NorthPoint A/C tripping breaker

[Hoojs12840]

Our main A/C is tripping the 20 amp breaker in the coach if hooked to shore power or the 20 amp breaker on the Factory Genset if we use it.

The fan will run fine on auto so it has to be in the compressor, but the compressor fan moves freely. Sometimes it will come on for 15-20 then kick the breaker, sometimes won’t come on at all even without the breaker tripped. Weird that looks like some of the black foam insulation looks “chewed”. Wasn’t like that when I cleaned the filter and cans this summer.

Thoughts? Here’s photos.










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[Grumpy]

If it's a Heat Pump could be a bad reversing valve. Went through 2 a/c units on our PINNACLE because of that problem.

[Mopar_Earl]

Did you check for loose/bad connections at the breaker and the AC unit? If both are good try swapping in another breaker or a new one.


Earl

[Hoojs12840]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

If it's a Heat Pump could be a bad reversing valve. Went through 2 a/c units on our PINNACLE because of that problem.

It is a heat pump unit. When I tried heat I get the same results.

Can you replace the reversing valve?

Jason


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[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Hoojs12840

It is a heat pump unit. When I tried heat I get the same results.

Can you replace the reversing valve?

Jason

Nope, needs a new unit. When the valve sticks it causes excessive head pressure on the compressor.

[Hoojs12840]

Wonder since it’s 2.5 yrs old of Coleman or Jayco will feel like helping a guy out.

Also. How would one test that is the actual problem????

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[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Hoojs12840

Also. How would one test that is the actual problem????

I found that Airexcel (Coleman) has good customer support, I would give them a call.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Nope, needs a new unit. When the valve sticks it causes excessive head pressure on the compressor.

Both compressor & reversing valve is replaceable by me or any other AC tech. Not saying worth the cost only that its easy other than climbing on the roof.
I'm leaning to a loose/corroded connection at breaker or compressor . Bad breaker 2nd.
Compressor could be grounded & normally you need a meter that will read out meg ohms to see fault but not allways

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by poohbear

Both compressor & reversing valve is replaceable by me or any other AC tech.

Just asking....

If that's the case why does Coleman always replace the entire unit? Also it doesn't have any shrader valves for freon replacement.

[Mopar_Earl]

Service ports can be added. I'm sure Coleman replaces the unit due to labor and parts costs. But yes, the units are field serviceable. Parts can be replaced and service ports added. Pull a vac, charge with refrigerant and done. But standard ac units run 500 to 900 bucks. So parts and labor can't blow that away. It's also hard to find ppl that can service the units and properly. Also to properly troubleshoot. Too much risk/cost for Coleman.


Earl

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Just asking....

If that's the case why does Coleman always replace the entire unit? Also it doesn't have any shrader valves for freon replacement.

As I said, not saying its a smart financial move as when I was in business , to do a compressor change I wouldn't have bothered for less than a grand. The reversing valve nealy as much . Several of my customers wanted compressors even tho I always tried to get them to just order a new one & get a rv dealer to change out.

[Chiggins]

We live in a "throw away" culture where it's cheaper and easier to junk items then fix them... sad but true

[Rock]

Others have said change the breaker and check the ground and neutral bonding. My last trailer went thru ac units under warranty when problem was a loose wire.
Another great CW repair saying three ac units were bad.

[ranchosinvacas]

The pieces of black insulation material in the photo appear to be scattered about in the unit housing. Possibly rodents at work trying to make a home? Have you checked for wires with damaged or chewed up insulation? Damaged wiring could lead to "hot to ground" issues which could easily trip a breaker.

[Hoojs12840]

Had a guy check it out today. Wiring and capacitors/fan all good. As soon as it tried to turn on he knew what it was. Compressor is locked up tight. Going to call Jayco/Airxcell tomorrow and see what they will do. It’s 6 mths out of warranty, but it shouldn’t have broke that soon regardless.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Hoojs12840

Had a guy check it out today. Wiring and capacitors/fan all good. As soon as it tried to turn on he knew what it was. Compressor is locked up tight. Going to call Jayco/Airxcell tomorrow and see what they will do. It’s 6 mths out of warranty, but it shouldn’t have broke that soon regardless.

Did the tech actually check the capacitor for correct microfarads & then reverse rotation of compressor ( swap run & start leads) to see if would bump free ? Or just look

[Hoojs12840]

He had this little thing that looked like a multimeter that was just for capacitors. He pulled both capacitors and tested them, then took the plastic top off the compressor and checked the power when it tried to kick on. Switched some wires and still nothing.

I tried to watch everything he was doing without being in his way.

[Hoojs12840]

Update. Coleman is sending me a new unit to replace the old one.