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Topic: Penguin AC help needed (Read 781 times) previous topic - next topic

Penguin AC help needed

My rear Penguin would let the fans run when first started but the compressor would just hum.  I installed a new start capacitor for the compressor just now and the compressor runs but the fans won't start. I tried turning by hand to get them started and they worked perfectly. The AC unit cooled perfectly until I shut it off.
I tried a normal restart with the thermostat and the compressor came on but not the fans.

There were 2 capacitors side by side and I replaced the smaller one. I guess the bigger one is a start capacitor for the fans?  What is the likelihood that it to needs replaced?

I can't get online with my laptop here so this is being sent from my cell and is a real PITA.
If someone wants to call me 865-250-6040.
Thank you.

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #1 –
We recently replaced both fan motors on our FT,
Bob, Vicki & Lilly
2003 Foretravel U320 40'
2008 Honda CRV - Toad
Build #6138

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #2 –
I think the fan motor is OK, it just won't start by itself.

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #3 –
I had the same thing happen when I did my house condenser. I had wired the new capacitor exactly as the old one. Had to have a tech come out and he cut one wire, said the new one didn't use it. that fixed it. Don't know your system but see if your new capacitor has an issue like mine.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #4 –
C-man,
Mine is a 2 wire and I hate to cut one of them.
Was yours a 3 wire?

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #5 –
What I've done is reverse the situation by installing a new compressor capacitor.......
the compressor now comes on and runs
but the fans don't unless they're started by hand.

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #6 –
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kdFIARakavk
T-Man, The above link will show you how to check your caps with a volt/ohm meter much better than I could describe it to you (provided you can get internet service).
To me it does sound like a defective starting cap. Please let us know what you find and good luck.
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #7 –
I need the part number for a new cap.
They're so cheap it's worth replacing it.

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #9 –
Apparently they have just overhauled the Wifi
here and it's shaky and slow, like this cell.  You're on the right track but my penguin is a model 630516.321. I noticed that the compressor cap has a different number than the one I put in, so the fan cap could be wrong too.
The compressor capacitor I put on is
3100236.235.

Thanks

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #11 –
Here is some info on roof ac capacitors

front A/C inop

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #12 –
The microfarad rating should be on the side of the old capacitors.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #13 –
Remember, if a cap has the slightest bulge in ends...dome shaped bulge, it's bad.  Ends should be flat. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #14 –
Thanks guys.
I was able to get a second cap locally and we're up and running.

Re: Penguin AC help needed

Reply #15 –
Part #64 in the diagram Dometic 3109409.001 is listed as being a cold control sensor.  Is it a clip-on that attaches to the evaporator fins to stop the compressor if they ice up?