Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, We...
CPSC Recall #06-130 — April 3, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-130 |
| Recall Date | April 3, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 170,000 engines used on various products |
| Manufacturer | Tecumseh Power Co., Grafton, Wis. |
Where It Was Sold
| Home and hardware stores and equipment dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2006 for between $200 and $2000. |
Product
Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, Weed Trimmers, Log Splitters and Fun-Karts
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tecumseh Power Co., Grafton, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 170,000 Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, Weed Trimmers, Log Splitters and Fun-Karts. The fuel line on these engines can become loose or disconnected, resulting in a fuel leak. This can pose a fire hazard to consumers.Name of Product: Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, Weed Trimmers, Log Splitters and Fun-KartsUnits: About 170,000 engines used on various productsManufacturer: Tecumseh Power Co., Grafton, Wis.Hazard: The fuel line on these engines can become loose or disconnected, resulting in a fuel leak. This can pose a fire hazard to consumers.Incidents/Injuries: Tecumseh has received 235 reports of disconnected fuel lines, including two reports of a fire. There have been no reports of injury. The firm has received 39 reports of minor damage, totaling about $44,000.Description: The recall includes power equipment with Tecumseh engines listed below. The engine model number and date of manufacture (DOM) information is located on a label on the side of the housing. The recalled engines have a date of manufacture code (DOM) that starts with 05241 to 05286. The label on the engine reads, "Tecumseh Power Company," and in addition to the Model and DOM information, lists the Spec number needed for identification.Power EquipmentBrand NamesTwo-Stage Snow ThrowersAriens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Huskee, Husqvarna, MTD Gold Series, Murray, Toro, Poulan Pro,Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard Machines, Yard ManLog SplittersYard MachinesIce Augers and Post Hole DiggersJiffy, Eskimo, Earthquake, Hoffco, MEPCOFun-KartsCarter Brothers, Ken BarGeneratorsColeman Powermate, NorthStarLawn Vac/ChipperAgri-Fab, CraftsmanLawn MowerToroString TrimmersAriensSold at: Home and hardware stores and equipment dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2006 for between $200 and $2000.Remedy: Consumers should stop using their equipment until they receive a free inspection and possible repair if necessary. Note: Never store engine with fuel in tank in a building with potential sources of ignition such as hot water or space heaters, clothes dryer, electric motors, etc.Consumer Contact: For more information, email the firm at [email protected], or visit Tecumseh's Web site at www.tecumsehpower.com. Consumers should furnish their engine model, Spec number, and DOM information.
Hazard
The fuel line on these engines can become loose or disconnected, resulting in a fuel leak. This can pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
Tecumseh has received 235 reports of disconnected fuel lines, including two reports of a fire. There have been no reports of injury. The firm has received 39 reports of minor damage, totaling about $44,000.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using their equipment until they receive a free inspection and possible repair if necessary. Note: Never store engine with fuel in tank in a building with potential sources of ignition such as hot water or space heaters, clothes dryer, electric motors, etc.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Inspect, Repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.