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Warranty Question

    Dennis Dumas
    I don't understand why Husqvarna is not standing behind...escalated
    Warranty Question posted August 7, 2013 by Dennis Dumas 
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    Question:
    I don't understand why Husqvarna is not standing behind their power equipment as it relates to ethanol fuel use. I understand this is an industry wide problem, it seems manufacturers have not opted to use components that are resistant to E-10 fuels. I recently had my HUSQ WE line trimmer serviced for fuel issues. The repair shop had to replace carburetor due to E-10 fuel damage., repair was $57.00! This piece of equipment is used for personal residential purposes, and is stored weekly devoid of any fuel, as I run engine dry before weekly storage. This has always been my practice concerning all my small engine power equipment storage. Too much fire risk in storing equipment containing fuel in my garage.

    Back to the question of not standing behind a product. The piece of equipment previously mentioned was placed into service in 10/09, and was damaged due to the use of E-10 fuel, yet owners booklet makes no mention at all concerning the use of E-10 fuel, or the possible resultant damage. Ethanol has been in our fuel, as best as I can see since 1994. Here it is 2013, some 19 years after its introduction to the fuel market as mandated by EPA, and yet the small engine manufacturers still persist on using engine components that are not resistant to damage by using E-10, ethanol containing fuels. How much longer is this industry going to keep their head buried in the sand, E-10 is here to stay, like it or not, and E-15 is just around the corner according to the EPA.

    My point being simply this, I purchased a Husqvarna line trimmer in 10/09, no mention in owners booklet concerning E-10 fuels and resulting damage due to its use. Here it is 8/13, I just spent $57.00 for replacement carburetor service due to E-10 fuel damage. Manufacturer has no means of contact other than a service line. The people there have absolutely no technical knowledge, other than reading off a sheet, no doubt given to them to use when E-10 complaints come in. And the manufacturer accepts no liability for manufacturing equipment, to this day even, that has internal components that are not compatible with
    todays fuels.

    I personally feel that the manufacturers should be held liable for their equipment and any mechanical repairs required due to use of E-10 fuel. They have had 19 years to adapt to the reformulated fuels and have not done so. Why should I, as a consumer, be required to bare the expense of repairing equipment that the manufacturer produced for sale knowing full well at the time that the equipment was not designed for use with E-10 fuels. As far as I am concerned Husqvarna owes me $57.00 for my repair expense. I am retaining service invoice should husqvarna step up and offer to compensate me for my expense.

    A word to the wise.... If you own gasoline powered small engine equipment I strongly suggest that you only use ethanol free fuels in that equipment or you will encounter the same problems! This is a commonly known problem in the small engine repair business and accounts for a large portion of their repair revenue. It's disturbing to me that 19 years have passed and the small engine manufacturers like Husqvarna have not designed components resistant to ethanol. As for Husqvarna stepping up and compensating me.... Fat chance that will happen. At least place a warning label on their equipment cautioning use of E-10 will cause fuel system damage and associated repair costs. Geez, how much would the *** label cost? Someone give me an answer, or direct me to a government agency to lodge a complaint!
    Dennis Dumas
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