would the capacitor start motor fail to start when the cap is open,out of phase or shorted? Its hard to get to the cap but thinking open for sure its not going to start

 

If it's open it will not start. You could wrap a string around the shaft and give it a spin while powering up the motor. That should get in running and prove there is something wrong with the start winding circuit. It could be the cap, open winding or bad start switch. It should still start with a shorted cap but lack starting torque. Out of phase?? no. The cap is used to increase the phase shift between the start and run windings and give the motor greater starting capabilities.

 

Incidentally the string start method to test the start winding/switch can be done with a pull in either direction, if open start circuit is suspected.
Max.

 

And if it starts and pulls your hand into the rotating shaft... I'd be very careful with that method.

Bob

 

And if it starts and pulls your hand into the rotating shaft... I'd be very careful with that method.

Bob

Using a bit of string is still better than trying to spin it with your bare fingers.

 

ya sure. I routinely check capacitors of this type by plugging them very quickly into an AC outlet and then immediatley short the terminals. People had a fit about that too when I posted this method.