Fischer Panda 4k generators

[seafairer123]

Has anyone had a Fischer Panda run for more than 1k hours. My first one sheared the crankshaft at 700 hrs. FP repaired it and returned it to me. It ran for 300 hrs and sheared the bolts on the flywheel and broke the piston rod. My former mechanic embarrassed them and they have me a new one. Just over 1k hours, the governor quit functioning. The repairs are in the range of $1,500.00 so far. I have maintained it religiously. Obviously, I am not happy with this product. The mechanic repairing the Faryman engine told me (in Annapolis where there are many of these) that he rarely sees one of these going over 1k hrs without requiring repairs that are usually major. I would be up for a class-action lawsuit against them.

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[Arthur Garfield]

Hi seafairer123,

I read all there literature and was impressed.
Reading your post has warned me off ! Under 1k hours and govemor goes and they don't stand behind it-Bail now.I can't imagine the frustration.

[seafairer123]

I would not purchase one again. It was the answer for me as well. Compact, very quiet and it fit into the space that was available. I have recently purchased A Honda 2000 as a backup. $900.00 as opposed to the 11k I paid for the FP. Not the best alternative but I am going cruising in the islands and I cannot trust the FP.

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[sailinglegend]

Originally Posted by seafairer123

.... The mechanic repairing the Faryman engine told me (in Annapolis where there are many of these) that he rarely sees one of these going over 1k hrs without requiring repairs that are usually major....

I have an FP DC genset with the Kubota engine and the maintenance schedule calls for a lot of checks EVERY 50 HOURS. I doubt most owners do this, or could afford to have an engineer do it. They are very small and quiet units, but I think FP have put too much in such a small case. Keep them cool and check them every 50 hours and they might last longer. I'm up to 350 hours after 8 years of use and no major problems.

[seafairer123]

My understanding from discussions I have had w/mechanics is that the Kubota is a much better engine than a Gartman.

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[seafairer123]

Faryman (auto correct - got to love it)

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[Skeet]

I am on my second FPanda 6 and unfortunately have had similar experiences. I do not recommend this product, it is overengineered, not dependable and expensive. Steer clear!

[Cheechako]

I ran an aluminum boat company for a few years, we installed a couple and had nothing but problems with them and very unsatisfied customers from the get go.

[seafairer123]

BTW, the Farryman 4k diesel was originally a Briggs and Stratton engine.

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[Hyrdflyr]

The only trouble with a Kubota is the price of parts. If you can, get an Isuzu and buy your parts on Ebay. Many, if not all, of the Thermo King semi truck reefer units run them and there are a lot of parts outlets all over the world.