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Coleman AC problems

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?
1986 3600 Grand Villa ORED SBI

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #1 –
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
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #2 –
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/

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #3 –
Best to use a non detergent oil. The sticking motor maybe what's blowing your breakers.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #4 –
Cleaning the condenser coil should help.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #5 –
For oiling the motor (motor ends of shaft), a light non-detergent oil is the best.  Sewing machine oil fits that spec.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #6 –
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.
1986 3600 Grand Villa ORED SBI
 

Re: Coleman AC problems

Reply #7 –
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
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."