Hi, i have a 11 SEER (RUUD) Model# UALB-036JAZ and there is a problem with the fan outside on the condenser. It starts to turn and then makes a dead stop like its binding up, but when i take the cover off and kill power, it will spin free by hand. I am not sure what to check. Thank you for any help Rich Daniels

The start/run capacitor for the fan motor must be checked.
Turn off the power to the outside unit and open the control panel.
Follow the brown wire from the fan back to the capacitor.
Look at the capacitor. If it is bukged out on top it is definitely bad.
Capacitors can be bad and not bulged on top.
It will have to be checked with a capacitor tester or replaced with a known good capacitor of the same MFD value.
If the capacitor is good and the fan does not run,the fan motor is bad and must be replaced.

This is what happens its normal you need to replace the fan aswell as the capacitor the armature is bad and other internal parts the magnatism causes this to be this way when it is powered and turn free when theirs no power theirs no magnatism please give me a vote and rating and email if you need further help [email protected]

Most model are equipted with a built in thermal overload protection device which causes it ti just stop. The unfortunate part is you can spend more time and money diagnosing the problem the the motor is worth. It is in most cases just easier to replace the motor and have peace of mind. It is a very easy DYI project.