American Coach American Eagle – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service

Complete repair guide for the American Coach American Eagle – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose AC Performance Issues

Start by running your American Eagle’s air conditioner for 15 minutes and use the non-contact infrared thermometer to measure the cold air output at the ceiling vents—you’re looking for temperatures between 40-50°F for proper operation. Listen for unusual grinding or squealing noises from the rooftop unit, which typically indicate a failing fan motor or worn capacitor. Check your RV AC thermostat / control board for error codes or failed cooling cycles, and visually inspect the rooftop AC shroud / outer cover for debris, corrosion, or water damage around the seal.

Step 2: Power Down and Access Rooftop Unit

Switch off the main AC disconnect breaker and verify power is off by attempting to power on the unit—you should hear no relay clicks or fan engagement. Remove the rooftop AC shroud / outer cover by unbolting the four corner fasteners (typically 1/2-inch bolts) and carefully lift it away to expose the fan motor and capacitor assembly. Take photos of the wire connections before disconnecting anything, as the dual run capacitor wiring configuration is critical for reinstallation.

Step 3: Test and Replace the Capacitor

Discharge any remaining electrical charge from the RV AC dual run capacitor by using an insulated screwdriver to short the terminals together for 5 seconds—this prevents shock hazards. Note the microfarad (µF) rating on the existing capacitor (typically 40+5 µF for Coleman-Mach units) and disconnect the push-on terminals; if corrosion is present on the terminals, use fine-grit sandpaper to clean them. Install the replacement dual run capacitor in the same orientation, ensuring the push-on connectors are fully seated and the capacitor frame sits flush against the mounting bracket.

Step 4: Clean Coils and Straighten Fins

Spray the AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam evenly across both the evaporator coils (inside) and condenser coils (exterior), allowing 10-15 minutes for the foam to break down debris and algae buildup. Use the fin comb / coil straightener tool to carefully straighten any bent aluminum fins—bent fins reduce airflow by up to 40% and should be combed from the base outward in one direction. Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure water and allow all coils to dry completely before reassembly.

Step 5: Replace Fan Motor Assembly

Unbolt the RV rooftop AC fan motor from its mounting brackets (typically three 1/4-inch bolts) and disconnect the capacitor terminals and any ground wires—note that the motor shaft should turn freely by hand when disconnected. Install the new fan motor by reversing the removal process, ensuring the mounting bolts are torqued to 12-15 foot-pounds and the motor shaft rotates without binding. Reconnect all wiring to the dual run capacitor terminals, matching the original wire colors (typically black to herm, red to fan, and yellow to common).

Step 6: Reseal and Reinstall Top Cover

Apply a continuous bead of AC roof gasket & self-leveling sealant around the entire perimeter of the mounting flange where the rooftop AC shroud / outer cover will sit—this prevents water infiltration that causes corrosion and electrical failure. Carefully lower the shroud back into position, align all four corner bolt holes, and hand-tighten the bolts before using a socket wrench to torque them to 18-22 foot-pounds in a cross pattern. Allow the self-leveling sealant to cure for 24 hours before exposing the unit to water or heavy vibration.

Step 7: Test Cooling Performance and Operation

Restore power to the AC system by switching the main breaker back on, set the RV AC thermostat / control board to cooling mode at 72°F, and allow 10 minutes for the system to stabilize. Measure airflow temperature at multiple ceiling vents using your non-contact infrared thermometer—all readings should fall between 42-48°F, indicating proper evaporator and condenser function. Run the unit for 30 minutes while monitoring for any unusual noise, vibration, or thermostat cycling errors; confirm the motor runs smoothly and the compressor cycles normally.