The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·06130·Announced 2006-04-04

Tecumseh Engines Recalled for Fuel Line Fire Hazard

Tecumseh Power Co. is recalling about 170,000 engines used in various power equipment due to a fire hazard caused by loose or disconnected fuel lines.

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 two reported fires and property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury/property-damage reports) despite no reported injuries.

Plain-English summary

Tecumseh Power Co. is recalling approximately 170,000 engines used in two-stage snow throwers, ice augers, generators, lawn mowers, weed trimmers, log splitters, and fun-karts. The recall covers engines with a date of manufacture code (DOM) starting with 05241 to 05286. These engines were sold at home and hardware stores and equipment dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2006 for between $200 and $2,000.

The fuel line on these engines can become loose or disconnected, resulting in a fuel leak that poses a fire hazard. 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 also received 39 reports of minor damage, totaling about $44,000.

Consumers should stop using their equipment until they receive a free inspection and possible repair if necessary. Consumers should never store the engine with fuel in the tank in a building with potential sources of ignition, such as hot water or space heaters, clothes dryers, or electric motors. For more information, consumers can email the firm or visit Tecumseh's website, providing their engine model, Spec number, and DOM information.

The recalled product

Product
Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, Weed Trimmers, Log Splitters and Fun-Karts
Manufacturer
Tecumseh Power Co., Grafton, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Equipment Engines
Hazard
Affected units
170,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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