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NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2000 Release #
00-061 |
Company Phone Number: (800) 999-9444 CPSC
Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301)
504-7058
|
Vanguard Engines and Fuel Filters Recalled by Briggs &
Stratton
PRODUCTS: Vanguard V-Twin Engines and Fuel Filters - Briggs
& Stratton Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 2,600
Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines with 9-quart fuel tanks. These 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. "VANGUARD V-Twin" is written on the engines, which are red or
black. There are identification tags on the side of these engines with model
number 294442, 294447, 303442, 303447, 350442 or 350447. Only engines with
9-quart fuel tanks manufactured by Briggs & Stratton are part of this
recall. These tags also show an 8-digit code with the first six digits
indicating the date the engine was manufactured by year, month and day. For
example, 990215XX would indicate the engine was manufactured on February 15,
1999. The recalled engines were manufactured between February 15, 1999, and
November 17, 1999. The engines were sold separately and to equipment
manufacturers. Equipment containing these engines were sold nationwide from
March 1999 through November 1999. The engines alone sold for about $1,200.
In addition, about 4,600 clear, plastic fuel filters were sold
separately as replacement parts for Vanguard engines with 9-quart fuel tanks.
They have replacement part number 808116, which is written on the bottom of the
filter. They were sold for use on these Vanguard V-twin engines manufactured on
or after August 23, 1995, including all the model numbers of recalled engines
listed above, and engines with model number 290442 or 290447. Briggs and
Stratton distributors and dealers sold these fuel filters from March 1999
through November 1999 for about $5.
PROBLEM: The fuel filters on
these engines can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard to
consumers.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Briggs & Stratton has received
six reports of engine fires, one resulting in a minor burn
injury.
WHAT TO DO: Stop using these recalled Vanguard engines and
fuel filters 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, contact your local Briggs
& Stratton dealer or call (800) 999-9444 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday
through Friday.
Vanguard V-Twin Engine with 9-Quart Fuel
Tank
Engine Inset Showing ID
Tag
Fuel
Filter