RECALL - Another round of DeVilbiss compressors

[Cameronl]

RECALL - DeVilbiss compressors - Craftsman, EX-CELL, Porter-Cable and Pro-Air II

DeVilbiss Air Power Co Recalls Air Compressors Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Air compressors

Units: About 460,000

Manufacturer: DeVilbiss Air Power Co. of Jackson, Tenn.

Hazard: The air compressor motor can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: DeVilbiss has received 10 reports of motors overheating. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled compressors were sold under the Craftsman, EX-CELL, Porter-Cable and Pro-Air II brand names.

Details, including how to identify which compressors are affected, in the link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12269.html

 

[StevePgh]

Thanks a million for posting this, Cameronl. I have one of the Craftsman 33 gal. units that were recalled.

 

[efoster01]

Thank you I have a craftsman 33 gal that is recalled in the wife's garage attached to the house.

 

[Coloradotrailrider]

Yep I had a Craftsman 15 gal upright 1.5hp that was part of the recall. It never overheated on me but I wasn't taking any chances, I took it back to Sears with the recall notice and explained to them I didn't have time to wait for them to ship it off for repairs. I told them I wanted credited for the old noisy oil free compressor and trade up to the Ingersoll Rand 2hp 20gal oil compressor. They agreed and let me pay the difference.

I'm glad they had a recall, it was my excuse to get rid of that really noisy craftsman.

 

[bmwpower]

Stickied. Fire is serious business.

 

[bluechevy94]

Well looks like I will be making a trip to sears.

 

[adamsredlines]

Thanks for the heads up. Mine's not on the list but I'm passing the word!

 

[StevePgh]

I was completely shocked to have my call to the Sears 1-800 line for this recall instantly picked up by an American. No pressing numbers, no picking the language. Immediate human. I gave my model number, name, and address. The repair kit will be shipped out. Is Sears actually making some improvements? Wow!

 

[1SlowFormula]

thanks for the info, it looks like mine is on the list, the scary part is that this was used in the basement of my old house before we moved, a fire there would have been crazy...

 

[Wangstang]

I guess I should check my upright when I get home. Were there any other models recalled prior to this one that I should also check the list for?

Anyone else have any luck with getting the local sears to do a credit toward a swap?

Thanks
Wes

 

[MarkH]

What you will get after calling the number is a recall kit. Basically it is a replacement for the plastic shroud around the motor compressor unit. It looks like the original minus some of the decals. They stated the parts do not mix with the originals so the whole shroud needs to be replaced. The part numbers were different. I did not measure to see if there was any differences to aid air flow since I needed to get my 33 gal at home back to work.

The installation was remove three screws holding the shroud on and the ring on the pressure control. Pull the old shroud off, put the new on on and replace the 3 screws and ring and it was done about 5 minutes.

So it is easier to call and have them ship you the kit, a very smooth process when we called, vs taking the machine in to Sears for them to fix it.

 

[Cameronl]

Were there any other models recalled prior to this one that I should also check the list for?

Another recall last year:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90424

 

[Wangstang]

Thanks for the help!

Wes

 

[Wangstang]

I checked mine a few minutes ago, it's one of the recall models. Thanks for posting.

Wes

 

[StevePgh]

I went to install my shroud this evening and was surprised to find it identical (aside from the stickers) to the old one. Almost the same molding numbers (old one had a CAV2, new one CAV1 on both pieces, otherwise the main mold # was the same). The plastic looked a bit grayer (not as dark black) than the original. I was concerned that this was a problem, until I found a Campbell Hausfeld recall notice (not part of the DeVilbiss one, but DeVilbiss also makes them): "We determined that the plastic motor cover material may not meet proper flame retardant requirements and has the potential for being a fire hazard." I'm guessing this is the same issue.

The sad thing is there is absolutely zero way to tell that the recall was resolved by looking at a compressor. If I try to sell it the buyer will have to take my word for it being done.

Oh - I received a console cover with my kit - mine never had a console cover and the layout is completely different anyway, so that one is going in the trash. Anyone else get this cover but not use it? I have the Craftsman 919-168700 33 gal. vertical

 

[1SlowFormula]

I got my recall kit about a week ago, I have yet to actually go out to the garage to install it yet, I was planning on taking any pics of the differences that I could find...

 

[reddog289]

Got my letter 2days ago. My Dad told me to get it fixed, Then laughed said it might be better if the Garage burned down. Get rid of some junk.
Gotta love them 88yr old joksters.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Called mine in today. Should get the repair kit soon.

 

[reddog289]

My wife called today, Put the phone on speaker. Got right through to the person. Was told what parts I will be receiving. Overall it went well, Will see in 10 days.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Got my replacements parts in. I couldn't tell the difference between the old and the new, as far as dimensions and style are concerned. In the pictures, the lighter colored ones are the new parts. I would imagine that the material is different.

Also, my Sears 33 gallon upright does not have the console cover. I did replace the shroud.

Since it never overheated before, I would imagine it would work the same.

 

[rande]

Got my replacements parts in. I couldn't tell the difference between the old and the new, as far as dimensions and style are concerned. In the pictures, the lighter colored ones are the new parts. I would imagine that the material is different.

Also, my Sears 33 gallon upright does not have the console cover. I did replace the shroud.

Since it never overheated before, I would imagine it would work the same.

I've also got a 33 gal model. I received my new parts this week. They are the exact same parts as the originals. The part numbers molded into the parts are the same on the originals and on the new shrouds.

 

[reddog289]

Got mine too, They need to go on. The box is in the living room and needs to go.

 

[Hybridss]

Mine was on the list...but it died about 12 months ago after 3 years of very light use. It started smoking and overheated. After that it would run for just a short time before overheating.

A shroud replacement isnt going to do much for me now. I called Sears...they are looking into it.

 

[PinchPoint]

In the late 70s I worked in a machine shop. We as in I machined compressor cylinder cases. They were for DeVilbiss Toledo-then. They were also made for Sears as they do now. Well the company told the employees they would be moving down south. So all these people would be loosing there jobs. Then we had to stop production soon after they were told of the moving. Sears had many units being purchased making noises. When Sears service opened the units up. Hand fulls of assembly parts were added for deburring purposed I would assume. I don't know what happened after that, but we soon restarted production.

I know they had a machine custom made to run these parts. After installation and production runs we started to loose the job. But lo and behold they messed up and couldn't run them at our output. We got full production back as they had to redesign the machine to run at faster feeds and speeds.

You see we could run ceramic inserts and they made their machine to run on carbide. They could get out half of our 8hr total and it was cheaper to buy from us. So this had to be done. All I can say is them, upper management in this company must have no pure thinkers. Or anything even close to that!

 

[KevinP]

Wouldn't it make sense just to remove the cover and let outside air cool this part???? Just a thought??

 

[SGKent]

In the late 70s I worked in a machine shop. We as in I machined compressor cylinder cases. They were for DeVilbiss Toledo-then. They were also made for Sears as they do now. Well the company told the employees they would be moving down south. So all these people would be loosing there jobs. Then we had to stop production soon after they were told of the moving. Sears had many units being purchased making noises. When Sears service opened the units up. Hand fulls of assembly parts were added for deburring purposed I would assume. I don't know what happened after that, but we soon restarted production.

I know they had a machine custom made to run these parts. After installation and production runs we started to loose the job. But lo and behold they messed up and couldn't run them at our output. We got full production back as they had to redesign the machine to run at faster feeds and speeds.

You see we could run ceramic inserts and they made their machine to run on carbide. They could get out half of our 8hr total and it was cheaper to buy from us. So this had to be done. All I can say is them, upper management in this company must have no pure thinkers. Or anything even close to that!

I would wager that most of the companies that are owned by Wall Street these days, rather than by private families, have upper management that is trained to harvest good will until the company is broke, but haven't a clue how to plant and grow it. It is the crisis of our time and leads to most of our other problems, including foreign. How can you respect someone, especially a foreign banker, who only knows how to steal from you rather than create a better way of life. Hence - even parts for devilbliss compressors that are 5 to 6 years old are getting scarce. Worse, the cost of many parts exceed that of the same compressor new. i know that because I own two. Never again.

 

[Jay H 237]

I went to install my shroud this evening and was surprised to find it identical (aside from the stickers) to the old one. Almost the same molding numbers (old one had a CAV2, new one CAV1 on both pieces, otherwise the main mold # was the same). The plastic looked a bit grayer (not as dark black) than the original. I was concerned that this was a problem, until I found a Campbell Hausfeld recall notice (not part of the DeVilbiss one, but DeVilbiss also makes them): "We determined that the plastic motor cover material may not meet proper flame retardant requirements and has the potential for being a fire hazard." I'm guessing this is the same issue.

"Cav1" and "CAV2" are what cavities in the mold those parts were molded in.

 

[PSE driver]

Replaced mine but couldn't tell any difference in them.

 

[unixgeek]

Thanks for posting. I have a recalled unit in my kitchen!!!

 

[jayli2012]

Hi everyone
I am new here, very glad to meet you guys!

 

[JDM5LugHatch]

I ordered my parts back in September or October and was told the parts are on backorder and should be in around the end of December. I'm still waiting on the parts.

 

[ITSWILL]

Mine was on the list...but it died about 12 months ago after 3 years of very light use. It started smoking and overheated. After that it would run for just a short time before overheating.

A shroud replacement isnt going to do much for me now. I called Sears...they are looking into it.

I got my notice just after I bucked up for a Quincy! Funny think I had a feeling that that this thing was dangerous considering all the noise it was making.

The other day I popped the head off found the most terribly scored cylinder I have ever seen. You can be guaranteed that if these things are running hot that it contributed to premature failure.

I bought a rebuild kit for $50 shipped. Should be here soon. Can't wait to see how it works out. Would have been nice if Craftsman included the rebuild kit in the warranty.

 

[NoNN37]

I ordered my parts back in September or October and was told the parts are on backorder and should be in around the end of December. I'm still waiting on the parts.

I ordered in November and was told they would start shipping the end of JAn. and to expect them to be delivered in February.

 

[bobemmerich]

Wow. I ordered mine last week and they came in yesterday. I don't see a difference, but there must be a difference in materials or something.

 

[Prototyper]

And this is exactly why I will only ever own a Quincy compressor! I bought a 5HP, 3 phase 80 gallon model 325 that was built around 1970, for $400. I replaced the motor with a Leeson 5HP single phase ($250), then prepped and painted the whole thing. I installed an auto condensate drain on the receiver.

That was about 10 years ago. I have changed the oil a few times, and that's it. I am happy with the machine every time it turns on...I just love the deep, thumping sound it makes. I fully expect this thing to keep on pumping for at least another 20 or 30 years. At that point, I'll just order parts and rebuild it.

The point is, buy a good machine (even a used one) once, or a cheesy plastic one every couple years. Save money in the long run, but even more so, your sanity. I CANNOT STAND the god awful racket those things make every time they turn on!

 

[Dust]

Wow. I ordered mine last week and they came in yesterday. I don't see a difference, but there must be a difference in materials or something.

The replacement for my 33 gallon upright was about 3/4" bigger than the factory installed shroud. Otherwise it was the same design.

The guy I talked with on the phone was a very helpful guy, even though he wasn't the brightest bulb ever. Had a quite pleasant conversation with him while waiting for everything to process, and he even called me back immediately when we were accidentally disconnected. I'm very happy with the customer service, and it took about ten days to get my parts from the day I called.

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I'm glad they had a recall, it was my excuse to get rid of that really noisy craftsman.

Anyone else have success with this approach? I've hated my compressor from the moment I first started it up!

 

[pmorris75]

I received a letter yesterday with the list. Called in with no problem and only had to give model number and production date. The call took less than 2 minutes. Now the catch; I was told it would be two months before the component would arrive, and to not use the compressor. I was also told the component was on back order and some customers are still waiting after calling in October.

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Anyone else notice that the recall goes back just about exactly 10 years, even though the models immediately before 2003 look identical? My best guess is that their lawyers have advised them that they are absolved of any liability for anything older than 10 years, and that's what actually defined the start date.

Just figured I'd point this out in case you have a model built prior to 2003. It may be exempt from the recall but not exempt from the problem.

 

[ErVikingo]

I was told that the parts are the same dimension but different material.

Mine is on the tripping breaker mood. Perhaps overheated or ??? Starts slow and then trips the breaker.

33 gal upright.