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“Two of use and blown controller board. ”

written by Archer3 on 23/09/2011

I own the Generac Guardian 05244 Propane 16KW version. It was installed in the fall of 2009. After hurricane Irene we attempted to use it but would not start. We found a blown 15A fuse, I knew this could not be a good sign. After replacing the fuse it would run but a relay was cycling/clicking continuously when in the off mode. I attempted to call Guardian to get tech support for trouble shooting given the unit is located on an out island in the Caribbean. They were no help and directed me to a dealer on the main island. Hundreds of dollars later and the repairman states it needs a new controller board. It's hard for me to believe that this diagnosis could not have been established with a few minutes chat with a tech. I will now have to order the board and have the repair guy flown back out to replace it. Interestingly enough the original part # has been replaced by an update. Hopefully it is better.

In general I have never been impressed by the crude noisy operation of the air cooled V-twin engine. It can also be hard starting, even when new. As for the noise it is bad enough that I had to install a plywood barrier to help attenuate it due to complaints from the neighbors. There are at least two others like it in my area and they can be heard for some distance when operating.

In the end I feel strongly that you get what you pay for with the Generac. I can no longer trust it as emergency backup power and am now starting to research a future replacement. CAT?? I would consider Cummins, but they are the parent of Onan/Generac. Such a reputable company should consider dumping Generac for fear of association.