FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2002
Release # 03-046 |
Tecumseh Recall Hotline: (888) 271-4048
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
|
CPSC, Tecumseh Products Co. Announce Recall of Power Equipment Engines
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tecumseh Products Co., Tecumseh, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 25,000 engines used in various outdoor power equipment. A misrouted fuel line in the engine can become damaged, allowing gasoline to leak out, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Tecumseh has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
The recalled engines, which were manufactured in the United States, have model numbers HMSK 80 through 110 and HM 80 through 100, which can be found on the lower left side of the engine housing. The recalled engines also have a date of manufacture code (DOM) between 02175 and 02268 followed by the letter "C", which can be found on the engine identification decal. The HMSK models are 8 to 11 horsepower Snow King® snowthrower engines, while the HM models are 8 to 10 horsepower Utility engines. The power equipment, brand names, and retailers involved in this recall include:
| Power Equipment |
Brand Name |
Retailers/Dealers |
| Snowthrowers |
Ariens
Simplicity
Snapper
Toro |
Home Depot, Ariens Dealers, Blaine's Farm, Fleet
Simplicity Dealers
Snapper Dealers
Toro Dealers |
| Chipper-Shredders |
MTD Yard Machines
Mighty Mac
Merry Mac
Baker, Earthquake
Simplicity |
Menards, Northern Tool, Home Depot
Mackissic Dealers
Northern Tool
Ardisam Dealers
Simplicity Dealers |
| Generators |
Coleman Powermate
North Star |
Menards
Northern Tool |
| Pressure Washers |
Tilton Aqua-Stripper
Tilton Hydra Storm |
Tilton Dealers
Hydra Storm Dealers |
| Wheeled Leaf Blowers |
MTD Yard Machines |
Home Depot |
Products equipped with the recalled engines were sold by retailers and dealers nationwide from June 2002 through November 2002. Sears, Roebuck & Co. distributed a limited quantity of these recalled products under its Craftsman brand name. Equipment owners will receive direct mail notice from Sears about this recall.
Consumers should stop using the power equipment immediately and contact Tecumseh at (888) 271-4048 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to schedule a free engine repair. Consumers also can log on to the company's website at www.tecumsehpower.com.
Engines that have a yellow dot painted on the fuel line have already been inspected or repaired and are not included in this recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.