Armstrong SCU10

**dakers** · 06-07-2003, 12:48 AM

This is a new SCU10 condenser that came from the factory without any refrigerant charge. Distributor informed me that a few got shipped without a charge being added and to recharge the unit. The suction line joint to the service valve is leaking refrigerant and oil has coated the compressor, lines and base pan. Factory wants unit repaired, customer wants system replaced since she bought a new unit. She stated a new unit should not have to be repaired right out of the box. She is RIGHT!

[Edited by Boss on 12-29-2003 at 01:03 PM]

**mayguy** · 06-07-2003, 04:13 PM

This is a new unit?? Sure alot of dirt, and leaves inside of it...

**dakers** · 06-07-2003, 07:37 PM

Been leaking since day 1. Oil attracts dirt and debrit at an alarming rate.

**srmfsr** · 06-08-2003, 06:09 PM

IMHO Armstrong is at the bottom of the pile. Nothing sorrier.

**Freezeking2000** · 06-08-2003, 10:54 PM

I would not have told her so much. you should have welded it up and been on you way. It is not all that uncommon to have a small leak every now and then on any brand of equipment. You can weld it better than the factory, you are the professional.

**dakers** · 06-09-2003, 12:17 AM

Originally posted by Freezeking2000
I would not have told her so much. you should have welded it up and been on you way. It is not all that uncommon to have a small leak every now and then on any brand of equipment. You can weld it better than the factory, you are the professional.

First of all, this customer has bought 7 systems in 2 years from me. She is a VERY intelligent individual and will not have the wool pulled over her eyes. Second, I am tired of correcting manufacturers defects! I buy a new system, then have to spend my time any money to correct something they screwed up? This is not the first Armstrong unit that I have had leaking from the factory. Their manufacturing process has a lot to be desired!

This industry is FULL of individuals that will "short change" the customer. I will have no part of it! What happened to doing what was morally right? If it hits the manufacturer in the pocket, they will stop this nonsense and build a better product.

**smitty53** · 06-09-2003, 07:58 AM

If this unit had no refg. in it when it was first put in then the person who repaired it at start up didn't get the leak fixed first time. So now we blame the manf. for their error and not mention our own? This unit has been in and running for awhile or it sat out back somewhere for awhile and wasn't cleaned up before being installed

**dakers** · 06-09-2003, 08:21 AM

Welcome to HVAC-Talk Smitty.

Who is to blame besides the manufacturer? I did not assemble the unit. If you had installed as many of these systems as I have and had to deal with all the leaks that come from this manufacturer, you would not field repair this unit either. If you bought a new car that had a blown motor sitting on the showroom floor, would you allow them to install a new motor and buy it as new?

**smitty53** · 06-09-2003, 01:07 PM

IF you keep having that kind of problem, why even sell that brand? You talk of doing what is right. The right thing would be to quit buying that product. If you keep purchasing that product because of price, then its apparent that as contractors and customers, we get what we pay for.

[Edited by smitty53 on 06-09-2003 at 01:10 PM]

**dakers** · 06-09-2003, 02:57 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by smitty53
[B] IF you keep having that kind of problem, why even sell that brand? You talk of doing what is right. The right thing would be to quit buying that product.

I stopped buying that brand last year because of the problems. I was a dealer for them a little over a year. First year warranty failures were over 15%!

If you keep purchasing that product because of price, then its apparent that as contractors and customers, we get what we pay for.

I strive to install the BEST possible products and system. I DO NOT purchase a product for price. Armstrong is an old established company and is part of the Lennox family, so you would think they offer quality products. ISO 9001 and other certifications are misleading. Their product warranty is also. Sure they want it field repaired, it saves them money. I am NOT on their payroll, therefore, I FLAT OUT REFUSE TO CORRECT THEIR MISTAKES! One problem...ok, but theirs is a problem that occurs WAY to often. Search this site and you will find that I am not the only one experiencing this problem.

**smitty53** · 06-09-2003, 03:10 PM

A previuos company I worked for had two different product lines that they had sold at different time. That had stopped selling them both because of the amount of warranty calls and problems as you have mentioned. I fight with Dist. about warranty repairs all the time. When I get a new RTU I expext it to work with out having to make repairs. Agreed?
When they do cough up money, the labor rate they pay? wow. I think they use some one man shop from way back in the sticks. plus they won't pay travel time. Many of our jobs are 1 to 2 hours away.
It is tough with the condition that some of this equipment is in when we get it, right?

**dakers** · 06-09-2003, 07:59 PM

Now you're talkin'. I can relate to that. I am fighting with the distributor right now...an expensive fight if you get what I mean.

**capital** · 06-10-2003, 12:04 AM

Just installed a scu10 5 ton this morning and my concern kind of shows up in this picture. The liquid line was run so close to bottom of the base pan that the middle screw for the access panel would have easily touched the line and the way the cond fan was vibrating when I fired her off, it wouldnt have taken long for her rub through. Dist checking on a fan assembly or blade for it, go figure.

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