Printable View
Hey all new scrapper here. Came across 6 ptac's aka hotel a/c and heater.. I got them all torn down and got to the compressors... question is how do you get the motors out? I've cut two tops off... seems like it's wedged in there pretty good.. and I cut one in half and still can't get it out.... what am I doing wrong? Used angle grinder and 3 cut off wheels
there are a few old threads on here about that particular type of tear dow....try searching for air conditioner compressor...you may want to think about if there is enough copper in there to pay for your consumables...blades, bits, and wheels get costly....
PTAC's usually have rotary compressors in them. Takes about a minute to cut them apart with a plasma cutter. I have been thinking of posting a video on doing one. If there is any interest, let me know.
Are you referring to the sealed unit? Where the coolant is stored? If so, you're wasting time and money by tearing them down, grinder wheels get expensive. Sell them whole. They should be priced somewhere between shred and electric motor price. Furthermore, check with your local yard to make sure you can sell the ACRs laws have clamped down on what and who we can buy these from, they vary by state
You are wasting your time with those compressors. Separate the coils, motor, any wire, and copper tubing sell the compressor as sealed unit. Shred the rest. You paid more in cutoff wheels than compressor is going to yield in copper.
I'd be very interested in seeing the process. Just wanted to let you know beyond a simple "thanks"Quote:
Originally Posted by freonjoe
Erewen, I will post one on cutting up the three most common types of compressors next week.
I cut up 10 compressors in about an hour, using a plasma cutter. Started out using cutoff wheels. Never again.
I spent many oily hours breaking down A/C units, including cutting the sealed units apart to get the copper.
After I did the math, I found I can take them to the yard and come out just as well, without the cost, mess and danger.
Just break off the lines & drain the oil first.
Make sure you recycle the oil!
None of this bad oil disposal stuff.
Just one experienced scrapper's Humble Opinion.
(Professional Driver on a closed course. Your results may vary)
On top of everything else the windings in AC units have a thick coat of varnish on them, making the windings difficult to remove from the ferrous material. Unlike refrigerator compressors which are relatively easy. If I get an AC compressor, I just take the .18 lb the yard offers.