, 2025, 10:46:02 pm
Is it easy to swap out the run capacitor(silver one) i have the identical ac (2) as oldguy with soft starts on both
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Cape Bretoner on August 12, 2025, 01:36:07 pm
Is it easy to swap out the run capacitor(silver one) i have the identical ac (2) as oldguy with soft starts on both
will look into soft start do you have a part number or a site I can research it out
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Peter on August 12, 2025, 05:39:09 pm
I just purchased off the website. I think they sell them on amazon as well. Softstartrv. They were about 300 each and they work great!  Very little power draw at startup. I still want to replace my run capacitor though. Is there anything special doing a replacement? Do i have to de energize anything besides turning off the ac breaker?
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Cape Bretoner on August 12, 2025, 08:04:01 pm
I just purchased off the website. I think they sell them on amazon as well. Softstartrv. They were about 300 each and they work great!  Very little power draw at startup. I still want to replace my run capacitor though. Is there anything special doing a replacement? Do i have to de energize anything besides turning off the ac breaker?
you have to short out the capacitor by placing a screwdriver across the terminals with the power disconnected on the AC or breaker off did you install the soft start yourself?
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: steve on August 12, 2025, 08:04:59 pm
The (3) main players are:

SoftStartRV – The RV AC Soft Start For Any RV Air Conditioner (https://www.softstartrv.com/)
Buy EasyStart™ Soft Starters Direct from the Manufacturer – Micro-Air, LLC (https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters)
Spartan Power SpartanStart Soft Starter for RV Air Conditioners (https://spartanpower.com/product/spartan-power-spartanstart/)

Between the first two, differences are minimal. I don't know much about Spartan Power. When I bought mine, it came down to size and sale price, SoftStartRV was smallest and cheapest that day. Not an endorsement, just what worked for me. Install is easy.

Quote
still want to replace my run capacitor though. Is there anything special doing a replacement? Do i have to de energize anything besides turning off the ac breaker?
ETA: Cape Bretoner beat me to it :D

For safety the most important thing is to turn the power off, then be sure the power is off and then check that the power is off.  Then you will want to discharge the capacitor so it can not give you a punch.  If you did not verify the power is off, you will probably spot weld the discharge tool across the terminals. 

The normal DIY way of discharging them is by using an insulated-handle tool .. screwdriver, nut-driver, pair of pliers, or even a jumper wire with female spade connectors.  Use that to short Common to Fan and then Common to Herms, the discharge is instantaneous. 

Common, Herms and Fan will be labeled on the capacitor, usually right next to the terminals. In a pinch you can use a rule of thumb that can help.  Generally the C will have the most connections, say (4), then Herm will have then next most, maybe (3) and Fan the least, (1-2).  You use that to orient yourself and then verify by following the wires.

I by no means claim to be a capacitor expert, so if someone is and has some corrections or tips, please share!
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Peter on August 13, 2025, 12:03:08 am
Rick
I did install the softstart myself. They have very good directions that came with the product. There is a competitor out there... i think easy start or something like that but i liked the reviews on the softstart and have been really happy with the results. 2 ac on with 30 amp and can run the microwave and tv etc at the same time
Title: Re: Roof A/C
Post by: Peter on August 17, 2025, 07:48:12 pm
That looks like a different run capacitor listed on the amazon website than the picture cape bretenor showed in a picture.  Can any one confirm the capacitor for the dometic 620315 as cape bretenor has?