Hermetic Compressor - Tecumseh

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Step 1: Before Continuing with Troubleshooting
WARNING! All electric power should be disconnected and you should have already made
sure that the compressor does not have a ground fault (see “Checking for a Ground Fault”
on pages 40-41). You should have also checked the windings for continuity and proper
resistance (see “Checking for Continuity and Proper Resistance” on page 42), made sure
the system is getting proper voltage, and that the control, thermostat, and contactor are
working properly.
Step 2: Disconnect Fan Motor or Any Other Devices
If there is a fan motor or any other auxiliary device, open the circuit for the fan motor or any
other device.
Step 3: Check Plug-in Run Capacitor
CAUTION: using a 20,000 ohm resistor, discharge the capacitor before removing it from
the system to avoid damage to measuring devices and risk of electric shock. Disconnect
the run capacitor from the system. Use a capacitance meter to check capacitor. Capacitance
should be 10% of the marked capacitor value.
As an alternative, check the run capacitor by measuring continuity across the capacitor
terminals:
• Rx1 scale: If there is continuity, then the run capacitor is shorted and needs to be
replaced.
• Rx100,000 scale: If there is no needle deflection on an analog meter or if a digital meter
indicates infinite resistance, then the run capacitor is open and needs to be replaced.
Possible reasons that a run capacitor is not working properly include:
• Use of incorrect run capacitor. Replace with proper run capacitor.
• Line voltage is too high (greater than 100% of rated voltage).
Step 4: Check External Thermal Protector
Check for continuity across the thermal protector (line 1 and compressor terminal connection).
If there is no continuity then the thermal protector may be tripped. Wait for the
protector to cool off and close. This may take more than an hour. Check continuity gain.
If there is no continuity, replace the protector.
For GE modules, replace the entire starting and protector package.
For TI (Sensata) modules, replace the thermal protector.
Step 5: Check Module PTC Relay
Check the relay by measuring continuity between the starting and protector package pin
holes where the R and S pins on the compressor are inserted. If there is no continuity, the
relay may be open. Wait 3 minutes, then check continuity again. If there is still no continuity,
replace the protector package.
Step 6: Continue Troubleshooting
If all above tests prove satisfactory and unit still fails to operate properly, check for adequate
compressor pumping as outlined in the procedure on page 70.