Hit 200 refrigerator compressor replacements last Thursday and finally stopped guessing on capacitor sizes

I just realized that every time I swap a compressor on a 10+ year old Whirlpool, the run capacitor is always 5-10 microfarads off from the spec sheet, so now I just bring a handful of the common ones and test them with my meter before ordering anything new has anyone else noticed this on older units?

2 comments

2 Comments

shanenguyen13d ago

Caught a 12 year old Kenmore last month where the capacitor was stamped 40 microfarads but tested at 34, so I threw in a 35 and it ran smooth as butter. It's like those old units just gradually drift off their original values and you gotta meet them where they're at. My meter has saved me more trouble than any part I've ever stocked.

lucas97214d ago

You know, that's funny you mention that because I had a 15 year old Whirlpool last week and it was like the capacitor was playing hide and seek with me. It said 45 microfarads on the old one but the meter showed it was actually hitting 42, so I swapped it with a 40 and it fired right up. I swear those old Whirlpools are like the crabby old guy at the diner who always wants his coffee a certain way. At this point I just grab three or four likely caps and let the meter sort out the drama.