CPSC Warns Of Potential For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Involving Improperly Maintained Coleman 8600 Solar Pak Mobile Home Furnaces

WASHINGTON, DC - An inspection and discount replacement program for some 100,000 Model 8600 Solar Pak mobile home furnaces is being undertaken by the Coleman Co. Manufactured Housing Products Division of Wichita, Kansas in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In response to reports received by Coleman and the CPSC of deaths and serious injuries caused by leaking carbon monoxide from furnaces which have allegedly been inadequately inspected and maintained and/or altered or modified, Coleman has initiated a program to arrange inspections of its Model 8600 Solar Pak furnaces produced for mobile homes before December 1971. Coleman is offering homeowners a free cooler to encourage participation in this safety inspection program. 

Although approximately 380,000 Solar Pak furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, it is unlikely all are still operational. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances. 

Investigations of the incidents show that no single factor is solely responsible for the carbon monoxide poisoning incidents. Nearly all of the incidents allegedly involved a combination of factors including improper or inadequate maintenance, the furnace improper installation, alteration or modification to the furnace. 

To participate in this inspection/replacement program, mobile home owners should check their gas furnaces for the presence of the Coleman brand name on the front of the furnaces. They can then identify a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak by opening the furnace door and checking the rating plate. If the furnace is a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak or if the homeowner is uncertain, they should call Coleman's toll-free Hotline number, 1-800-232-SOLR. Coleman will assist in arranging an inspection with the closest service center. 

Coleman is offering up to a 50% discount on critical replacement parts as well as up to a 50% discount on a new replacement furnace. Consumers can receive details of the program by calling the Coleman toll free number listed above. 

Homeowners are being reminded that annual maintenance and inspection of all furnaces is vital to the safety of consumers and to the proper working of their furnace. Older furnaces, such as the Coleman Solar Pak series, should receive special care and attention to insure proper operation.

If the furnace is a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak or if the homeowner is uncertain, they should call Coleman's toll-free Hotline number, 1-800-232-SOLR. Coleman will assist in arranging an inspection with the closest service center.

Coleman is offering up to a 50% discount on critical replacement parts as well as up to a 50% discount on a new replacement furnace. Consumers can receive details of the program by calling the Coleman toll free number listed above.

Coleman and CPSC have received reports of deaths and serious injuries caused by leaking carbon monoxide from furnaces which have allegedly been inadequately inspected and maintained and/or altered or modified.