<html>
<body>
Wrenches,<br><br>
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.<br><br>
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 <u>all the information</u> 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!<br><br>
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. <br><br>
The machine was seriously damaged. Much of the oil was blown out.<u>
Neither the over-temperature nor the low engine oil shutdown functioned
to protect the unit</u>.<br><br>
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.<br><br>
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.<br><br>
Best,<br><br>
Drake <br><br>
<a name="_MailAutoSig"></a>Drake Chamberlin<br>
<i>Athens Electric LLC<br>
OH License 44810<br>
CO License 3773<br>
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer<br>
740-448-7328<br>
</i><a href="http://athens-electric.com/">http://athens-electric.com/</a>
<br>
<br><br>
</body>
</html>