I have just installed a Generac 5244 generator. I bought it from a
dealer that does not service in my area (I know, I know....).

I hooked it up (and made absolutely sure everything was done according
to the specs...)

About two hours into the break-in phase, it failed. The windings
apparently failed (according to a service tech I talked to on the
phone). The breaker on the genset never tripped, and I had a Fluke
Clamp meter on it the whole time. It is a 16kw LP and 15kwNG unit. I
never got above 7.5kw. The generator produces no AC output, and in the
bottom of the unit there are pieces of copper wiring that have
apparently been burned off.

I live in an area hit by hurricane Rita last year, and the local
Generac service people I have had contact with have waiting lists of up
to 6 months. The only company that has agreed to take a look at it
wants a credit card on file for trip charges ($75 and "fuel surcharges"
just to take an initial look at it) and estimates it will take 6 weeks
to get it operational (2 weeks to make the initial service call, part
needs to be sent to Generac, tested, sent back, schedule follow up).

The dealer, who will remain unnamed at this point, has been of little
help. It seems to me that a brand new generator that fails initially
should be replaced. I purchased the unit on May 2nd, and still have no
resolution. Has anyone had a similar experience, or does anyone have
any advice? I just get the runaround with the dealer...

Thanks,
Brad