SAFETY RECALL. Powermate Sx 5500/PMO Portable Generator

Transcription

1 SAFETY RECALL Powermate Sx 5500/PMO Portable Generator In some cases, the fuel filter on this generator may allow gasoline to leak. This could create a fire hazard. Affected products were sold between February 2012 & August 2012, s/n K003xxxxxQ through K090xxxxxQ To receive a free repair kit, call Powermate toll free at , contact them on their web site or write to Pramac America, LLC, 4970 Airport Road, Kearney, Nebraska Post Until February 10, 2013 In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

2 Frequently Asked Questions Why is Powermate conducting this recall? A few of the Powermate Sx 5500/PM portable generators have been found to have cracked fuel filters. This could allow fuel to leak and create a fire hazard. Therefore, although there are no reports of fire or injury, we believe that it is in our customer s best interest to discontinue use and replace the questionable filter as soon as possible. Please contact us at , or on our web site or by at generatorservices@powermate.com, so that we may assist you in the repairs. How can I tell if my generator is being recalled? First, this recall only affects the Powermate Sx 5500/PM Second, the generators in question were only sold from February, 2012 through August, 2012, and only at The Home Depot. Third, the unit s serial number will fall between K Q through K Q. Where is the Serial Number located? The unit s serial number is on a label which has been applied to the end of the fuel tank directly opposite the control panel. Please see the photo s below. If you need assistance in locating the serial number, or confirming if your unit is affected, please call our toll-free number , or on our web site or by at generatorservices@powermate.com, and one of our Technical Service representatives will help you. Serial Number Location

3 My unit Serial Number appears to be in the range above. How do I participate in the recall? Please call our Technical Service representatives at between the hours of 7:00 5:00 CDT Monday-Friday. You may also contact us on our web site or by at generatorservices@powermate.com. Our representatives will confirm your serial number is in the affected range, and then will send you the free repair kit and installation instructions. Or, if you need help in making the repairs, they will assist you in making contact with the nearest Service Center, where the repair will be made free of charge. My Serial Number falls within the range of affected product, but appears to be functioning OK. Can I continue to use it? No. Even though your generator appears to be operating safely, a fuel leak could occur at any time and create a fire hazard. Please contact us at or on our web site or by at generatorservices@powermate.com, so that we can send you the repair kit, free of charge. Is proof-of-purchase required to participate in the recall? I no longer have my store receipt. You are still able to participate in the recall. Please contact us at , or on our web site or by at generatorservices@powermate.comwith the unit s serial number, so that we can send you the repair kit, free of charge. There is a brightly colored dot on the outside of the packaging, and/or on the frame of my unit. What do those mean? The colored dot, whether on the outside box or on the unit s frame, indicates that the factory has already inspected the unit. It is safe to use as is. Will I be able to make the repairs myself? Yes if you can do routine maintenance such as replacement of fuel filters. Detailed instructions are included with the free repair kit, and no special tools are required. If you do not believe you can safely make the repair, please contact our 800 number for assistance and if necessary they will refer you to the nearest repair center. How long will it take to receive my repair kit? Please allow up to 10 working days for the parts to be delivered to you. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. I bought a Powermate Sx 5500/PM at The Home Depot after August 31, Does it need to be repaired? No. Units which are in stores after September 1, 2012 should already be repaired.

4 PRAMAC SERVICE BULLETIN Affected Product : Sx 5500 (PM ) Portable Generators Release date : 11/13/12 Relevance : High Certain units of the Powermate Sx 5500 portable generator may experience a fuel leak at or near the in-line fuel filter. The units involved have serial numbers between K003xxxxxQ and K090xxxxxQ, and were manufactured between 1/11/12 and 4/12/12. We strongly recommend that customers stop using generators in this serial number range until a replacement filter and hose can be installed, as outlined in the following document. If there are any questions or concerns about the installation of the repair kit, please contact the Pramac Customer Service group at , or by on the company website Written correspondence can be directed to Customer Service, Pramac America LLC, PO Box 6001, Kearney, NE Please have the serial number of your unit available at the time of contact. Do not return the unit to the store. FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT ON THE POWERMATE Sx 5500 PORTABLE GENERATOR.. Figure 1. Powermate Sx 5500 Gnerator Old Fuel Filter 1

5 Serial No. Location Figure 2. Serial Number on Nameplate.STEP 1. DRAIN THE FUEL TANK. Figure 3. Remove Shut-off Valve Remove the fuel shut-off from under the front control panel by pressing with your thumb. Make sure the valve is in the OFF position to match the cutout in the plastic panel. Press firmly and it will pop out of the panel. 2

6 Figure 4. Remove Spring Clamp Using a pliers, squeeze together the two ears on the spring clamp so that the clamp can be slid down the hose several inches, away from the valve. Making sure the valve is in the closed position (shown), remove the hose from the valve body. Figure 5. Drain Fuel Tank Place a clean catch bucket under the free end of the hose. Open the valve to allow the fuel to drain from the generator tank into the bucket. Safely store the fuel and bucket until the repair has been completed. 3

7 STEP 2. REMOVE THE OLD FUEL FILTER Figure 6. Old Filter and Hose Locate the fuel tank outlet under the tank as shown. Begin by loosening the clamp, using a pair of pliers, and slide the clamp down the hose. Pull the hose from the tank outlet elbow. It may be quite snug and will require twisting of the hose as you pull. Figure 7. Old Filter & Short Hose Maneuver the fuel filter and hose, just disconnected from the fuel tank elbow, out the front of the unit as shown, for easy access. Again, loosen the clamp and slide it up the hose as shown. Remove the filter and short hose assembly by pulling and twisting the filter. 4

8 STEP 3. INSTALL NEW FILTER & HOSE Figure 8. Install New Filter and Hose Install the new fuel filter assembly to the fuel shut-off hose as shown by inserting the filter nipple into the hose and pushing together. Be sure it is pushed on all the way. Clamp the hose, squeezing the hose clamp with the pliers, and slide it up over the nipple. Fuel Tank Outlet 9. Valve is Ready to be Re-Installed Re-install the fuel shut-off back into the proper hole as shown. Press firmly and it will snap back into the proper location. Move the new filter and hose back to the fuel tank outlet and re-install. Move the hose clamp to the final position by squeezing with the pliers and sliding up the hose. It should now be reinstalled to the tank outlet elbow. 5

9 10. New Filter Installed The new filter is installed, with the valve re-seated into the front control panel. Add a small amount of fuel to tank, and check for leaks. If none are found, the valve can be turned to the ON position and the generator is again ready for service. 6