Central Air Condensing Fan problem

[jasu]

Condensing unit fan motor seems to overheat after running fine; unit cools nicely for 20+ minutes, then fan abruptly stops. After stopping, the fan blade has some resistance to being turned manually, but after 2 or 3 revolutions can be turned freely even with power on to the motor. Motor is hot to touch. After the motor cools, unit can turned back on and the cycle described above repeats. Husband replaced motor over 10 years ago. Still have motor and husband. Any recommendations?

[Joseph Meehan]

It (the motor) could just need lube, if you are lucky. Otherwise it is time to have husband replace the motor again (cheap fix). If he refuses, replace husband.

[*CBHVAC*]

Its lived a good life, but what you are talking about here sounds like, could be, more than likely is, the fan motor tripping on internal thermal.

Replace the motor. End of problem.

Cant help you with the husband issue...:)

[jim]

the bearing in the motor were probably never lubricated...after being run for a while the bearing heat up and then expand due to friction.. then the motor does not turn..... take too much power to turn a motor with bad bearings.. get a new motor and keep it oiled at least once a year.....

[Richard J Kinch]

Sticky bearings are a double whammy with runaway. Increased torque demand means increased heat in the motor windings. Increased friction means increased heat in the bearings. Increased heat means loss of lubrication and increased friction and increased friction. Doesn't take much of this to trip the internal thermal overload switch, which is a good thing. Most of these today are permanently (non-)lubricated throwaways, so remove-and- replace is the cure. Carefully match HP, RPM, and form factor.