Is my AC compressor toast?

[LeanMachine]

2 ton Goodman unit that is about 12 years old. Breaker to it was tripped this morning. I opened it up and found the capacitor and wiring connected to it burned up. I had a capacitor on hand so I swapped them out and replaced the wire connectors after trimming the wire back to good wired.

The breaker buzzes and trips within 2 or 3 seconds. I used the guess and check method to isolate variables in the system. If I disconnect the compressor, the fan fires up just fine and breaker does not trip. If I disconnect the fan and just have power to compressor, it trips breaker.

Thoughts?

[LeanMachine]

Also, does any one have a recommendation for an hvac company around canton? I have always used east texas heating and air but I felt like they really bent me over when I had them reconnect this condenser after I moved it for construction.

[db@100]

Well, it doesn't sound good. More than likely, bad compressor.

[LeanMachine]

Well I talked to someone I trust and I think I'm going to just put in a whole new system. This one wasn't working great anyways. I didn't realize the inside unit is 20+ years old.

[TeamAmerica]

10 year warranty so it's about time to break! Compressor is a pretty expensive part. Bet you will be happy with a new unit and hopefully trouble free for many years.

[EliteDriver]

Yep, you made the right call imo.....I just went through the same thing with one that was 17 years old....Runs much more efficiently so hopefully, less $$$

[Bowyer]

Replacment sounds like the right call.
There is a method that I've used in similar situations to get a locked compressor running in order to keep cool until a new compressor arrives. This is a redneck solution, but it does work, sometimes. Turn off the power. Use a block of wood as a cushion and smack the **** out of the compressor with a hammer. This will jar the compressor enough to free up internal debris that is preventing the compressor from starting.

[LeanMachine]

Replacment sounds like the right call.
There is a method that I've used in similar situations to get a locked compressor running in order to keep cool until a new compressor arrives. This is a redneck solution, but it does work, sometimes. Turn off the power. Use a block of wood as a cushion and smack the **** out of the compressor with a hammer. This will jar the compressor enough to free up internal debris that is preventing the compressor from starting.

I will certainly try it. Especially since I still have the housing open, system is currently not running, amd it's gonna be a bit before i can get to installing a new one. Too many irons in the fire. I'd love to get it to run at least long enough that I can compressor to drain the system for me rather than needing a recovery machine and tank. Thanks!

[Zmaxhunter]

Congrats on the new unit choice.
you likely saved 30 to 40% from 2025 prices.
AC is going to become unaffordable for many.