Engine Recall/snowblowers, generators, others

[BB_TX]

This may be of interest. It affects a lot of different equipment.

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For Immediate Release
November 27, 2002
Release #03-046
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Tecumseh Recall Hotline: (888) 271-4048

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(r) 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: Snowthrowers
Brand Name: Ariens, Simplicity, Snapper, Toro
Retailers/Dealers: Home Depot, Ariens Dealers, Blaine's Farm and Fleet,
Simplicity Dealers, Snapper Dealers, Toro Dealers

Power Equipment: Chipper-Shredders
Brand Name: MTD Yard Machines, Mighty Mac, Merry Mac, Baker, Earthquake,
Simplicity
Retailers/Dealers: Menards, Northern Tool, Home Depot, Mackissic Dealers,
Northern Tool, Ardisam Dealers, Simplicity Dealers

Power Equipment: Generators
Brand Name: Coleman Powermate, North Star
Retailers/Dealers: Menards, Northern Tool

Power Equipment: Pressure Washers
Brand Name: Tilton Aqua-Stripper, Tilton Hydra Storm
Retailers/Dealers: Tilton Dealers, Hydra Storm Dealers

Power Equipment: Wheeled Leaf Blowers
Brand Name: MTD Yard Machines
Retailers/Dealers: 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.


To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from
your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the
following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03046.html .
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