Rheem condenser fan not working

[LowSL2]

This is a late 70's Rheem Model #AT-24B1-Q condenser fan not turning. Was working fine then no cold air inside house. The compressor comes on and refrigerant flows. Just no fan operation. We just bought this house so we have a home warranty. They said we should hear from the service company on Monday. I'm assuming it'll be a few days since this is the busy season. Was just wondering if I could fix it asap since it's 101° outside and 90° inside... I was going to try opening it up as soon as the temp drops to below 90° outside. What should I be looking for? Thanks.

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[steven911]

check capacitator 1st.

[JWWebster]

Move the motor by hand. Any lateral movement of over 1/8th inch and she is poling out (worn bearing) Any vertical movement over 1/4th inch and that motor bearing is gone. Is it hot to the touch or cold? Like Steven says check the cap for swelling or leaking:
https://sites.google.com/site/sublimeappliancerepair/ask-the-sublime-one-a-question/charging-a-window-air-conditioning-unit/window-air-conditioner-woes/checking-a-capacitor

I know you said central but window units work the same way and have the same capacitor issues, pressure (68 PSI or thereabouts), and freon R-22 as central units at least the ones I know about anyway. 

[RegUS_PatOff]

With the power OFF, try turning the Motor Shaft by hand.
Does it turn easily, smoothly ?
 
When the Fan should be running, try giving it some help using a yard-stick ...
Does it continue to run at all ?
 

[LowSL2]

The home warranty sent out a local HVAC repair company. The tech had the personality of a dead cat... Anyway, he replaced the condenser fan and capacitor. It's been working fine for two weeks. Then the night before last I noticed the compressor was running all the time. I'm assuming it's a bad contractor. Already put a call into the home warranty for a recall. We'll see what Mr Personality had to say about it...

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[jumptrout51]

Open the control panel. With the thermostat set in the OFF position,look at the pull down bar on the contactor. If it is engaged and the condenser is running,grip the pull down with your pliers and GENTLY pull it up. If this works it will have been because the contactor points were welded together. You will still need a new contactor,but it may work OK until help arrives.

[LowSL2]

Mr Personality came back. Was the contacter. The old one was definitely fried. Thanks for the info tho.

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[Wedgeman55]

     We have a lot of old Rheem units in my area, and when I'm working on them,  I always replace the contactor if it is ancient.  Those contacts only last so long.    I show the customer, and tell them it is cheaper if I do it when Im there so they don't have to pay for another service call and more labor.   
     Since you have home warranty,  you don't have to pay another deductable  (hopefully)   

[kello]

Move the motor by hand. Any lateral movement of over 1/8th inch and she is poling out (worn bearing) Any vertical movement over 1/4th inch and that motor bearing is gone. Is it hot to the touch or cold? Like Steven says check the cap for swelling or leaking:
https://sites.google.com/site/sublimeappliancerepair/ask-the-sublime-one-a-question/charging-a-window-air-conditioning-unit/window-air-conditioner-woes/checking-a-capacitor

I know you said central but window units work the same way and have the same capacitor issues, pressure (68 PSI or thereabouts), and freon R-22 as central units at least the ones I know about anyway. 

[Icehouse]

Move the motor by hand. Any lateral movement of over 1/8th inch and she is poling out (worn bearing) Any vertical movement over 1/4th inch and that motor bearing is gone. Is it hot to the touch or cold? Like Steven says check the cap for swelling or leaking:
https://sites.google.com/site/sublimeappliancerepair/ask-the-sublime-one-a-question/charging-a-window-air-conditioning-unit/window-air-conditioner-woes/checking-a-capacitor

I know you said central but window units work the same way and have the same capacitor issues, pressure (68 PSI or thereabouts), and freon R-22 as central units at least the ones I know about anyway. 

Come on JW you'se as smart as a whip

[jimbo6679]

I am somewhat surprised that the warranty company would even cover an AC unit which is approaching 40 years old.   More power to you.   Don't be surprised if the balk at continuig repairs.   If the compressor goes, I think we may already be into the EPA regulations which will prohibit repair.    Certainly the cost of R22 will "vote" against it!