Fingers
Well-Known Member
So it looks like my heat pump took a bath during my basement flood and decided to pack it in. I've gotten estimates from $2000 to replace the compressor to over $8000 to replace the unit. I want to be sure that it's really blown before I fork over all those dollars so I'm hoping that there's a homebrewer with some expertise that can help me out. Please assume I'm highly technical.
The bottom of the compressor got wet to about 2 inches which covered the entrance of the power cables into the compressor. There is some white sealant around the wires but it's possible some water got in past the barrier. In addition to the compressor, the positive temperature coefficient resistor (PCTR) was submerged. I took it apart to drain it, but I have to confess that I'm unsure of its operation and whether or not it was damaged in any way. It seems to be simply two ceramic plates with a metal disc between them. I reassembled the resistor and one time it got very hot, so I took it apart again and this time there was no heat.
I checked the voltage to the compressor and there is 220 volts between the run and common terminals, and between the PCTR the common. The compressor doesn't seem to want to start at all.
I was alerted to the problem when the breaker to the furnace was thrown. I reset the breaker but did not hear any compressor operation. The breaker did not throw again immediately and I ran it for about 30 seconds per test without it tripping. I didn't want to push it any further than that if there is indeed a fault.
I haven't checked continuity to ground yet, or terminal to terminal because I've only just found a very basic schematic for a compressor online. Maybe some HVAC person can direct me to more information or tests to perform. I have access to a Fluke DMM and can borrow a scope from work if need be. In fact, I should be able to access any equipment that can be found in a well supplied electronics maintenance shop, but no specialty HVAC tools.
So if anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. I'm not expecting that much can be done, but I'd be wasting a great resource if I didn't ask. We can go to PMs if we start to bore anyone.
Thanks in advance, HVAC guys(gals).
The bottom of the compressor got wet to about 2 inches which covered the entrance of the power cables into the compressor. There is some white sealant around the wires but it's possible some water got in past the barrier. In addition to the compressor, the positive temperature coefficient resistor (PCTR) was submerged. I took it apart to drain it, but I have to confess that I'm unsure of its operation and whether or not it was damaged in any way. It seems to be simply two ceramic plates with a metal disc between them. I reassembled the resistor and one time it got very hot, so I took it apart again and this time there was no heat.
I checked the voltage to the compressor and there is 220 volts between the run and common terminals, and between the PCTR the common. The compressor doesn't seem to want to start at all.
I was alerted to the problem when the breaker to the furnace was thrown. I reset the breaker but did not hear any compressor operation. The breaker did not throw again immediately and I ran it for about 30 seconds per test without it tripping. I didn't want to push it any further than that if there is indeed a fault.
I haven't checked continuity to ground yet, or terminal to terminal because I've only just found a very basic schematic for a compressor online. Maybe some HVAC person can direct me to more information or tests to perform. I have access to a Fluke DMM and can borrow a scope from work if need be. In fact, I should be able to access any equipment that can be found in a well supplied electronics maintenance shop, but no specialty HVAC tools.
So if anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. I'm not expecting that much can be done, but I'd be wasting a great resource if I didn't ask. We can go to PMs if we start to bore anyone.
Thanks in advance, HVAC guys(gals).