How To Diagnose A BAD Compressor | HVAC Troubleshooting

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This customer called complaining their upstairs Trane heat pump split system is not cooling properly. In this video I show my troubleshooting process from start to finish and how I diagnosed the system to have a faulty compressor. Hope you enjoy the video!!
#trane #hvac #troubleshooting

[@banner7310]

Wouldn't mind you making a "How to Diagnose" series with common issues to look out for

[@circaskater254]

As a new guy in HVAC this would be a great series!

[@eddieloius4592]

yes!

[@Jason-ju7df]

!

[@AngelHVACR]

That would be a great idea now that I do service this would be clutch !

[@YuShudNoe]

👍🏼💯 AGREE

[@user-rx5qf7ti4h]

im a new hvac tech in the field and just wanted to say i learned alot from you

[@brianpatrick678]

Thanks to the installer who faced the access towards the home. They could have turned it another 90° and made life so much easier for technicians to work on it

[@Brazda25]

Ok Sam

[@deependz3231]

Punch a hole in the wall for easier access inside the building.

[@marketmash6953]

Putting the access panel on the outside not only looks like garbage, but have now exposed the lineset and valve to possible damage.

[@ItsEdwinG]

@@marketmash6953I think you don’t do Ac Panel should be always service accesible

[@alfonsobenitez8574]

I am a retired 69 yo HVAC contractor, licensed here in Texas, still working. I enjoy watching technician and i like your professionalism and the care you take to do things right. Thumbs up! No doubts, i only have my right arm, but i am able to change motors, capasitor, etc. Congratulation on this great video.

[@sergioorozco9044]

I have a question if you don’t mind to answer. My condensation drain line ends right outside my house. Literally at the end of the house foundation. There is a 6 inch cemet cut out that it drains into. The rest of the area is a very large concrete patio and pool area. Sometimes the water overflows and it covers the condensation line. I recently upgraded my entire unit with a Trane xr14 system. Is that going to be a problem in the future?

[@toptiermango2122]

⁠@@sergioorozco9044 well your condensate line should be flowing downhill so theoretically no. But maybe you could create a French drain or something like that to help drain the water.

[@deependz3231]

With only one arm, you probably take twice as long and charge twice as much?

[@billyflanagan9657]

Most failures are because the installer was a buffoon and brased the lines without nitrogen and did not know how to properly evacuate and charge the unit. I installed my unit 32 years ago and I installed a hard start kit it is still running like a dream. I change the contactor every 7 years and keep the coil and filter clean

[@kenthomas4668]

Good job, I like to pop off the fan, pull off the wires at terminals, and reset breaker. If it stays on you have your answer without all those other tests.

[@jerryjones4332]

I am a new tech in The Bahamas and I am very impressed and inspired by your standard of work and depth of knowledge...I hope to communicate more direct with you...continue the awesome work!!

[@olytorres4499]

All u need to do to see if is a bad compresor is take out the plung on the compresom turn on breaker if dont pop out breaker is a bad comp 👍

[@User-be5yj]

@@olytorres4499that’s the fastest way to check yes

[@AshS85]

Two HvAC guys came, did none of these diagnostics and told me I need a full system replacement...this industry has become so crooked with all hustlers & no skilled repairmen.

[@ShyGuyFTW]

Same thing happened to me, can you let me know if your compressor was actually bad?

[@dougking7592]

These days finding refrigeration parts and compressors is getting ridiculous in the HVAC-R field great videos brother

[@techdan7098]

I love the video!!! The only change that would be extremely helpful is if the camera was filming where you are testing the electrical components. In some parts the camera man is in front of the evaporator unit and you cant see what you're doing

[@Alienspecies635]

Run capacitor is never under warranty here in Massachusetts but I agree always change it out. Good technician he knows his stuff

[@AaronPowellvox]

Beautifully quick way to explain this to technicians. Great video.

[@gudspidmadira5278]

Nothing great about the video when we cant see what he is doing

[@gourmetcookingwithkids3390]

Great video. I would add if that oil is acidic, install a suction drier to help clean that system. Your troubleshooting process is exactly the same as mine and I’ve been in the trade for almost 30yrs

[@Review-This]

That should be done anytime the system is opened to the atmosphere. Coil replacement, compressor replacement, Txv’s, Ext.

[@gourmetcookingwithkids3390]

@@Review-This a liquid line drier, yes I agree but a suction drier isn’t needed every time a system is opened.

[@raulmelgar7695]

I really like your troubleshooting procedure. Keep making more videos of it.

[@Vic92]

Thank you so much for this content, it helps a lot those junior technicians like me.

[@luckyone859]

Everyone don’t forget to flush your lines if bad compressor probably going to have oils and contaminants in the system. Here in KY I use r11 flush. Use virgin refrigerant guys unknowingly skip over this a lot around here and new compressor will go bad 1-5 years guaranteed. Braise w nitro, protect your valves, swap other warranty party while you’re in there. I also swap filter dryer to be safe 🤘

[@JayydiYT]

Just subscribed! I will be following you through my next year’s HVAC Journey😤

[@rodgraff1782]

You should use a megger capable of producing 500 or so volts for checking for grounded compressors and motors, instead of a ohm meter with a 9 volt battery. It will pick up high resistance ground faults measured in megohms, that an ohm meter can’t find. I use a crank type AMEC, and use it for troubleshooting all types of grounds. If that compressor turns out to be a burnout, there is more to cleaning the system, than blowing it out and putting in new refrigerant. You should install burn out dryers, or what they call a temporary clean up kit, and change out the dryer cores until there is zero acid in the oil. Otherwise you will have another burnout in short order. This procedure makes compressor replacements very expensive, because it can require multiple return trips. In the case of a running burn which has pumped contaminants such as nasty oil and soot thru- out the system it’s better to just replace the whole unit. If the burn is what we call “clean and sweet”, with no acid or odor in the oil, you can get by with just replacing the filter dryers.

[@tedallen9078]

with a dead short to ground in a compressor a mega ohm meter is not necessary. it's grounded, to what extent it's grounded is not vital. what he does not show is the condition on the condenser coil. spin fin tubing is notorious for clogging. maintenance on a trane condenser is time consuming and not done regularly. i'd bet that's the cause of the burn out.

[@rodgraff1782]

@@tedallen9078 I agree if it is a dead short to ground, you will pick that up ok, but an ohmmeter cannot detect a very high resistance to ground at operating voltage. A condition such as this can still cause blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers.

[@tedallen9078]

i often pull out my meger first. but the cause is probably a restricted condenser coil.@@rodgraff1782

[@rruizproductions]

You’re very professional. Great job!

[@adam_a923]

Great video, thanks! I'm currently a 2nd year student for HVAC and i really learn a lot from your vids!

[@AngelHVACR]

2 years for an hvac school?

[@AngelHVACR]

I did 9 months and now am a service tech i did not know school was that long

[@shmokeyduhbear4203]

@@AngelHVACR yessir, currently finishing up my 2nd year ending in September. Final class is my 608 universal

[@adam_a923]

@@AngelHVACR Yea, it's for my associates degree in applied sciences

[@nsant]

​@@AngelHVACR Some trade schools are accredited by the same commissions that accredit bigger universities. you can get their associates and then transfer that to an engineering degree or business degree etc.

[@sbukosky]

Probably mentioned in other comments but I'd have mentioned that the LL driver is replaced anytime a system is opened. It will be covered by Trane/AmStd when warranty compressor is changed. And if acid, consider Acid Away. If oil sample is not clear, a suction line filter added. Maximum 5 psi drop after 24 hours of RUN TIME and must be changed. If less than 3psi, ok to leave in but they are supposed to be removed when done cleaning up the system. If you want to get fancy, pipe a bypass around it.

[@rodgraff1782]

If I had a bad burnout I would install a temporary clean up kit, and change out the dryers until the oil test showed no acid, and the oil was not discolored. These go in the suction line and have high capacity acid removal cores and temporary hoses. When you are done a piece of rigid pipe goes in place of where the kit was. I’ve replaced large compressors, 125 Carrier semi heretics which are very expensive. You can’t afford to have another failure, so you have to do everything possible to prevent it from happening again

[@LilChelle]

I have many vents in my home. One vent doesn’t blow any air. It’s clean and open. All the other vents work and all filters are clean as I change them and check them every month.

[@taylord8924]

Great Work and good recommendations on how to fix HVAC Properly, 👍

[@DavidHernandez-gt9bo]

Nice work !!! Good videos very organized and thorough as usual . Keep up the good work !

[@javierhv3019]

Nope

[@javierhv3019]

Piensas que hiso buen trabajo que me dices de las Aspas Como la puso Esa es muy delicada

[@Eddy63]

Good troubleshooting and diagnosis ... Thx for helping the new tech's out ...

[@johnnybhoy4278]

Great video. No BS, just the facts. Subscribed!

[@RRpaniaguajrHVAC]

Feeling that heat down here in the south, been having some systems failing or not keeping up mostly cause they never get there systems maintained even when it offered. Never get to many Trane/ American standard compressors fail. But stay safe in this heat.

[@nathanbrown5099]

Agreed I hardly ever see a failed trane compressor but they did have a few years of unreliability

[@vSeabass]

Thx for this, very knowledgeable. I work in Phoenix for Penguin air and i am always looking for a more efficient way of diagnosing a compressor as it can be tough to focus when it is 110+ out let alone patient

[@swizlstik]

Congratulations on making the cover of The News!!

[@soloch69]

Great video like always keep them coming 👍🏻

[@marcelocortez18]

Another great video. Keep them coming👍👍

[@johnwalker890]

Good job Zack.

[@bbizzle82]

i like the odemon music at the end!

[@mattluongo7763]

The company I work for requires that we recover and weight the charge as part of out diagnosis for failed compressors, we then put the charge back in case the customer wants a 2nd opinion. It's time consuming but covers your back incase there's a leak. Zack I'm sure can confirm that just because a system is newish does mean there's not a leak.

[@johnstrh1]

i work on a lot of Lennox systems, our company installed one in january and I was out there a week or two ago to find it dead empty. New stuff seems to be the leakiest lol

[@TheMax13542]

how do you know you pulled a full charge on a split unit if the data plate only tells you the condenser charge? Sounds like opprotunity for f#ckery if your tech purges hoses properly you'll lose a few ounces no matter what, also huge possibility of contamination of the refrigerant. Its generally a pretty safe bet if you put a guage on it and saturation is relatively close to ambient your fine.

[@mattluongo7763]

@@TheMax13542 condenser label plus .6oz per feet of line set past 15 feet. You outa know that if you been in the feild for any length of time. Not saying I enjoy recovering for the fun of it, just sharing what my company practice is.

[@mattluongo7763]

@@TheMax13542 and how many oz you use to purge your lines? Only take a little bit of vapor

[@TheMax13542]

@@mattluongo7763 if you been in the field under someone who isnt a hack you'd now charge is dialed based on superheat/subcool. 0.6oz/ft is that a 3/8 liquid line, 1/4 liquid line, 3/4 suction, 5/8 suction? I suppose to ur out there with a tape measure everytime checking that lineset length. different sized lineset will measure different. the only way you know for sure if charge is 100% is SC/SH on a split AC system, anyone who tells you else is full of doodoo. And if done right ya you may only lose an oz purging but like i said opprotunity for f#ckery and contamination.

[@williamserver4332]

I would like to see your method for blowing out the lines when you go back. Great video

[@onenikkione]

Looking forward to the follow up

[@kenwhiteproductions]

please do a follow up video on this call with the blowout, and testing of refrigerant! thanks for your hard work!

[@justinschumacher1268]

Big fan of the channel bro keep it up I’m in my first year of apprenticeship very helpful for me

[@slaw8609]

I've always had problems getting trane parts.. and a.s

[@seancabage1641]

That's a clean looking Civic.

[@Demy26]

That red Honda Civic is clean

[@robertlowrey5485]

Absolute champion.

[@coreypo1124]

Awesome video!

[@ericmelendez3688]

On a bad compressor our policy is to document standing pressures, total static pressure and airflow across the evaporator coil to rule out any possibilities that may have caused it. Wondering if this something that you do ?

[@leelee287]

I think adding a surge protector on I tail install is also a good idea to protect the compressor from brown outs and surges

[@rodgraff1782]

Sometimes an electrical failure can be caused by a mechanical failure that happened first, such as blown valves, caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor. The compressor would then run, but not pump, and cause it to overheat and burn out. It is important to check all electrical components, capacitors, replace the contractor, check for proper airflow, etc.

[@qamrulfarooqi]

Looking forward to the replacement video

[@_mikishi_]

Would be nice if you did close-up shots when you do the testing.

[@user-bq5kf9en1r]

Great video 💯

[@guitarbydaniel]

Great video thanks 👍🏼

[@b-2466]

Zac, I hope you come out with some merch that says "quality hvacr" on it. That'd be cool.

[@Wakho007]

Hey that trane. The old orange compressor some times wait out a day and adding hardstart works

[@pedrojuarez5834]

I work in the HVAC field as well Out of Nacogdoches Tx temperature will 98 no rain

[@joelmelendez5916]

I know bro .im over here in dallas .mucho hot

[@Deltron6060]

105° in Vegas, stay hydrated!

[@voltgan]

Great video Curious to know if that air handler was/is the same age as the condenser?

[@pubchat2913]

Nice vid man. I’m wondering what killed the compressor though

[@josecruz3237]

That a good practice back in the days 😂😂😂

[@Bigfred818]

Yes thumbs up.good vid

[@charlesdavis7461]

Last year I bought a trane and beside the new compressor, they had to install 2 more.

[@hvacmike2421]

They've installed 2 compressors in a year on a new unit? Yikes

[@Boojyman]

Bro u rthr man keep the vidz

[@sathiyaraj5281]

Bro ,please keep your video s are contentfulllness

[@EdenGPerez]

Gracias güerito eres chingon

[@dreweatmon130]

How do you store your Freon with working out of a truck with the decked drawer system, asking for my personal info, I’m converting over to working out my 1500 with drawer system and camper shell

[@Duey_diditGarage]

Great vid have you noticed an increase in Rheem reversing valves leaking alot in the the past year

[@nicholasr7987]

Is this my problem?

[@Duey_diditGarage]

@@nicholasr7987 ive had a bunt of about 7 yr old rheems leaking on the joints of the reversing valves and on the high pressure sensor coming off the top orf the compressore in the middle of the bend on the tiny tube

[@Floridaman458]

I had a HVAC technician come out today, $95 service fee and he told me my compressor was shorted to ground checking by the contactor but he never actually opened up the unit and checked the compressor itself. The unit is only 1 year old (rheem) so covered under warranty but then he needs to drain, recharge coolant and add in new filters I believe. In all it’s going to cost about $900. Should I go buy a multimeter for $50 and check compressor myself to make sure it’s not a bad harness or wire before I pay him $900

[@nicholasr7987]

I'm chasing a bad evap in Rheem....15 months old.

[@Floridaman458]

@@nicholasr7987 it was worst case scenario for me. Compressor broke apart and sent metal shards through the whole system. Paid $1,500 for new compressor which blew as soon as we turned it on. Had to get a whole new install and rheem wouldn’t honor warranty and it was through a “rheem pro” company. $8,000 for whole new system. Less than 2yrs old. Watch for the TXV valve in evap, tends to clog.

[@kylew657]

I have 2 of those units, 3 years old. Not happy with the issues I am having so far.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Sad that most newer equipment is pure JUNK! Just like home appliances they build today.

[@joelmelendez5916]

Good video..where are u located

[@billyflanagan9657]

Why did the compressor fail? Did we check the superheat and compression ratio? Also install a HH drier and acid away and a suction filter drier.Also check the total static to be sure you have the proper air flow across the evaporator.

[@Augdogfrogslog]

I’ve been working for just over a year, but in commercial and industrial, sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I want the money that comes with the commercial side. Been watching some residential guys and it seems less stressful. Do you have experience in any of this and have tips.

[@chasewebb4556]

Can you do a video of you going through your tool bag what you carry on you

[@haroldcruz2143]

What good is it to test that there is a shortage to ground if your camara man stays ten feet away and you don’t show where to put the probes. 😂

[@ozziewelcome5612]

Good 👍 👍

[@mr.fixdaplate]

Legend

[@captainjskip5822]

How do you test the oil in the bad compressor?

[@rocker8692]

Question,can you have a compressor check out good electronically but be brokin inside mechanically?

[@burakokumus6040]

Thumbs Up!

[@deependz3231]

The Logo of the unit should always be installed parallel to the side of the building for easier access. A little dirty is nothing, my Trane outdoor unit went for 16 years with not one service call until I replaced a rusty capacitor. The inside unit was at least twice as dirty of what you're showing.

[@Goodfella0982]

So you never replaced your indoor filter every month or so?

[@deependz3231]

@@Goodfella0982 Just to be clear, I'm talking about the outdoor unit exclusive. So when I finally had to open it up to replace a capacitor that had gone bad, that area was filled with cobwebs/spider webs. I also had to clean the area near the compressor because their were bits of insulation all around. Seems mice one time or another worked their way into the compressor sound jacked and nested. So I removed that jacket for the summer season, on KZbin you see a lot of compressors that aren't even using one, but let me tell you, it's like night and day with using a jacket vs not using one. Inside the house you could hear that compressor upon starting up, and also continuous running. Next season, I get a replacement jacket for sure.

[@grantbrown2432]

Usually what I will do is disconnect the common and run wires and the herm Wire and then plug the disconnect back in and if the outdoor fan kicks on you know the compressor is bad if it’s not in thermal overload of course

[@Deltron6060]

Waste of time to add extra steps when in the end you're going to check the compressor terminals. I start at terminals and work back if needed.

[@markwoten6679]

What is the story with the 20 amp fuses in the box and the 30 amp breaker?

[@ethansellers4924]

How do you swap the capacitor and contactor under warranty if they haven’t failed yet?

[@circaskater254]

Are disconnects on air handlers common where you are? Where I am in MA we have service switches on indoor units and disconnects on outdoor units.

[@mattluongo7763]

Very common here in NC

[@williamgildea8348]

Great troubleshooting video.

[@ronslaughterandalice1018]

So, curious question: can one say for certain the compressor is bad with using a set of cages only ? Seems to me you cannot.

[@chasethomas6127]

did you have your apprentice film you?

[@ICONBADGTA]

That's the only way bro..... Check it at the compressor itself... I also agree about the contactor and start cap, i don't know about the run also, but if they will swap it, pour it to it. Most will be assholes if the components aren't bad.

[@jaimecortez3601]

What model fieldpiece meter is that?

[@GiantSlayer-rr1vu]

I changed the capacitor and it is not blowing cold air. Help Freon R22. air conditioner. The guy came out and said it was low. He put more in and still no air. Now what? Thank you for sharing this video.

[@joelmelendez5916]

i will be waiting for the next video how to check the refrigerant to see is contaminated ..i wanna see how to check it

[@mitchmacleod7575]

An acid test kit comes with a strip similar to one used for testing water quality in a hot tub Once the old compressor is removed take a sample of the oil from the compressor and use the testing strip It will turn a different colour if acid is detected

[@joelmelendez5916]

@@mitchmacleod7575 thanks ...👍👍👍

[@keitha5188]

hes correct about replacing all those parts but i would have replaced fan motor,charge,condensor,and condensor cage with a new unit...lol Trane sucks too much shit to go wrong and to hard to deal with that company!!!

[@arthernandez1363]

What caused the electrical short that damaged the compressor?

[@bobboscarato1313]

Acid in the system can cause insulation in the compressor windings to break down. This will manifest itself by shorting to ground; If unit gets hit by lightning could be another reason. It's rare considering this unit has starting components and delay timers in the thermostat and elsewhere!

[@antonyraj673]

Compressor wiring short body shot 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@The-H-inADHD]

So I know how to check and see if the compressor is grounded but when you first checked and realized the fan or compressor was grounded where were you placing the meter leads?

[@DJV94022]

So when ever the compressor breaks the insides which are power (+) touch with ground (- metal) ? Making the output at the compressor (- negative)?

[@bobboscarato1313]

No if it's grounded is a dead-sort. Technically zero resistance!

[@DJV94022]

@@bobboscarato1313 gotcha thanks 🙏

[@654Arey]

Question: I am not an AC tech. Why is it necessary to replace an entire outdoor unit if it has a bad compressor?

[@HEMI345S]

Because that's probably 80% of the cost of the entire outside unit ...

[@thedoo777]

Hey I'm in need of a b vent manufacturer is unknown do you know any custom installers we will make me a simple b vent

[@ACDOCTOR760]

Underground line set?

[@FreebornOutdoors1776]

Do you get a new filter drier to replace too?

[@Deltron6060]

Always replace drier when you open a system, it saves future headaches.

[@FreebornOutdoors1776]

@@Deltron6060 I know I was asking him if he did

[@aarontracy5160]

What? No Trane parts in stock? This year is completely frustrating

[@bills6946]

Trane has a parts supply problem. You pay a big premium for the brand.

[@jefejones1394]

Why didn’t the fan still run?

[@tomhaeussler6553]

I guess it wasn’t too hard to stop that Trane!

[@artgonzalo4115]

What I learned is that compressor just don’t die, they get murdered. What are the common causes that murders a compressor?

[@bills6946]

Sloppy installation is the number one killer.

[@raulhernandez8827]

You're badass

[@JackGore]

Just a suggestion film better what terminals your reading with meter on board