I have an old circular floor fan, that hums and wont come on, then suddenly it comes on?

Sounds like the evaporator fan.

junk it and get a new one
parts will not be available but if they are the cost will be more than a new fan

Try to clean the motor and what modle is it

check the fan if it is working.. if not ,can you hear any humming sound coming from the motor? if there is you need to remove the cover, then remove the circular fan,try to turn on the unit without a fan if the motor is running then just clean the rust in the bushing and shaft of fan by using sand paper. then put lubricant in the shaft and bushing(oil or wd40 or grease). make sure that you remember all the parts and the position of it.. good luck

Hi Stv,
There isn't really major problem, but a problem.
You will need to unplugged your unit and take it apart. Are you handy?
If and when the unit is apart look at the motor and the fan exhaust and see if there is a coin or screw is jamming the motor or the fan
while you are in there you may want to clean it up,
That should be the problrm

the fan should turn freely. those fans have a tendancy to dry out and will trip the reset. if the fan isn't shot completely, try oiling it and working the blades until they loosen up. most of the fans used on these units are not bearing type but brass collars which dry out. if they don't loosen up, the fan is probably too far gone. usually the humming indicates the motor trying to turn the rotor but can't turn the dry rotor shaft or a bent blade stuck on something. good luck jay

sounds like it is miswired. actually try fan on with the heat on and see if the fan works.

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There is usually a pin in the shaft of the motor, that corrosponds with a slot in the fan blades, it sounds to me like either (a) the pin somehow came out, or (b) the slot in the blades is rounded. Hope this helps

sound like you have a bad fan motor

- Loose flooring or floor not firm.
- Cabinet not level.
- Tubing in contact with cabinet, other tubing or other metal.
- Drip tray vibrating.
- Fan hitting another part or worn fan motor bearings. Unplug the unit and rotate fan manually by your finger.
- Compressor mounting grommets worn or missing; mounting hardware loose or missing.
- Free or loose parts causing or allowing noise during operation
- Check compressor it may contact with tubing or other parts.
- Check the body of your unit is not touching the wall or other object.