Tecumseh is voluntarily recalling about 170,000 units after reports that fuel lines on the engines could loosen or disconnect, causing a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
The products affected were Tecumseh engines used in various two-stage snow throwers, ice augers, generators, lawn mowers, weed trimmers, log splitters and "fun-karts." The Grafton, Wis.-based company received 235 reports of disconnected fuel lines, including two reports of fires, although there have been no injuries.
Products affected by the recall include these brands:
*Two-stage snow throwers: Ariens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Huskee, Husqvarna, MTD Gold Series, Murray, Toro, Poulan Pro, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard Machines, Yard Man
*Yard Machines log splitters
*Ice augers and post hole diggers sold under Jiffy, Eskimo, Earthquake, Hoffco, and MEPCO brands
*Carter Brothers, Ken Bar "fun-karts"
*Coleman Powermate, NorthStar generators
*Agri-Fab lawn vac/chipper
*Toro lawn mowers
*Ariens string trimmers
The engine model number and date of manufacture information is located on a label on the side of the housing. The recalled engines have a date of manufacture code that starts with 05241 to 05286. The label on the engine reads, "Tecumseh Power Company," and in addition to the model and date of manufacture information, lists the spec number needed for identification.
The products were sold at home and hardware stores and equipment dealers nationwide September 2005 through January 2006 for between $200 and $2,000.
Consumers are being told to stop using their equipment until they receive a free inspection and possible repair if necessary.
For more information, call Tecumseh toll-free at 888/271-4048 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, or visit Tecumseh's Web site at http://www.tecumsehpower.com.
