Dehumidifer: hot compressor

[supton]

I have a small Kenmore that I bought 12 years ago and use sporadically. Year or two ago I notice it would have the fan on but not the compressor. At that time I was using it heavily in the basement. Today I plugged it back in as the basement needs it. It runs for a short time, the compressor and fan.

So I figured I would open it up. I cannot hold my hand on the compressor! It also does not run for real long.

Being 12 years old I suspect it is time to move on, but wanted some feedback first.

 

[supton]

Err, it is possible that this is the infamous ID 10 T error.

Once I removed the front panel I found... a filter. Which I didn't know it had. which was also plugged solid.

Letting unit run for a bit to see what it does. Certainly feels like it has more airflow through it now.

Actually it is a good reminder to clean the lint from the drier hose while I'm at it.

 

[Eddie]

Sure sounds like an id10terror

 

[JTK]

Pretty sure you solved it by cleaning/rinsing the filter. It's pretty common for these to be ignored and important to check and clean them when needed. That compressor should get better airflow across it now.

In regards to the fan running w/out the compressor, it should do this. The fan will run ~30sec or so after the compressor cycles off.

 

[supton]

My recollection is that it would run longer than thirty seconds.

So far, not so good. Kicked off. Possible that the compressor is still too hot. I have a fan blowing on it, will try again later.

 

[JTK]

Does the evap or condenser coils look dirty? They might benefit from a cleaning.

 

[supton]

Coils looked ok.

I let it cool down to room temp, then turned on. Runs for two minutes or so, then quits. Hot motor.

 

[dishdude]

Does the compressor actually run? It sounds like it is locked up.

 

[spackard]

Is there a start capacitor in there, that maybe is staying engaged?

 

[supton]

definately running, has that sound to it. Is making water.

Yes, there is a start capacitor. Will look at that next.

 

[supton]

Star cap is always connected to motor. No switch on. Well, if the documentation is to be believed, but it shows it being to neutral always.

My meter showed it as more than 20Megohm. My meter tops out at 20uF, and this cap is bigger than that.

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

Originally Posted By: supton
Star cap is always connected to motor. No switch on. Well, if the documentation is to be believed, but it shows it being to neutral always.

My meter showed it as more than 20Megohm. My meter tops out at 20uF, and this cap is bigger than that.


I wonder if this was one of the recalled units ? There were quite a few under the Kenmore label that have been 12 years ago would likely be some of them.

 

[spackard]

There's a website to check for recalled units:
http://www.kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com/

The recall only includes certain models manufactured by LG Electronics between 2003 and 2005, and sold between 2003 and 2009 for between $140 and $220.

 

[supton]

Fits the time frame. I went there, but it said duplicate submission. Will give a call and check tomorrow. Thanks!