Any ideas besides calling the AC repairman? I know just enough to get in trouble, but here goes.
The fan on my a/c compressor is not turning on the outdoor unit. I actually have two identical units next to each other, so it is easy to compare a working unit with a non-working unit. (upstairs and downstairs) As best as I can tell, there are only a few parts to the outdoor unit. There is a switch. I blew out the usual fireant carcasses (those in the south know what I mean ) I checked all of the wires and what is supposed to be hot is hot. I pushed in the magnetic switch and got power from both sides, so I think that the switch is good. When I turn on the thermostat, the switch connects like it is supposed to, but there is only a loud hum, no movement. There are also two things which I know from the electrical diagram are a start capacitor and a run capacitor. They each just plug into the wiring with wire blade connectors. I actually replaced one on the other unit before because it was apparent that it was bad as it looked like a soda can that had got too hot and the sides had pushed outwards. There is no indication like that this time, but I have no idea how to test one to see if it is good. I guess that the compressor itself might be bad, but I am hoping for the $50 self-repair and not the new unit replacement option! Any idea what to do before spending the big bucks? Thanks in advance. Robert