Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning

Hi Forum!

My heat pump fan does not spin. If I turn it off and try to spin it, it turns freely, but with it powered up, it turns tight. The cap seems to be OK; no bulges.
Is my motor shot?

Thanks!
Mike

Sounds like the variable speed controller may have a problem.

Did you reset the controller ?


Good Luck.

I had an old AC unit where the fan wouldn't kick on. If you gave it a push with a stick, it would come up to speed and spin for a couple minutes and then would stop again. In my case, the cap was bad even though it looked fine. It was only a $20 part, so it was worth a try and that was the fix.

If it is a newer system, it may have a variable speed control (like Don mentions). If you could give us more info (model number, etc.), we might be able to tell you what it could be.

Thanks guys!

It is an A O Smith motor: F48T12A01, 1/3HP, 2.0Amps, 1075RPM
Cap: Packard POC 7.5uF
370V, oval: 2"x1.25"

I don't think it has a controller. It's 20 years old.

I remember now, that it did run once when I switched the outer unit back on when I was first looking at it.
A local shop said it was the motor, but I am beginning to think it may be the cap?

Thanks a lot!

That is a run cap and is likely to be bad.

If you can heat it up with a Hair Drier, you may be able to get it running, just for short test.

You should be able to get one for around $15.00

They can look good and still be bad, At 20 years it would not hurt to replace it.


Good Luck.