Loadstar
Platinum Member
Came across a two ton and a three ton Janitrol condensing unit. Conveniently my neighbor needs a two ton unit and the three ton may be shelved for a future pool heating project. As for the two ton it looks rough but in the course of its life was used a few times a year for maybe five years then it set. Most of the upgrades are simple things a well rounded homeowner can do but of course do not attempt anything you see here. You will be shocked, burned, blinded, frostbitten., and out a bunch of money.
These units are older but of just the right vintage. Not grossly inefficient, but built right before quality was beginning to be sacrificed in the name of efficiency. What I like about them is the compressor is in its own cabinet along with the electric. This design is outstanding for components and the person working on them.
First day I removed the top and hosed it all out. Being its on my trailer there is no electric or refrigerant. Next I addressed the condenser fin damage from close mowing and weed eater abuse. It cleaned up well but two large spots remain from a mower deck beating. Fin combing is extremely frustrating and time consuming for most but I have done a lot of insurance repairs from hail on large equipment so this was done before my beer was empty. Today I stopped in the parts store and ordered a new dual capacitor (American made) and an oversized contactor. Unfortunately I have yet to find an American made definite purpose contactor. These are not a typical unpredictable failure point when checked yearly or every other. As far as capacitors go I have to order what the local guys have. I would prefer to give Amrad a try but their regular capacitors are not sold locally except for the Turbo 200. I try test what my parts houses offer. Once I was home I stripped the unit down more for paint and cleaning. Here is how it's looking.
These units are older but of just the right vintage. Not grossly inefficient, but built right before quality was beginning to be sacrificed in the name of efficiency. What I like about them is the compressor is in its own cabinet along with the electric. This design is outstanding for components and the person working on them.
First day I removed the top and hosed it all out. Being its on my trailer there is no electric or refrigerant. Next I addressed the condenser fin damage from close mowing and weed eater abuse. It cleaned up well but two large spots remain from a mower deck beating. Fin combing is extremely frustrating and time consuming for most but I have done a lot of insurance repairs from hail on large equipment so this was done before my beer was empty. Today I stopped in the parts store and ordered a new dual capacitor (American made) and an oversized contactor. Unfortunately I have yet to find an American made definite purpose contactor. These are not a typical unpredictable failure point when checked yearly or every other. As far as capacitors go I have to order what the local guys have. I would prefer to give Amrad a try but their regular capacitors are not sold locally except for the Turbo 200. I try test what my parts houses offer. Once I was home I stripped the unit down more for paint and cleaning. Here is how it's looking.
