Pentair MinMax Plus 400 recall?

[ps851112]

I'm in the process of buying a house built in 1985 that has a pool/spa. The heater for the pool has been entirely disconnected from plumbing and electricity. The heater is a Pentair MinMax Plus 400.
I had a pool guy go out and look at the system, and he told me the heater had a significant recall, which is a possible fire danger. Still, I can't find any information about that specifically (I think he is trying to upsell me).
I know this heater is old, funds are tight, and I wanted to try getting it running again; I used to repair Digital copy machines, so I'm pretty competent in electrical and mechanical.

The heater is outside the house; gas is still plumbed to the unit. I wired electrical to the unit and the control board power light came on. I stopped at this point and decided it best to ask others out there: Does this have a recall for potential fire hazards? Am I wasting my time and safety trying to get this old unit running?

My best guess is that this unit has several sensor failures, the ignition system failed, or there is a recall and the previous owner did not want to spend the money on a replacement.

 

[Poolbreh]

Most likely the heat exchanger is leaking. Really the only reason someone would remove it from the plumbing. I would start saving for a new heater.

 

[ps851112]

Most likely the heat exchanger is leaking. Really the only reason someone would remove it from the plumbing. I would start saving for a new heater.

no kidding, i just checked the price on the heat exchanger and its definitely a reason to replace the heater.

 

[JamesW]

Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc. Recalls Gas Pool Heaters for Carbon Monoxide Hazard

www.cpsc.gov

 

[JamesW]

Originally issued January 4, 2007, Revised July 20, 2010

Name of Product: MiniMax® NT STD Gas Pool Heaters

Description: The recall involves Pentair MiniMax® NT STD Gas Pool Heaters installed indoors.

Hazard: These pool heaters can emit excessive carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning in the event of a vent leak in an indoor installation.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

They have BTU ratings between 200,000 and 400,000, and use either natural gas or propane.

The model number is located on the rating plate on the inner front panel of the heater.

The following model numbers are included:

460427 through 460430

460439 through 460450

460531 through 460538

460543 through 460566

 

[1poolman1]

Originally issued January 4, 2007, Revised July 20, 2010

Name of Product: MiniMax® NT STD Gas Pool Heaters

Description: The recall involves Pentair MiniMax® NT STD Gas Pool Heaters installed indoors.

Hazard: These pool heaters can emit excessive carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning in the event of a vent leak in an indoor installation.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

They have BTU ratings between 200,000 and 400,000, and use either natural gas or propane.

The model number is located on the rating plate on the inner front panel of the heater.

The following model numbers are included:

460427 through 460430

460439 through 460450

460531 through 460538

460543 through 460566

Stupidity at work. ALL gas-fired heaters will emit CO in the event of an indoor leak. Purex Mini-Max, bought by Pac-Fab, bought by Pentair. They gave up and bought Sta-Rite, in part, to get the heater, as I was told by a rep right after the purchase.

 

[JamesW]

I think that the key word is excessive.

If the fuel burns cleanly enough, there should be mostly carbon dioxide and very little carbon monoxide.