[Richard]

All of the suggestions about checking for loose connections are good. The next place thing to suspect is a bad start cap for either the compressor or fan motor.

If the compressor shows locked rotor amps, then you will need a new compressor. But eliminate all other possibilities first.

After connections I would throw start caps at it next

[Richard]

So my approach if I have I have a running twin is to find the wires to both compressor and fan motor. Record their amperage on both start and run conditions. Nowmdomthe same for the sick one. You have to turning the on and off since you can't be at the ac panel and the thermostat.

I am assuming you have the scs units. The wiring panel was on the righ side of the unit IIRC.

[folivier]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. The biggest problem that I have is I'm over 2 hours from the nearest town that has any parts, no cell service and very limited internet, so I'm kind of stuck in a rut until we can move closer to civilization.
I'll try and check the amperages in the next couple days and go from there.

[folivier]

If I turn on #2 compressor while watching main ammeter the breaker trips immediately and ammeter only shows a couple amps. Not a big jump like I'd expect if compressor were locked up. Maybe a shorted wire?

[encantotom]

i dont know how good those meters are for looking at current spikes. ya gotta put the clamp on meter on the wires.

tom

[prairieschooner]

Richard is saying something similar to what I was trying to state (and Michael clarified it). It could be the Capacitor for the Fan Motor and not sure about the Compressor since you have much different units than we do. There could also be a Start Contact in one of both, again not sure.
You may be able to rob a good part off of another unit in order to troubleshoot this even though I am not a fan it would help to isolate the problem....remember to return the part to the original unit otherwise you could create other problems inadvertently without knowing.
Good luck!

[folivier]

I should have a clamp-on meter by Tuesday. Then I'll know more.
Tom, do you have the specs on the caps you replaced?
I may order some and get them coming.

[folivier]

Got my clamp-on ammeter and just got some readings.
Compressor #1 running pulls 11.1 amps
Condensor fan on low (red wire) running: 2.3 amps (didn't watch for startup amps since it is running ok), can't check amps on HI since breaker trips
Compressor #2 starting (purple wire): 38.3 amps and breaker trips

So since the locked rotor amps are 59 and it pulls 38 amps before breaker trips could it be the capacitor?
Hope so since I have one that should be here tomorrow and I'll change that then check it again.
What do yall think?

[encantotom]

i think it is unlikely the capacitor is the issue. but it is a cheap try.

lets hope it works

tom

[Richard]

Agree with Tom. Try start cap first