Capacitor replacement

what is it doing that makes you think the capacitor is the problem?

can you take a picture of the cap? that seems like a part number or date code rather than the value of the capacitor. there may be markings on several sides of the can.

If it fixes the issue and you can secure it electrically and physically there should not be a problem.

An example replacement.

There are few parts on anything that are easier to change than a cap, and a homeowner should be allowed to repair whatever they want on their own house, provided it's done to code and approved by the AHJ.

And we all know tech who's first recourse is to bill someone for a round of the parts cannon.

@missfox

Look on the old capacitor. You want to know the microfarad rating and the symbol for that is "UF"

If the capacitor is wired to both the fan and compressor (most are) it will be a dual capacitor like 30/5 UF, 50/5 UF 45/5 UF etc

Also the voltage rating may be 370 or 440 volts. If yours is rated 370 volts you can use either a 370 or 440 volt rated capacitor. If rated 440 it needs to be a 440 replacement/

All you need is the voltage and the UF ratings. The capacitor may be smaller physically and that is ok.

Make sure to shut the power off while changing and use a screwdriver to short across the capacitor wires before removing. Make sure the wires go back on the correct terminals. If the old cap is bulging at the top or leaking oil it is bad for sure.

@109A_5

They crawled in through the wire openings. I didn't have anything with me so I told my brother to pick up some duct seal and plug the holes. I don't think they will like eating that.

Unit has a leak probably in the condenser I had to add a little gas. Not a big leak but the first one its ever had its 31 years old and the condenser fins are starting to rot off and the furnace is the same age. I didn't have my leak detector with me.

I couldn't believe how much stuff they dragged in there. That chunk of stuff was probably 6 x6x6. Disgusting. Wore gloves took everything out of the cabinet, cap, contactor etc and sprayed it with Lysol and then a garden hose

Can you explain your reasoning on this?

I might agree, on the theory that the average homeowner shouldn't be playing with things like capacitors. Except that in my humble opinion the average tech. shouldn't be, either. More generally, perhaps, there are many things — in many stores — are available for sale to people who really aren't qualified.

If we go down the route of only qualified certified people can do or buy X or Y, we rapidly get into the situation where no one can repair or work on anything, and some nameless faceless bureaucratic office decides what we can do (very little) and can't do — for our own safety, of course.

Yes, certain activities which have the potential to do large scale damage to others should be limited, perhaps, or be subject to second party inspection — installing gas or lp gas lines, perhaps. Driving any vehicle on the public roads with a GVWR over say 8,000 pounds. Operating a power boat with more than say 25 horsepower. But where do you draw the line?