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Boxster1971 · 05-08-2021, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the follow up. I also need to change the starting capacitor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaylorsan

PROBLEM SOLVED

Third time’s a charm...

I installed a softstart unit. No go. ~$300

During that install, noticed that the motor was locked up when under load. Changed it out. No go. ~ $180 on eBay.

The only real item left was the starting capacitor. Changed it out. Did the trick. ~ $20 on eBay.

FWIW, used BRBARNZ wrote me right after I purchased the motor and suggested it was the capacitor; he was indeed correct.

In any case, I have a new motor and a nice soft start up. Hopefully I’m good to go for awhile.

Thanks again for everyone’s help.

toskeysam · 05-09-2021, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaylorsan

PROBLEM SOLVED

Third time’s a charm...

I installed a softstart unit. No go. ~$300

During that install, noticed that the motor was locked up when under load. Changed it out. No go. ~ $180 on eBay.

The only real item left was the starting capacitor. Changed it out. Did the trick. ~ $20 on eBay.

FWIW, used BRBARNZ wrote me right after I purchased the motor and suggested it was the capacitor; he was indeed correct.

In any case, I have a new motor and a nice soft start up. Hopefully I’m good to go for awhile.

Thanks again for everyone’s help.

My dad used to call that an unintended upgrade.

**GCinSC2** · 05-09-2021, 06:41 AM

Many if not most decent multi meters has the function to test a capacitor. You determine the value of the cap it's on the case, power OFF, short the cap terminals with an insulated screwdriver, pull one or two wires off and test with meter. Refer to meter instructions for details.

I found out of spec cap on my Dometic years ago and a bad cap on my home AC with same technique.

Good you got it going.

Titus · 05-11-2021, 01:07 PM

Never heard of replacing capacitors as a PM item, but seems that it is at least worth carrying spares with me. What is the size of each? I don't know if the starting current of my AC has been increasing over time, but worth noting going forward Up until now our has started and ran fine with the generator - not that we use it that way often because of the noise. In campgrounds we have 30A which is more than enough. I did trip the garage's 20A GFCI breaker once while running the AC in the driveway.

kaylorsan · 05-12-2021, 10:36 AM

Titus, I can't comment on the Start Capacitor, however the Run Capacitor was a 45/15uF + 15 uF. I could not find that exact size, so I ended up with a 60/15uF. I got it off of eBay for ~$20.

GAAirstreamr · 05-12-2021, 05:58 PM

Kaylorsan,
I removed my start capacitor when I installed my EasyStart364. Did your directions not have you remove yours? I have a Dometic Penguin II AC

kaylorsan · 05-13-2021, 06:53 AM

GAAirstreamr, yes, the start capacitor was no longer needed. I left it installed in place, however I disconnected the wiring.

jedcon22 · 01-02-2022, 07:46 AM

We have a 2021 Airstream Interstate. With the generator running, when the AC comes on, the fan pulls 4 amps, the compressor then pulls 32 amps for a total of 36 amps for a second or two and then settles into 14 amps. The problem is the compressor stops the generator when it spikes to 36 amps. If it is cool outside, not much of a problem. If it is hot, it takes a few starts. I start with 0 amps all loads, including charging, are turned off.

**richard5933** · 01-02-2022, 09:24 AM

Not sure this is excessive draw on startup, especially if hot outside. Do you have a soft start installed on the a/c unit?

**GCinSC2** · 01-02-2022, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedcon22

With the generator running,

Airstream Interstate 24GT, Class B built in generator correct? Did it ever work as Ac and built in gen?

dmac · 02-08-2022, 12:04 PM

I installed a Micro Air Easy Start in my Dometic Penguin heat pump several years ago. (Note that the Easy Start replaces the original start capacitor!) It worked fine running on my Honda EU2000i until last summer, when it kept tripping the generator breaker. A couple months ago the heat pump fan wouldn’t run on grid power. I finally got around to researching it and found the fan side of the dual run capacitor was dead. It’s a 20+10mf 370 volt capacitor, not a common size. I ordered one from Amazon and installed it today. Success! Heat pump works fine, and runs on the generator.

jedcon22 · 02-09-2022, 04:39 AM

Our 2021 Airstream Interstate GT AC runs great on shore power. The amps go to the mid thirties when the compressor starts which shuts the generator down about 50% of the time. We just keep restarting until it doesn't shut off. Usually 2-3 times.

dmac · 02-09-2022, 05:21 AM

That doesn’t sound good for either the generator or the AC. Do you have a soft start?

jedcon22 · 02-10-2022, 04:28 AM

My 2021 Airstream Interstate AC fan pulls 4 amps. If it is at 8 amps before the compressor comes on, the lithium battery is charging for the additional 4 amps. I always turn the charger to zero and start with zero amps when starting the AC. The fan then pulls 4 amps and the compressor can pull anywhere from 20-30 amps for a few seconds. I am interested in the soft start but can't find anyone who installs them.

dmac · 02-10-2022, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedcon22

My 2021 Airstream Interstate AC fan pulls 4 amps. If it is at 8 amps before the compressor comes on, the lithium battery is charging for the additional 4 amps. I always turn the charger to zero and start with zero amps when starting the AC. The fan then pulls 4 amps and the compressor can pull anywhere from 20-30 amps for a few seconds. I am interested in the soft start but can't find anyone who installs them.

It’s an easy installation. Remove AC cover, connect a few wires, and attach the soft start with screws. If you can’t DIY I think any electrician could do it for you.