Well - first I thought the problem was the capacitor, as that will cause hard starts, especially on an air conditioner (I am no HVAC man, but researched this to find out). Pulled the capcitor (BE CAREFUL - discharge first - It CAN kill you if you don't!). Tested it and found it fine (again - to test - research on the net - VERY easy w/ a standard Ohm meter).
So - after investigating a few other possibilities, I sat and listened to the thing run and realized it was cycling too fast (trying to kick the compressor on too close to shutting it off, hence the built up pressure was still too high to kick the compressor on easily. Figured maybe the thermostat was causing this (kicking the compressor on before it was "rested").
I was correct. It solved the problem.
To change the thermostat took like 5 minutes.
BTW - CLEAN YOUR COILS - I'M SURPRISED MY WAS EVEN RUNNING! THE COILS WERE FULL OF JUNK. If your coils are dirty the thing is will not run well and will cost you a lot of money to make your room / house cool!
Removed the back - Saw the broken clips on the base of the dryer (the wires to the motor were pulling out because the motor was slipping).
Guessed that the parts were motor clips (no pix in the web site!)
Got the parts in post - they were identical except needed some rubber grips inside to hold tight (Used pieces of bike tire inner tube cut to fit for this.) Attached clips. Works fine!!
(Son is an engineer - he found the problem. Husband is a retired doctor - he couldn't!! but together they supplied the muscle) Sue (67 years old)