Home Repair forum - Generac 5244 DOA

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Generac 5244 DOA

jbgreig@gmail.com

2006-05-31, 12:21 am

I have just installed a Generac 5244 generator. I bought it from a
dealer that does not service in my area (I know, I know....).

I hooked it up (and made absolutely sure everything was done according
to the specs...)

About two hours into the break-in phase, it failed. The windings
apparently failed (according to a service tech I talked to on the
phone). The breaker on the genset never tripped, and I had a Fluke
Clamp meter on it the whole time. It is a 16kw LP and 15kwNG unit. I
never got above 7.5kw. The generator produces no AC output, and in the
bottom of the unit there are pieces of copper wiring that have
apparently been burned off.

I live in an area hit by hurricane Rita last year, and the local
Generac service people I have had contact with have waiting lists of up
to 6 months. The only company that has agreed to take a look at it
wants a credit card on file for trip charges ($75 and "fuel surcharges"
just to take an initial look at it) and estimates it will take 6 weeks
to get it operational (2 weeks to make the initial service call, part
needs to be sent to Generac, tested, sent back, schedule follow up).

The dealer, who will remain unnamed at this point, has been of little
help. It seems to me that a brand new generator that fails initially
should be replaced. I purchased the unit on May 2nd, and still have no
resolution. Has anyone had a similar experience, or does anyone have
any advice? I just get the runaround with the dealer...

Thanks,
Brad

philkryder

2006-05-31, 2:21 am

Sad...

First off, be sure of your facts. Especially any technical detail - did
you have any professionals help you with the install who would be
willing to back your statement that everything was done right.

Sometimes I've had success by writing a clear description of the
chonology and history to the vendor.
Include all relevant details.

I also send a copy to the Attorney General of my own state, the AG of
the vendor's state and as high as possible in the parent company's
chain of command (in your case Generac).
Of course, I note these other important people on my CC list.

I write one clear sentence of WHAT I WANT TO HAVE DONE FOR ME.

In your case you might write:
I want a full refund.
or
I want you to ship me a new generator and pre-paid freight bill to
return this unit.

Also, I will typically use my Amex Card when I buy and call them to
recind the payment - this will often stop "the run-around" and lead to
more fruitful discussions.

I've not had to do it, but second level would be to resend the original
letter, with a strong cover letter.
And this second time via Certified mail or Fed ex and add a CC to my
personal attorney.

Best of luck.
Phil

jbgreig@gmail.com wrote:
> I have just installed a Generac 5244 generator. I bought it from a
> dealer that does not service in my area (I know, I know....).
>
> I hooked it up (and made absolutely sure everything was done according
> to the specs...)
>
> About two hours into the break-in phase, it failed. The windings
> apparently failed (according to a service tech I talked to on the
> phone). The breaker on the genset never tripped, and I had a Fluke
> Clamp meter on it the whole time. It is a 16kw LP and 15kwNG unit. I
> never got above 7.5kw. The generator produces no AC output, and in the
> bottom of the unit there are pieces of copper wiring that have
> apparently been burned off.
>
> I live in an area hit by hurricane Rita last year, and the local
> Generac service people I have had contact with have waiting lists of up
> to 6 months. The only company that has agreed to take a look at it
> wants a credit card on file for trip charges ($75 and "fuel surcharges"
> just to take an initial look at it) and estimates it will take 6 weeks
> to get it operational (2 weeks to make the initial service call, part
> needs to be sent to Generac, tested, sent back, schedule follow up).
>
> The dealer, who will remain unnamed at this point, has been of little
> help. It seems to me that a brand new generator that fails initially
> should be replaced. I purchased the unit on May 2nd, and still have no
> resolution. Has anyone had a similar experience, or does anyone have
> any advice? I just get the runaround with the dealer...
>
> Thanks,
> Brad

George

2006-05-31, 11:21 pm

If paid by credit card call them NOW. They can mediate. If it lasted
only 2 hours and everything was hooked up correctly, it should be
covered under a return to purchased location.
George

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