Yes, this is a common problem with older garage door openers connected to GFCI receptacles. Here's a breakdown of why and how to approach the situation

Why Older Garage Door Openers Trip GFCIs:
Motor Insulation Breakdown

Over time, the insulation on the motor windings in the garage door opener can degrade. This leads to a very small leakage current to ground. A GFCI is designed to detect even a tiny imbalance (typically 5mA) between the hot and neutral wires, and it trips to prevent electrocution. An older motor is far more likely to have this issue.

Capacitor Leakage

Garage door openers often use capacitors for starting and running. These capacitors can also develop leakage to ground as they age.

Moisture and Contamination

Dust, dirt, and moisture can accumulate inside the garage door opener's housing. This creates a conductive path that facilitates ground faults.

Normal Inrush Current

While less likely, the large inrush current when the motor starts could trigger a sensitive GFCI. However, a properly functioning GFCI should tolerate a reasonable inrush.

Neutral-Grounding

In some very rare older installations or if the wiring is somehow wrong, there could be a small amount of neutral current flowing on the ground wire. A GFCI would detect this imbalance and trip.

Aging Unit's Role

Yes, an aging unit is a

significant factor. The breakdown of insulation and components is a natural consequence of age and use. The older the unit, the more likely it is to have a ground fault problem.

Troubleshooting Steps


Visual Inspection



Disconnect power to the opener. Carefully inspect the wiring inside the garage door opener for any signs of damage, fraying, or loose connections. Look closely where wires enter and exit the motor housing. Check for signs of moisture, corrosion, or insect nests inside the housing. Inspect the capacitor for bulging, leaking, or any other signs of damage. (Be extremely careful discharging a capacitor - it can hold a dangerous charge).2. Replace the GFCI (Test, Don't Assume)

While you mentioned the GFCI is new, it's worth testing it. Use a GFCI tester to verify that it trips as expected. Also, test it with a different load if possible. A faulty GFCI can cause nuisance tripping. However, if the original GFCI was old, it's unlikely the GFCI is the problem.3.

Isolate the Issue



Unplug everything else from the GFCI circuit. Make sure only the garage door opener is connected. If it still trips, the opener is very likely the problem. If possible, temporarily connect the garage door opener to a NON-GFCI outlet. Only do this as a test, and ONLY if you're certain there are no obvious safety hazards and the wiring is sound. If the opener works without tripping, it strongly suggests a ground fault that the GFCI is correctly detecting. Do not leave it plugged into a non-GFCI outlet permanently if the issue persists. This removes the safety protection.4. Megohmmeter (Megger) Testing (Advanced)

This is the most reliable way to test for insulation breakdown in the motor. A megohmmeter applies a high-voltage DC current to the motor windings and measures the resistance to ground. A low resistance reading indicates a ground fault. This is a job for a qualified electrician.

Safety First



Disconnect the garage door opener from power before performing any testing. Megger the Motor Windings to Ground

Connect one lead of the megohmmeter to a bare metal part of the motor housing (ground) and the other lead to each motor winding (typically accessible at the motor terminals). A good motor will have a very high resistance (ideally infinite). A reading below a certain threshold (consult the megohmmeter's instructions and motor specifications) indicates insulation failure.5.

Check the Capacitor



Disconnect power to the opener. Discharge the capacitor! Use a resistor (e.g., 10,000 ohm, 2-watt) to safely discharge the capacitor. Use a multimeter to test the capacitor's capacitance. If the capacitance is significantly lower than the rated value, the capacitor is likely failing. Also, check for leakage with an Ohmmeter between the capacitor terminals and its case. There should be near infinite resistance.

Solutions



Replace the Garage Door Opener

Given the age of the unit and the likelihood of motor insulation breakdown, the most reliable and safest solution is often to replace the entire garage door opener. Modern openers are more energy-efficient, quieter, and often have more safety features. This is usually the recommended option.

Replace the Motor (Potentially)

If the motor is readily available as a replacement part and you're comfortable with electrical work, you could replace just the motor. However, consider the cost of the motor compared to the cost of a new opener, and factor in the age of the other components.

Use a Non-GFCI Outlet (Generally NOT Recommended)

This is

strongly discouraged unless you absolutely determine that the tripping is due to an overly sensitive GFCI and not a ground fault. Removing GFCI protection defeats its purpose, which is to protect against electrical shock. It's better to fix the underlying problem. Professional Diagnosis

If you're not comfortable working with electricity or unsure about any of the troubleshooting steps, hire a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. They have the tools and expertise to safely and accurately identify the cause of the tripping.

Important Safety Considerations



Disconnect Power

Always disconnect power to the garage door opener before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.

Capacitor Discharge

Capacitors can store a dangerous electrical charge even after the power is disconnected. Discharge them properly before handling them.

Grounding

Ensure that the garage door opener and the electrical system are properly grounded.

Qualified Electrician: If you're not experienced with electrical work, hire a qualified electrician.In summary, the most likely cause is insulation breakdown in the motor of an older garage door opener. Replacing the opener is often the best and safest long-term solution. Flag for review