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Posted by Nick [99.100.212.49] on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 21:47:24 :
A few years ago, I bought and air compressor to use during the project of my 48 B-1. I didnt put too much thought into it cuz my funds were limited and I just needed one.
I settled for a 15 gallon verticle 1.5 hp Craftsman. Its served me well so far.
In January of 09, I was disassembling my FFPW, lol, and I just happened to glance over at my compressor. I noticed flames and it started to smoke. Before I could make it to the compressor, it screetched to a halt, puffed a few flames outta the motor case, and smoked a little more.
I called Sears and they said bring it to the repair facility in nearby Hanford. When I got there, they asked what happened. I told em, it had a small fire in the motor and stopped working. They said they'd take a look.
A few weeks later, I picked it up. The invoice was provided. And not much conversation was provided by the employees.
I looked at the invoice and in the box where it asks for the problem, it says "Customer states motor caught on fire and compressor quit working".
Well "caught on fire" was circled with blue pen and highlighted in yellow. An arrow was directed to the following verbage, and I am directly quoting, "OVERSTATING!!! Visible arching from an electrical motor while running does NOT consitute "ON FIRE"!! NO damage done from supposed "fire".
Today in the mail, I received a recall notice from Sears. Stating "Our records show you have purchased an air compressor from us. We have been notified from the manufacturer that these motors have a defect which could cause them to overheat and catch on fire. Please return it to Sears for repairs".
So today, I brought it out to Sears, the same facility. And After they brought it back and did the paperwork, I asked to see a manager. When she came out, I explained the situation. She seemd un interested. Until I mentioned that I was a professional fire fighter and gave her my business card.
I told her that I want to know if this incompetent tech was still employed. I mentioned that if he did this to any other compressors, there could be a problem. I gave her a dose of reality that if I happened, slim as it could be, to end up on a structure fire that was caused by a defective air compressor, there would be no hesitation in me mentioning to investigators my situation.
By the time I made it back home, I had a phone call from the manager stating the employee was employed up until a few minutes ago. He was terminated for the remarks he made, in writing on my invoice, and for not completing competent inspections on merchandise brought in for repairs, warranty or recall.
In the mean time, I am without a compressor for about two or three weeks while its shipped off for repairs.
Just a little ot, hope ya dont mind
thanks for your time
Nick
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