Washing machine motor capacitor question

[pilm89]

I have this GE/Hotpoint washing machine HTW240ASK6WS that uses a 60uF motor capacitor WH12X27614. The capacitor on GE's website is almost $100, which seems very expensive when I can buy a 60uF AC run capacitor for $10-$15. So I was going to do that, however I noticed the GE capacitor is actually a 60uF capacitor in series with a 60uH inductor, so it seems the GE capacitor isn't just a capacitor, but maybe a tuned circuit since 60uH is way too high to be parasitic inductance. Anyway familiar with this type of motor capacitor? I'd like to figure out if I can use a generic 60uF capacitor to replace the failed GE cap, or if that would be a bad idea. Thanks.

 

[MaxHeadRoom78]

You could always use the old inductor with the new cap, if needed, assuming it is still OK condition?

 

[Diver300]

The inductor might be there to reduce inrush current, but that is just a guess.

You could add an inductor in series with a standard 60 µF capacitor. They are not expensive:-

https://www.newark.com/bourns/srr1210-680m/surface-mount-power-inductor-srr1210/dp/79X2039

The impedance of the capacitor will be about 45 Ohms at 60 Hz, so you might get up to 3 A through it, so that inductor should be fine.

 

[MaxHeadRoom78]

I have never come across a motor that had an inductor in series with the cap, after all, the start winding itself is a large inductor !?
Possibly an aid to create a closer 90deg shift'.

 

[pilm89]

Yeah, knowing GE, I suspect the inductor does indeed have a design purpose, so I'll either have to fork out the $100 for the OEM part, or figure out a way to put a series inductor into the circuit so I can use the cheap A/C cap.

 

[Diver300]

I would open up the old capacitor and see if the inductor can be identified. It doesn't matter what the final assembly looks like.

 

[MaxHeadRoom78]

What is the GE link you mention that shows the inclusion of the inductor?
If you are sure the cap is shot, Iwould saw the top off and see if you can locate the inductor.

 

[Diver300]

What is the GE link you mention that shows the inclusion of the inductor?
If you are sure the cap is shot, I would saw the top off and see if you can locate the inductor.

It's written on the capacitor housing:-
https://partsdr.com/part/wh12x27614-capacitor-and-bracket-kit
I agree that it is probably possible to cut one open and use the inductor.

 

[MaxHeadRoom78]

I wonder if there is even an internal inductor at all??

 

[Diver300]

I wonder if there is even an internal inductor at all??

Why would the housing show an inductor if there isn't one?

 

[Les Jones]

Are we sure that the motor is a normal induction motor and the capacitor is a start or run capacitor ?
I suggest connecting the old capacitor in series with a mains voltage filament lamp (Of known wattage) and measuring the voltage across the capacitor. The lamp will have a relitivly high resistance compared with the reactance of the capacitor at mains frequency (45 ohms) If the voltage across the capacitor is about what is expected from the lamp current then the capacitor part is OK. The inductor is OK or short circuit. You could try to measure the resonat frequency of the capacitor / inductor which should be about 2,56 Khz.

Les.