The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·00061d·Announced 2000-02-03

Briggs & Stratton Recalls Vanguard V-twin Engines and Fuel Filters

Briggs & Stratton is recalling Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines and plastic fuel filters because they can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported engine fires and a minor burn injury, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating due to significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Briggs & Stratton Corp. is recalling approximately 2,600 Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines and about 4,600 clear, plastic fuel filters. The fuel filters on these engines can leak gasoline, which poses a fire hazard to consumers. Briggs & Stratton has received six reports of engine fires, one of which resulted in a minor burn injury.

The recalled engines were used in various brands of construction, industrial, and lawn and garden equipment, including vacuum lawn sweepers, air compressors, leaf blowers, and pressure washers. The engines were sold separately and to equipment manufacturers nationwide from March 1999 through November 1999. The engines are red or black with "VANGUARD V-Twin" written on them and have identification tags with specific model numbers and manufacturing dates between February 15, 1999, and November 17, 1999. The recalled fuel filters have replacement part number 808116 written on the bottom.

Consumers should stop using these recalled Vanguard engines and fuel filters immediately, even if no leaks are detected. Briggs & Stratton will install a new fuel filter on the recalled engines free of charge or provide a free replacement spare fuel filter. For more information, consumers can contact their local Briggs & Stratton dealer or call (800) 999-9444 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines and plastic fuel filters
Manufacturer
Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Engines
Hazard
Affected units
2,600

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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