CPSC recall 00061d, announced February 3, 2000, covers Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines and plastic fuel filters (about 2,600 units). The fuel filters on these engines can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The notice cites 6 incident reports. Stop using these recalled Vanguard engines and fuel filters even if no leaks are detected. Recall contact: call (800) 999-9444.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
There are identification tags on the side of these engines with model number 294442, 294447, 303442, 303447, 350442 or 350447.
Which products are included?
Read the full CPSC product description and restrictions
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. 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.
Why it was recalled
The fuel filters on these engines can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Briggs & Stratton has received six reports of engine fires, one resulting in a minor burn injury.
Official remedy
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.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Briggs & Stratton
- Manufacturer
- Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.
- Recall number
- 00061d
- Units
- About 2,600
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
Vanguard V-twin gasoline engines and plastic fuel filters
CPSC product type: Engines
Recall contact information
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.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
