RV Repair: Air Conditioner, rvp coleman, meter check

Question
I have a Coleman 8000 series ducted on top of my RV (which we live in full time). Last fall it quit working. When I turn the Thermostat on you can hear it hum, but the circulating fan does not turn on. I took the shroud off and tried to spin the fan by hand, but it wont spin freely. It will turn, but only if turned by hand.

It seems to me that it should spin freely until it stops on its own. Is the motor shot or does it need lube on the shaft, or could there be a turn on capacitor on it not working? I haven't tried to start it with the power on; then giving the fan a little spin.

Answer
Well it sounds to me like you are checking in the right direction. There is a start capacitor for the fan and should be located beneath the cover plate on the upper unit. To access it you will need to pull the plastic cover from the top. Yes the motor should spin on it's own, and most RVP (Coleman) units will have 2 plastic plugs on each end of the fan motor where the shaft comes out. If there is then the only oil you want to put on it is one specially designed for that purpose and has no wax in the compound. I am sure you will be able to find that. You can also try to start it spinning when someone turns it on for you. Be careful though so you don't lose a finger or worse. Just by hearing it hum the way you said it very well could be the start capacitor. There will be 2 or 3 capacitors in the control compartment. Trace the wires back from the motor to see which one they go to and if you have a multi- meter check for voltage and see what it is. On the side of the capacitor it will have written what voltage that it needs to amp up to. If there isn't enough then it will need to be replaced. Any more help that you may need just feel free to ask and I will do my best to try and lead you in the right direction. Thanks, Bill