Bad smell from AC

[Ron]

Woke up at 0238 to a heavy chemical smell coming from AC after minor Panic turned unit off checked for fire. No fire unit was running  blower and the compressor was trying but didn't seem to be running.  On blower the smell would dissipate then when switched to AC smell would return. Smell didn't smell like insulation or Capacitor burning up.  The predicated heat index was predicated to be 106 so we left in a slow hurry. Wanted to meat TPUC as the were there at defeated creek but no air killed that idea.

Any thoughts on problem?

[AustinBoston]

Woke up at 0238 to a heavy chemical smell coming from AC after minor Panic turned unit off checked for fire. No fire unit was running  blower and the compressor was trying but didn't seem to be running.  On blower the smell would dissipate then when switched to AC smell would return. Smell didn't smell like insulation or Capacitor burning up.  The predicated heat index was predicated to be 106 so we left in a slow hurry. Wanted to meat TPUC as the were there at defeated creek but no air killed that idea.

Any thoughts on problem?

How old is the unit?  Could you be smelling refrigerant (from a leak)?

The lack of odor whe just the fan was running mostly rules out the possibility of something flying/falling/dying inside the unit.  

Is there a possibility of a smelly bug getting into the compressor motor?  Cooked bug can smell really bad.

Austin

[Ron]

Unit is an 01 Coleman.  The smell is a chemical smell but not the smell I remember when a capacitor  goes bad. The consciences of opinion of the few people I have talked with is bad compressor.  Which means new unit. The cost of a new compressor wouldn't be cost effective. I needed a new experience changing an AC unit.

[Ron]

$22.00 For a new compressor starter and capacitor and the cold air is flowing again.  Trying to find the parts was harder than the repair. Technician at the shop said that this was a common occurrence with the Coleman units.

[AustinBoston]

$22.00 For a new compressor starter and capacitor and the cold air is flowing again.  Trying to find the parts was harder than the repair. Technician at the shop said that this was a common occurrence with the Coleman units.

It is clearly better to risk throwing away $22 than throwing away an otherwise good A/C.  Excellent 20/20 advice from the master of hindsight wisdom.

Austin