A/C Soft start blocks fan next to compressor

[benjburton]

I got a soft start for my A/C, but it's very large. The only place it fits is next to the compressor, in front of the fan. In the photo, you'll notice that it blocks about half of the opening of the fan. Should this be a concern? My concern is that the airflow would be reduced around the refrigerant lines, ultimately decreasing the cooling ability of the unit. Any opinions or knowledge of how this is intended to work, and if I should or should not mount it in this location? Note that I did try to get it to fit in the box housing the capacitor, but not even close to fitting.

[Shane826]

I need more pictures to be sure but since that fan goes to the outside I assume it’s the condenser fan? If so it’s drawing air from that side and pushing through the condenser, presumably on the other side not viewable on the picture. If that’s the case it should be fine.

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Shane826

I need more pictures to be sure but since that fan goes to the outside I assume it’s the condenser fan? If so it’s drawing air from that side and pushing through the condenser, presumably on the other side not viewable on the picture. If that’s the case it should be fine.

Thanks, here's a couple more pictures. I thought the blades were blowing air on the condenser, but that was just me testing by spinning by hand. So maybe it is the opposite.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Thanks, here's a couple more pictures. I thought the blades were blowing air on the condenser, but that was just me testing by spinning by hand. So maybe it is the opposite.

That looks like the exhaust part of the fan. I share your concern.

Could you mount it on top of the receiver/dryer with 3M VHB double sided tape?

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Wavery

That looks like the exhaust part of the fan. I share your concern.

Could you mount it on top of the receiver/dryer with 3M VHB double sided tape?

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion.
I'll have to see if it will fit, but I'm doubtful. That refrigerant line sits quite a bit above the compressor. Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick. Worth a look though. Thanks.

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[Bill]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick.

Perhaps you could use the VHB tape to anchor it against sliding, but actually strap it down firmly with long BLACK zip ties. Be sure to use the black ones, not the white.

I assume that the SoftStart box doesn't require a specific mounting orientation. Would it be thin enough if you mount it on its back?

Bill

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion.
I'll have to see if it will fit, but I'm doubtful. That refrigerant line sits quite a bit above the compressor. Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick. Worth a look though. Thanks.

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Oh wow! That is the compressor

What flavor A/C unit is that? I've never seen a compressor that shape.

That VHB Tape is very strong. Like Bill says, back it up with wire ties.

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Wavery

What flavor A/C unit is that? I've never seen a compressor that shape.

That VHB Tape is very strong. Like Bill says, back it up with wire ties.

Not sure the exact flavor, maybe french vanilla? I do know that it's a 13,500 btu Dometic a/c.

Never knew there was a difference in white and black zip ties, other than the color!

I'm doubtful it will fit in that location, but I'll check in a couple of weeks, as I'm out of town now. I think it may be too narrow due to the copper line, and also likely not enough clearance. But I think that may be my only option left, so I'll have to check.

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[Kidkraz]

Just curios, is that the smaller version of the soft start?

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Kidkraz

Just curios, is that the smaller version of the soft start?

No, I believe that's a different brand you're thinking of. The small version of the softstartrv brand, or micro air brands are smaller.

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