Coleman AC Woes

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 07:30:57 AM

I have 2 of my Coleman Mach 8, 15,000 btu with heat pumps and condensation pumps that are drawing 26 amps what should I check. I have changed all the caps (start,run and fan) in ea.I would like save some money instead of replacing 2 units @$1200.00 ea any ideas.If the compressor is the problem I will change out the units Coleman want $600.00 for the compressor alone,So how do you check the compressor ? Mine are model 47024B676 lol just my luck they are not your average Coleman

thanks

dtcerrato · July 30, 2021, 07:44:28 AM

Your Coleman will probably out perform our Dometic 13,500 Brisk Air Ii but we swear by that particular unit as it is the highest efficiency roof air on the market. Sells at under $1000 and draws a whopping 9 amps running. Our inverter runs one at 950W 12vdc. Two units can be run on a 30A circuit. We've always only had one unit on our 04 & it does a decent job.Just an option fwiw.

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 07:52:12 AM

Thanks Dan but mine are ducted and being 13'2" tall I have to stay with the low profile and all 3 work off 1 thermostat with zones setting,when working right they run on 13 amp up to 15 amps depending on temperature

lvmci · July 30, 2021, 08:18:56 AM

Hopefully Nick Badame will pop in with advice...

freds · July 30, 2021, 10:22:01 AM

After decades in the computer industry I absolutely hate fan noise!!!

While I want an efficient air conditioner a quite one is really, really high on my priority list.

I understand that ducting can help in this regard. To the point that I am considering some experiments Carrier Air V units that I have now.

Mine is the older version with a compressor and fan motor that drives the internal airflow squirrel cage fan and the condenser fan off of the same shaft. Newer ones have two fan motors.

Thinking removing the internal squirrel cage fan and having multiple ultra quite computer fans in the duct work for the same air flow.

Another quicker approach would be use a motor speed controller. Maybe replace all the controlling logic with a ESP32 micro processor and sensors.

Here's an article on someone who performed such a modification with discreet electronics.

http://www.technology.niagarac.on.ca/people/mcsele/hobby/rv-fan-speed-controller/

The latest buzz word out there is inverter driven compressor. Is there any advantage to trying to also modulate the compressor speed?

Any AC experts or others out there that want to weight in?

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 10:59:37 AM

The way my Colemans are ducted you cannot hear them run.when they work and they are 2 motor setup

windtrader · July 30, 2021, 12:09:50 PM

The inverter tech is used by most high-efficiency mini-split units which enable such impressive results; that is, low amp draw, both at startup and steady state operations.

Dave5Cs · July 30, 2021, 12:53:55 PM

LOL Clifford asked if anyone knew how to tell him to fix his 2 Colemans that he already has, Not to rebuild his system, gessssss

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 01:09:53 PM

Quote from: Dave5Cs on July 30, 2021, 12:53:55 PM
LOL Clifford asked if anyone knew how to tell him to fix his 2 Colemans that he already has, Not to rebuild his system, gessssss

Can you picture me Dave cutting holes in the floor ,doors and hanging the inside unit in the RV for mini splits.plus I am not waiting for hours for cool down, the 45,000 btu in the 3 Colemans will get you there in a hurry when it's 118 degrees

thomasinnv · July 30, 2021, 01:37:46 PM

Clifford the only way to know for sure where the current draw is going is to use a clamp meter on each motor and the compressor and see what gives. If your control boxes are mounted inside the return plenum you can access them from underneath if you have access panels below the ac's. If not, or if they are miunted on the side of the unit, then it will require getting on the roof and pulling the covers.

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 01:48:23 PM

Quote from: thomasinnv on July 30, 2021, 01:37:46 PM
Clifford the only way to know for sure where the current draw is going is to use a clamp meter on each motor and the compressor and see what gives. If your control boxes are mounted inside the return plenum you can access them from underneath if you have access panels below the ac's. If not, or if they are miunted on the side of the unit, then it will require getting on the roof and pulling the covers.

With my system Van told me how to check it through the SliverLeaf it worked one has blower fan drawing 12 amps,the other the compressor is spiking to 50 amps on startup and will drop to 23 amps in a few mintues.If I can find somewhere that has them in stock I am going to replace all 3 lol with my luck if I changed 2 the 3rd one would stop next week, thanks Derrick I was hoping you would answer since you are rv tech

Van · July 30, 2021, 02:24:19 PM

Lemme know when you find the new ones.

chessie4905 · July 30, 2021, 05:51:10 PM

you sure it doesnt need some capacitors replaced?

luvrbus · July 30, 2021, 05:56:36 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on July 30, 2021, 05:51:10 PM
you sure it doesnt need some capacitors replaced?

Caps have all been replaced (9),the one with the spike the starter cap was fried well done ,the relay on the cap was melted so were the wires

Dave5Cs · July 30, 2021, 06:59:54 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on July 30, 2021, 01:09:53 PM

Can you picture me Dave cutting holes in the floor ,doors and hanging the inside unit in the RV for mini splits.plus I am not waiting for hours for cool down, the 45,000 btu in the 3 Colemans will get you there in a hurry when it's 118 degrees

No I can not lol. Maybe try another cap. I got on once new that turned out bad and I put the old one off another unit back and tested it and all was good. I got two I can sell you cheap that are only 14 years old,,,,,