SS radiator looks like it has a major problem

devlos · Feb 14, 2015

But if the start capacitor isn't working then it might not get enough power to start? I haven't tried to run it since the day I got it, maybe it will start... I hope.

EDIT: FTW I'll give it a try real quick and see what happens.

ATMINSIDE · Feb 14, 2015

Chances of a compressor kicking the bucket are a LOT higher than that of a capacitor.

devlos · Feb 14, 2015

Welp I just tried again and It was the same as before. I only gave it like 30 - 45 seconds this time while tapping at the compressor lightly. After that it was a little warm from the middle up, the bottom half was cold still. And it sounds just like an ac unit just before the "motor kicks in".

ATMINSIDE · Feb 14, 2015

Sounds like it's getting plenty of power since its getting warm that quick.
Do you have a voltmeter? Can you get to the contacts or any part of the wire to measure the voltage getting to the compressor?

*** Be very careful around the capacitor!! ***

xsuperbgx · Feb 14, 2015

Does the wiring look like it has been messed with or is it wrapped and tied up well?

devlos · Feb 14, 2015

I do but not enough light out on the porch to do that right now. Will see what its getting in the morning, with caution.

- - - Updated - - -

The wiring is like new, does not look tampered with.

xsuperbgx · Feb 14, 2015

Ahhh!!!
Look at the voltage on that compressor!!

ARe you using 220V?

ATMINSIDE · Feb 14, 2015

xsuperbgx said:
Ahhh!!!
Look at the voltage on that compressor!!

ARe you using 220V?

Good catch! 220V-240V @ 50Hz!
If there isn't a transformer in there you'll have to put it on a different line.

Most wall outlets are 110V-120V.

Edit: Are there any stickers/tags on that white box at the power receptacle?
It looks like an unmarked conduit box, but there's a good chance there's a transformer in there.
If so, one side of the box will measure 120V, and the other will measure 240V.

devlos · Feb 14, 2015

Hmm def using 110v outlet... have to check in the morning, it keeps looking better though!

NiHaoMike · Feb 15, 2015

That box doesn't look big enough for a transformer to run that compressor.

If you don't want to get 240V routed to your room (understandable as it is probably too expensive), get a 240V VFD (surplus) and put a voltage doubler on the input to get the required voltage from the 120V line.

xsuperbgx · Feb 15, 2015

or just plug it in the 220 for your clothes dryer. Make an extension/adapter cord with parts from home depot.

NoL · Feb 15, 2015

Ha yeah Dimas builds for 220v normally. The best solution is the simplest.

devlos · Feb 15, 2015

Looking for an outlet, I don't have a dryer and everything is gas. I opened the box and its just some wiring and a a capacitor for maybe the fan, ill put pics up soon.

NoL · Feb 15, 2015

Do you have a volt meter?
You can combine two 110 outlets if they are on separate phase to 220v. But you'll be at 60hz instead of 50hz, bit of a speed change and performance change, but may still run fine.

devlos · Feb 16, 2015

Still trying to get a 220 outlet setup. But that is whats up for now.
I do have a volt meter.

This goes to the fan.

ATMINSIDE · Feb 16, 2015

35 micro farad? JESUS

Yeah, you definitely need it on 220V, there's nothing in there to switch the voltage.

Edit: Something like this could do nicely for you:
http://www.220converters.com/store/p/33-800-Watts-Step-Up-Step-Down-Power-Transformer.html

xsuperbgx · Feb 16, 2015

I doubt that 800 watt would be sufficient. That compressor will draw more than that, especially at startup.

NoL · Feb 16, 2015

800W won't be sufficient, at least not at startup.
You need a 220v outlet. Running it on 60hz will be fine for now.
Try comparing the voltage with your multimeter/voltmeter between two DIFFERENT outlets. You will find an outlet set that are out of phase and give you 220V. Wire that in.

NiHaoMike · Feb 16, 2015

It would probably be cheaper to find a surplus 240V VFD and then make a voltage doubler to run it rather than try to find a transformer big enough for the compressor. (Unless you manage to find a surplus transformer of the correct specs in your area.) A transformer also won't help if the unit needs more than the 15A or 20A (at 120V) a single outlet supplies, but with a VFD, you can dial it down to stay within limits.

If you know someone very good with electronics, he/she could probably work with you to build a solid state converter for even less than a VFD. It's really just the voltage doubler and a power H bridge plus an oscillator to drive it. Probably on the order of $40 or so in parts at your power level.

Here's a gadget for combining two out of phase 120V outlets, but it costs more than a surplus VFD. It's popular with EV owners who want to charge twice as fast without expensive rewiring.
http://www.quick220.com/220_catalog/voltage-converters.html

devlos · Feb 16, 2015

Sorry not the fan, the compressor!!

I had fan on my mind wow.
http://www.quick220.com/220_catalog/voltage-converters.html
Now let me read the last few posts!!

---

Okay, I like this idea http://www.quick220.com/220_catalog/voltage-converters.html just because this is an old house and the breaker box has had 104 years of service. So if I can find two different phases to plug instead of doing any wiring that would be better, plus I could move it around if I needed to with ext cords.

My multimeter needs a new battery and I don't have one at home. But it is reading 130v on the outlets I tested.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3000-W-Watt...191?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e39facd7

3000w

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=18MM6XR0DWN272Y2PFAY

http://www.220converters.com/store/p/9-5000-Watts-Step-Up-Step-Down-Transformer.html
5000w

?

Any more money and I can just have a 220 outlet put in.

SS radiator looks like it has a major problem

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