OK here is the fresh scoop on the new OR10551 filters from R2C on the phone today:
The failure:
Was isolated to the urethane compound used.
They also say that to date they have only received 5-6 failures out of thousands sold.
The fix:
R2C has begun using one of the strongest urethane compounds now available that is harder and tear resistant. They claim you have to cut this stuff, it won't just tear. They're also including a new EPDM gasket to replace the OEM o-ring gasket that goes between the filter and air box during install. This is intended to supplement the sealing, due to the harder urethane (from what I understand) which makes sense.
Upgrading the the new design:
As a gesture faith in their products, they are working out a plan to offer existing customers a discount when upgrading to the new filter. I don't have the details of this yet.
Engine damage:
Engines that have been damaged by a filter failure will be evaluated on an individual basis. This is all new to R2C. They have been making filters for a long time and have never had a failure incident like this. My advice to anyone with a failed filter and possible or evident engine damage is call and notify R2C immediately and to take your machine to your dealer and have them inspect and document everything they find, estimating the cost to repair. I have a feeling if you expect to get any help from R2C this will be required and makes good sense anyway. R2C seems to be willing to work with owners in some way to make up for engine repairs caused by a filter failure, they just don't have this all figured out yet.
Pioneer 1000 filters:
The Pioneer 1000 filters have been made since the beginning using the harder urethane compound. R2C says customers should not worry about the durability of these filters.
Look guys, I have dealt for these guys for 2 years now. Of all the conversations I've had with them, today's was clearly different by the tone of voice. They seem genuinely apologetic for this incident. They were not the smooth, fast talking corporate salesmen you'd expect to chat with. It was a different conversation. They seem to be at a loss of how to handle much of this since it is new territory for them. When I asked about an upgrade discount for current customers, they didn't give me any BS about how they won't do that. But they do have to work out some kind of deal. They said no customers should doubt the durability of the new Talon air filter.
That's all I have for you guys today. I'll keep everyone posted on upgrade discount offers and any other news R2C shares with me.
