HVAC Guys (or Gals)-Question

[Cygnus X1]

My trusty old gas furnace ...I have thrown all sorts of parts at it to keep it going.
Don't ask...I like it.

It's an old Armstrong but in my opinion this issue is universal.

Blower motor tries to start, makes a humming sound, but never gets going.
The squirrel cage fan spins very freely when no electrical energy is applied.
(I really don't think this is a mechanical...bearing problem).

I have free access to the fan when it is trying to start....it resists movement while it tries to start up.

So...not a relay problem, it gets power.
Is this symptomatic of a motor start capacitor issue?
Or should I commence to hauling the motor out and count on replacing it?

Everything works great, good strong flame out of all burners, Honeywell spark ignitor kit is 1 year old and shows no faults on the LEDs (except when the motor trips out when failing to start...it flashes green).
Manual fan mode shows same symptom, makes noise...does not roll.

[Twitch]

Id definitely try the cap. first. Theyre cheap. If its not the cap, then its probly the windings and in which case, replacement would be cheaper than repair. (I used to work for an electrical wholesale/motor shop) The replacement motor will only be $150 tops, maybe considerably less. When/if its time, take the motor with you and go to a Kirby Risk or some other similar store. Dont go to Lowes or equivelent stores. Go somewhere that stocks and sells motors.

[Twitch]

Id almost bet Dayton Motors makes a drop in replacement.

[Cygnus X1]

Thank you Twitch.
I'm confident Grainger Industrial Supply would have it.

I've replaced almost everything else on this unit from them...

When it works, it's great!
When it's broke...it's no better than anything else!

[Twitch]

I bet Grainger would too, they were one of our suppliers.

[Cygnus X1]

Thanks again.
Grainger is close enough to me that I can try one, then get the motor if I have to.

I know I'll have to replace this unit eventually.
But as I mentioned, it gives great cold AC, and good warmth.

While my neighbors go through a new unit every ten years, this one keeps humping with
parts thrown at it.
So that's about 3K or more each time for them.

It has never needed an AC charge!
All I've done on that side is replace the condenser motor twice...it is too exposed.

Heater...it eats ignition controllers about once every five years.
A hundred dollars a pop, plus the gas valve every other time.

[Cygnus X1]

Good news!

5 dollar capacitor fixed it.
(For now).

[Twitch]

Figured it would, good luck! We should start a book on what it will be next, right?

[Cygnus X1]

I've been told if the the compressor goes, then cash it in for scrap metal.
Just for fun.
Things I have replaced myself (yes I do get it inspected and ward off all those rep
sales recommendations)...
AC condenser motor...twice.
Cap for same, once.
Ignition control module...3 times. (I think I have it properly protected now).
Gas valve...once for necessity, second time just because I was there.
One burner repair (don't ask...it works)

Unit is a 1975 Armstrong gas and R12 A/C.
I've had more than one honest service guy tell me to go ahead and keep it running.
It has never required a charge for the AC!

All but one of the burners and the heat exchangers are well protected and look
great.

It's always "Maybe next year".
But when I do it I insist on getting the duct work replaced.
So it will get plenty pricey, but worth it.