Hi...I hope I am posting this in the correct forum. I have a Penguin 11k (600312.321) that I'm having trouble with. When I turn the t-stat on (in "cool" or "fan only" modes"), all I get is a hum. No fan motor. When I go on the roof, if someone inside turns the t-stat on, I can then give the motor a hand and it will start spinning, though it never really reaches it's "normal" speeds, in low, med, or high. Motor spins freely when the unit is off.
Unit ran without an issue and stopped working on a day that we had some bad thunder storms and the power went off and came back on a few times.
I have contacted Dometic several times, and as we know, their customer service is always below average, at least IMO. I have searched this issue to death (6-8 hrs. online) and really thought it may be the run capacitor. I saw no obvious signs of damage to either capacitor and don't have the special tools required to test them. I contacted Dometic to verify the rating that the run capacitor should be. It had a 35/5 in it, but since I am a second owner, I can't be sure that a 35/5 really belongs in it. After calling them 2 different times and getting 2 different specs (25/10 and 25/5), I went ahead and purchased a 25/5 and tossed it in. No change at all.
So here are my questions:
1. Can it be anything other than a run capacitor or fan motor? (t-stat, start cap and relay (believe only affects compressor), anything else? Already checked breaker and different power sources...
2. Which rating run capacitor should be in this unit? Is it possible that since the unit is older, I should toss in a higher rated run capacitor? Maybe since the thing is older and less efficient, it needs a little more "oomph" to get started? Although, never had an issue getting it to crank up before the issue cropped up. I just don't want to go replacing the motor before I try all other options...
Any and all help is appreciated...luckily, I've got 2 roof airs, but in this South Florida heat and humidity, the one unit on it's own barely cuts it!
If you can 'give it a spin start by hand' try some thin oil on the bearings that are on the shaft and motor, give it a spin start and let it run in. They are sealed bearings and are supposed to be lifetime but that may all it needs to free them up.
2004 Damon Daybreak 2960F
05 Honda Element LX
In a democracy two wolves and a sheep can vote on what to have for dinner.
Thanks for the replies! I just got back from Graingers with a fresh 35/5 run capacitor. I called Dometic again and got verification that what should be in there (3 different calls, 3 different recommendations - go figure!) is indeed the 35/5. Went to Graingers, exchanged the 25/5 I purchased that did not help, and got the 35/5 - just installed it and unfortunately, same conclusion.
So, if anybody has anything, feel free to chime in. Otherwise, I think I am in for a motor replacement...
By the way, just to reiterate, I have checked all of the easy stuff...tried running air off of several different power sources (gen and house power), checked and rechecked breaker, etc..
As far as oil, I don't really think that's my issue here. This a/c has ran continuously for the past 1 1/2-2 years, and the motor spins beautifully when the unit is off...no binding at all. I could see if the unit wasn't run very often, but that is definitely not the case. Based on the situation at the time of failure, my focus has pointed towards more of an "electrical" or bad motor issue, rather than a "lack of use" or "needs oil" situation...
Edit: I should also mention, Dometic did verify that the only thing it could be is A) run cap or B) motor. If anybody has any reason to believe otherwise, please share...would love to save the $1XX on a motor!
* This post was
edited 07/18/08 12:44pm by BuickMania *
Triker33 wrote: AC Parts
By the catalog they have your model as a 12,000 BTU unit
Actually, this is quite interesting...from what I understand (at least from Dometic), the Penguin is only made in 11k, 13.5k, and 15k. I have never seen a 12k for sale...yet, through ppl's parts catalog, they do show a 12k Penguin...
And Dometic did verify with me that my unit (based on model/serial) is an 11k...
My former 5ers a/c would have to be "spin" started after setting for awhile,but it sounds like you have a motor issue.
Retired Navy
2007.5 Dodge Ram SLT sport 2500 quad cab 6.7 cummins,6 speed auto with exhaust brake.EGR removed,DPF delete on order,hypertech econ program B.
2007 Open Road 378SA4S-5 quad slide.
cabanaman wrote: My former 5ers a/c would have to be "spin" started after setting for awhile,but it sounds like you have a motor issue.
Yeah, I've heard of this. Sounds like if it goes a while without use, it kind of "locks up" and just needs a little bit to break it free. Can't be the case with this one at all...its always running.
Anyone else got anything? Really hesitant to toss a motor in if there's any possible way it could be something else...
Not sure how hard it is to pull the motor but it may be worth your time to pull it and put some power directly to the motor. If that works then you have an electrical issue getting power to the motor. Did you test the Thermostat (if you have one)? Also you could test the leads that run to the motor to see if you are getting the full voltage.
Just some thoughts on other things to try.
Frank O.
Frank and Vicki
Niwot, CO
2006 Itasca Sunrise 35A
States visited/camped in, not just driven through.
frankandvicki wrote: Not sure how hard it is to pull the motor but it may be worth your time to pull it and put some power directly to the motor. If that works then you have an electrical issue getting power to the motor. Did you test the Thermostat (if you have one)? Also you could test the leads that run to the motor to see if you are getting the full voltage.
Just some thoughts on other things to try.
Frank O.
Some good ideas...think I will take the multimeter up there and check what I am getting at the motor.
How do you test the t-stat? I have a wall thermostat...Duo-Therm with 3 fan speeds.
Any idea what type of voltages I should be getting where?
Offline
