[RE-wrenches] ECO GEN ALERT

[Drake]

Wrenches,

An unknown quantity of Generac EcoGens went out of the factory with 
incorrectly connected oil lines. We are working with Generac now, 
concerning a new unit that destroyed itself on its first run.

After we hooked the machine up and left, the customer manually 
started the machine the following day. We were not able to do the 
startup because we did not have all the information needed for 
Generac to provide us with the access code needed to start the unit. 
The representative told me she would give me the code, but that it 
would void the warranty!  Beware of the many EcoGen warranty loopholes!

After providing the necessary information to Generac and receiving 
the access code, my client started the unit and watched happily as 
the machine ran quietly and charged the batteries at twice the rate 
of her old unit. She went about her chores, and 2 hours later noticed 
that the yard had a tremendous amount of smoke in it. The generator 
was pouring out smoke. The lid of the enclosure was too hot to touch.

The machine was seriously damaged. Much of the oil was blown out. 
Neither the over-temperature nor the low engine oil shutdown 
functioned to protect the unit.

We are asking Generac to provide a new unit, not repair the flawed 
one, as the amount of overheating could have damaged unknown 
components. We understand that Generac would prefer to repair instead 
of replace.

Under the circumstances, it would be wise to monitor a new EcoGen for 
much longer than would normally be required after startup. How 
long?  I don't know. I'd wait two hours to feel safe.

Best,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
740-448-7328
<http://athens-electric.com/>http://athens-electric.com/


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