Air Conditioner Buzzing

[poboy]

I posted this elsewhere on the forum with limited response. Hoping to get more info here...

Turned on my A/C after being gone for a couple weeks. Ran great like always for a few hours, then started making an intermittent buzzing sound. After restarting a few times to see if it would quit making the noise, I finally isolated it to what appears to be a solenoid that operates a valve in the freon circuit. Does anyone know what this thing is? I think it allows freon to circulate when the compressor starts. Pressure on the low side starts at about 80, then builds to about 93, then you hear a whoosh, sound, pressure runs up to 120, then comes back down. Sometimes it cools, sometimes it doesn't , just cycles.

[Sailmonkey]

That valve is for the reverse cycle heat. Some units also cycle the valve at startup to eliminate head pressure.
The solenoid coil should be replaceable without evacuating the unit.

[poboy]

Any idea on where to source a replacement?

[Sailmonkey]

Who made the unit?

[poboy]

It's a Cruisair SX 16. Since Dometic bought Cruisair, customer service is non-existent. I can't get anyone to return my call or emails.

Since I only need cooling right now, could I just remove until I find a replacement?

[Sailmonkey]

Do you have the electronic controls or the knobs?

The knobs won't care if you unplug the solenoid, but the electronic controls cycle this solenoid to unload the head pressure on the compressor prior to starting. I do not know if the compressor or control circuitry will tolerate starting without the head pressure being unloaded.

[Sailmonkey]

You should also be able to find a local dealer (unless you're in some out of the way sort of place) that can order parts for you.

[poboy]

Thanks. I finally found the part number and have a local RV shop checking to see if they can get it

[transmitterdan]

If you can't find it locally check with these guys:

AER Supply

It may take a bit of perseverance but they often have really hard to find air conditioner parts.

[poboy]

Thanks, Dan.

[Sailmonkey]

AER is around the corner to me. They are wholesale only, but do retail through Lakewood yacht service.