Okay, let's break down this Genie gate opener puzzle and figure out what's likely going on. You've done a good job troubleshooting and observing symptoms.

Understanding Your Problem and Potential Solutions1. Genie's Lack of Support

You're right, it's frustrating when manufacturers abandon older products, especially when schematics could be helpful. There might be several reasons they don't provide them:

Liability

Providing information on old, possibly unsafe equipment can open them to liability.

Lack of Documentation

While it's hard to believe, sometimes paper documents are lost or become inaccessible over time, especially with mergers and acquisitions.

Obsolescence

They want you to buy a new opener.2.

Motor Type: PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) vs. Start Capacitor Motor

This is the key question. Your observation about the capacitor overheating strongly suggests you're dealing with a PSC motor,

NOT a start capacitor motor. Here's why: Start Capacitors

These capacitors are only in the circuit momentarily to provide a boost of torque during starting. A centrifugal switch or electronic control typically disconnects them once the motor reaches a certain speed. If a start capacitor remains in the circuit continuously, it will overheat and fail.

PSC Capacitors (Run Capacitors)

These capacitors remain in the circuit continuously while the motor is running. They are designed for continuous duty and are built to handle the heat generated.3.

Your Experiment Points to PSC

The fact that the capacitors you're using (intended as start caps) get hot and fail strongly indicates they aren't designed for continuous duty.

Here's my assessment and recommended course of action


Confirm PSC Motor

The first step is to confirm your theory that you have a PSC motor. Open the motor and locate the capacitor connection. If the capacitor is wired directly in series with a winding and connected directly to the AC input, then you almost certainly have a PSC motor.2.

Find the Correct Run Capacitor

You need a capacitor designed for continuous duty (a "run capacitor"). The fact that you had a 38uF capacitor is a great start. Run Capacitors have a range of operating tolerances. You have a 36-43 range which should be perfect. But you need to find one that is rated for continuous duty.3.

Voltage Rating

330VAC seems reasonable for most gate opener motors. Do NOT use a capacitor with a lower voltage rating than what was originally installed! Higher voltage is okay.4.

Physical Size

Try to find a capacitor that is physically similar in size to the original, so it fits within the motor housing or control box.5.

Buy a Run Capacitor

Purchase a run capacitor of similar capacitance (38uF or the equivalent) and the correct voltage rating. Run capacitors are available from most online suppliers, electronics supply houses, or stores that sell HVAC equipment or electric motors.6.

Install the Run Capacitor

Disconnect the power to the opener. Disconnect the old (failed) capacitor. Connect the new run capacitor in its place. Make sure the connections are secure.7.

Test the Opener

Restore power and test the gate opener. Monitor the capacitor after a few cycles to make sure it's not overheating. It will get warm, but it shouldn't be excessively hot to the touch.8.

If it still fails

if the gate still has trouble, then it's likely a bad motor. You can have the motor rebuilt at a motor shop. If you can locate the manufacturer of the motor, you can try to get a replacement from them directly.

Important Safety Notes



Disconnect Power

ALWAYS disconnect power to the gate opener before working on it.

Capacitor Discharge

Before touching any capacitor terminals, discharge the capacitor. You can do this carefully with a resistor. Wear gloves, and connect the resistor to the terminals of the disconnected capacitor for several seconds. Even if it's old, capacitors can hold a dangerous charge.

Proper Wiring

Ensure you reconnect the wires to the capacitor terminals correctly. Incorrect wiring could damage the motor or capacitor.*

If in Doubt, Consult a Professional

If you are uncomfortable working with electrical components, consult a qualified electrician or electric motor repair shop.

Finding a Run Capacitor:

Search online for "38uF 330VAC run capacitor". You should find several options.Good luck! Let me know how it goes. If you can post a picture of the motor's wiring, I might be able to give you more specific advice. Flag for review