MODEL NUMBER LOCATION OF AFFECTED ENGINES

TO:
ALL AUTHORIZED SERVICE ACCOUNTS
No:
738
SUBJECT:
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
DATE: 5/10/07
MODELS:
MODEL 12, 15, 20, AND 21 OHV ENGINES FOR SNOW THROWER APPLICATIONS
We Request Your Immediate Attention to this Product Safety Recall
Snow throwers using these engines are being recalled by Briggs & Stratton because over priming of the
engines can cause excess fuel to overflow the carburetor, posing fire and burn hazards to users. This
service bulletin updates the safety notice dated March 22, 2007, previously mailed to your dealership and
applies to the following Briggs & Stratton OHV engines used to power snow throwers:
•
All OHV snow engines manufactured between date codes 000601xx and 070301xx and
beginning with the following model numbers that are installed on snow throwers:
12A1xx, 12A3xx, 12A4xx, 12C1xx, 12C3xx, 12C4xx, 12D1xx, 12D2xx,
12D3xx, 12D4xx, 12E1xx, 12E3xx, 12E4xx, 12R1xx, 12R2xx, 15A1xx, 15B1xx
20A1xx, 20A4xx, 20B4xx, 20C1xx, 20C4xx, 20D4xx, 20E1xx, 20E2xx, 20E3xx,
20E4xx, 20F4xx, 20G4xx, 21A1xx, 21A4xx, 21B4xx, 21C1xx, 21C2xx, 21C3xx
MODEL NUMBER LOCATION OF AFFECTED ENGINES
Numbers shown in inset for example purposes only
Copyright Briggs &Stratton Corporation
Page 1 of 2
CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIRED:
1. See the illustration on reverse to locate model and date code identifications. Note that only the
models identified above installed on snow thrower applications are the subject of this corrective
action.
2. CHECK to determine whether any recalled engines are currently in your inventory. If you have any
recalled engines, do not sell them until they are repaired. Arrange to have the engines repaired.
3. REVIEW your files to determine whether any of the recalled engines were sold as replacement
engines by your dealership for a snow thrower application. Please forward the enclosed customer
notification and sheet of frequently asked questions to the customers you’ve identified, or
contact those customers directly advising them to bring in their recalled engine for repair.
You may, instead, send the names of identified customers to Briggs & Stratton Corporation and we
will make the contact for you. Mail contact information to Briggs & Stratton Corporation, ATTN:
SNOW NOTIFICATION, P.O. Box 1144, Milwaukee, WI, 53201. You may also send the information
by fax to 414-259-5249 ATTN: SNOW NOTIFICATION, or email through www.thepowerportal.com,
and in the subject line please note SNOW NOTIFICATION.
4. REPAIR the recalled engines. End-users are directed to contact Briggs & Stratton Authorized
Dealers to complete a repair of the recalled engines. Also, you should inspect all Model 12, 15, 20,
and 21 OHV engines on snow throwers that are brought into your dealership for routine service to
determine whether they are subject to this service bulletin. Repair the recalled engines using repair
kits #794481 (model 12 and 15) or #794482 (model 20 and 21). Sufficient quantities of these repair
kits are obtainable from your Central Sales and Service Distributor. If the customer is unable to
reasonably transport the snow blower, B&S will allow up to $25.00 for the pick up and delivery of the
unit. The customer will need to schedule a mutually acceptable pick up time directly with your
dealership.
5. COMPLETE the warranty claim. File one warranty claim for each engine repaired. Fill out the claim
per normal warranty guidelines. Enter 976 in Box 5 Reference Number, select “Special Programs” in
the drop-down box (e-Claim) or enter SP in Box 6 Defect Code (paper claim), and 5101 in Box 13
Evaluation/Control Number. Allowed labor time is 30 minutes per engine repair.
6. DISPLAY POSTER. Place the enclosed poster in a conspicuous location at your dealership (e.g.,
entrance, point of sale, service counter). This poster explains the corrective action for these engines
on snow thrower applications. The poster should be displayed until April 30, 2008.
7. For your information, we have also enclosed a copy of the Recall Alert and a copy of each of the
instruction sheets for the repair kits.
8. If you have any questions, contact your Central Sales & Service Distributor or Briggs & Stratton
following the instructions in item 3 above.
Briggs & Stratton has engaged in this corrective action, and is working in cooperation with the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
Distribution Sales & Customer Support
Enclosures:
Poster
Recall Alert
Customer Notification
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Instruction Sheets
Copyright Briggs &Stratton Corporation
Page 2 of 2
SAFETY RECALL
BRIGGS & STRATTON MODEL 12, 15, 20, AND 21 OHV ENGINES
INSTALLED ON SNOW THROWERS
Over priming of the snow thrower engine can cause excess fuel to overflow the
carburetor, posing fire and burn hazards to users.
Location of BRIGGS & STRATTON engine numbers:
Stop using snow throwers with these engines immediately
and contact Briggs & Stratton toll-free (8 AM – 5 PM CT Mon-Fri) at
1-866-478-7855
or visit their website at www.briggsandstratton.com or contact any
Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer to arrange for a free engine repair.
Post until April 30, 2008 in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20207
June 18, 2007
Alert #07-xxx FOR CLEARANCE
Briggs & Stratton Snow Thrower Engines Recalled Due to Fire
Hazard
The following product safety recall was conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC.
Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Briggs & Stratton OHV Snow Thrower Engines
Units: About 480,000
Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Wauwatosa, Wis.
Hazard: When the engines are primed, excess fuel can overflow into the carburetor and ignite,
posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Briggs & Stratton has received 48 reports of fire. There have been no reports
of injury. The firm has received one report of minor property damage.
Description: The recall includes snow equipment with Briggs & Stratton OHV engines that have
model numbers beginning with 12, 15, 20, or 21, and a date of manufacture (DOM) code
between 000601xx and 070301xx. The engines were installed on the following brand snow
throwers: Ariens, Canadiana, Craftsman, Frontier Equipment, Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, Simplicity
and Snapper. The engine model number and DOM information are located on the cylinder shield
or rocker cover. Call for more information about determining if your snow thrower engine is
included in the recall.
Sold at: Various snow thrower dealers nationwide from June 2000 through February 2007 for
between $630 and $2,350 for the snow thrower.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the snow throwers. Call or contact the firms
listed below to arrange for the free repair.
Customer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Briggs & Stratton toll-free at
(866) 478-7855 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s
Website at www.briggsandstratton.com. Dealers can be found by using the Dealer Locator at the
Briggs & Stratton’s Web site. Consumers with Craftsman brand snow throwers should call Sears
toll-free at (877) 659-7017 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday.
Note: Keep fuel or equipment with fuel in tank away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or
other appliances that have a pilot light or other ignition source, because they can ignite vapors.
-more-
ENGINE MODEL NUMBER LOCATIONS OF AFFECTED
BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES
BRIGGS & STRATTON model numbers shown for example purposes only
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer
products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC’s 471 employees are committed to protecting consumers and families from products that
pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such
as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths
and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $500 billion annually.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800)
638-8270, or visit CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
Page 2 of 2
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
BRIGGS & STRATTON MODEL 12, 15, 20, AND 21 OHV ENGINES ON SNOW THROWERS
May 2007
Dear Valued Customer:
This product safety recall notification applies to the following Briggs & Stratton OHV engines used to
power snow throwers:
•
All OHV snow engines manufactured between date codes 000601xx and 070301xx and beginning
with the following model numbers that are installed on snow throwers:
12A1xx, 12A3xx, 12A4xx, 12C1xx, 12C3xx, 12C4xx, 12D1xx, 12D2xx, 12D3xx, 12D4xx,
12E1xx, 12E3xx, 12E4xx, 12R1xx, 12R2xx, 15A1xx, 15B1xx, 20A1xx, 20A4xx, 20B4xx,
20C1xx, 20C4xx, 20D4xx, 20E1xx, 20E2xx, 20E3xx, 20E4xx, 20F4xx, 20G4xx, 21A1xx,
21A4xx, 21B4xx, 21C1xx, 21C2xx, 21C3xx
MODEL NUMBER LOCATION OF AFFECTED ENGINES
Numbers shown in inset for example purposes only
Page 1 of 2
Our records indicate that you own a snow thrower with one of these OHV engines. Snow throwers using
these engines are being recalled by Briggs & Stratton because over priming of the engines can cause
excess fuel to overflow the carburetor, posing fire and burn hazards to users. Because of this possibility,
we ask that you take the following actions:
1.
EXAMINE the engine on your snow thrower and determine whether any of the above
model numbers are indicated. (See illustration on reverse side to locate model and date
code identification.) Note that only the models identified above installed on snow thrower
applications are the subject of this corrective action.
2.
If you have a recalled engine, immediately STOP using the snow thrower until a repair can
be made by a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer.
3.
CONTACT a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer to arrange for a free repair. Dealers
can be found by referring to the Yellow Pages under the heading “Engines – Gasoline,” or
by using the dealer locator at the company’s website www.briggsandstratton.com. If you
have any questions, contact Briggs & Stratton at 866-478-7855 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
4.
FORWARD this safety notice to the new owner if you no longer own the snow thrower
with a recalled engine. If you would like, contact Briggs & Stratton by phone at 866-4787855 or by e-mail through our website with the address of the new owner and Briggs &
Stratton will contact the new owner.
5.
For your information, we have enclosed a copy of the Recall Alert and a sheet with
answers to frequently asked questions about this notice.
Briggs & Stratton has engaged in this corrective action, and is working in cooperation with the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Sincerely,
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Enclosure:
Recall Alert
FAQs
Page 2 of 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Briggs & Stratton Model 12, 15, 20, and 21 OHV Snow Engines
1.
Q.
How can I tell if my snow thrower is affected by this product safety recall?
A.
First, look for the Briggs & Stratton logo
on the engine. Next,
determine if the Briggs & Stratton engine model numbers begin with a 12, 15, 20,
or 21. Engine model numbers are stamped into the cylinder shield or the valve
cover. For more information on model number location, go to
www.briggsandstratton.com.
2.
Q.
A.
My snow thrower seems to be operating okay. Can I continue to use it?
No. Even though your snow thrower appears to be safe, we are asking all
customers to immediately stop using the product and take advantage of the
product safety recall by arranging for a free engine repair.
3.
Q.
A.
Why are these engines affected by a product safety recall?
Over priming of the engines can cause excess fuel to overflow the carburetor,
posing fire and burn hazards.
4.
Q.
Are any other applications or types of products included in the product
safety recall?
No. Only those engines used on snow throwers are included.
A.
5.
Q.
A.
Are any other Model 12, 15, 20, or 21 engines included? Why not?
No. Only Model 12, 15, 20, and 21 snow engines are included in the product
safety recall. Other Model 12, 15, 20, and 21 engines are designed differently and
do not pose an over priming condition.
6.
Q.
A.
My snow thrower is affected, what should I do?
Immediately stop using the snow thrower until a repair can be made. Contact a
Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer to arrange for the free repair.
7.
Q.
A.
Is there any charge for the repair?
There is no charge for repairs required as part of this product safety recall.
However, if your snow thrower or snow engine needs other repairs not associated
with the product safety recall, they will not be covered by Briggs & Stratton.
8.
Q.
A.
How long will it take to repair?
The repair time is about 30 minutes. Consult with a Briggs & Stratton Authorized
Dealer to schedule the repair.
9.
Q.
A.
Will you pay for someone to pick up my snow thrower from my home?
If you are unable to reasonably transport the snow thrower, Briggs & Stratton will
allow for the pick up and delivery of the unit. You will need to schedule a
mutually acceptable pick up time directly with the dealer.
10.
Q.
A.
Can I service the snow thrower myself at my home?
No. To ensure proper assembly, a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer needs to
complete the repair.
11.
Q.
A.
The engine currently doesn’t work; will you pay for any other repairs to the
engine or replace the entire engine?
No. Only the repair kit installation is included in the no charge repair. If your
snow thrower or snow engine needs other repairs not associated with the product
safety recall, they will not be covered by Briggs & Stratton.
12.
Q.
A.
I purchased my engine used; will you still repair it for free?
Yes, as long as it’s one of the affected Model 12, 15, 20, or 21 snow engines.
13.
Q.
A.
What part or parts are being replaced?
A kit will be installed that includes a primer relief fitting, a primer label, and an
intake arrester.
14.
Q.
A.
I’ve replaced the primer bulb previously; am I still involved?
Yes. The repair kit must be installed to correct the over priming condition. Please
contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer to schedule a repair.
15.
Q.
I’ve modified parts that may be affected; will you pay for that or do I have to
modify them again?
The rework includes only the installation of the repair kit per the original
specifications.
A.
16.
Q.
A.
My Briggs &Stratton Authorized Dealer won’t repair the unit; what do I do?
Arrangements will be made with another dealer. Please call Briggs & Stratton.
17.
Q.
A.
Can I return the snow thrower to where I bought it?
Yes, as long as the place of purchase is an Authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer.
If they are not, you’ll need to contact a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer to
arrange for repair of the engine.
18.
Q.
A.
I have sold/given away the snow thrower to another party, what should I do?
Please forward this product safety recall notice to that party. Also, contact
Briggs & Stratton at 866-478-7855 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Central Time,
Monday through Friday, and inform us that you have sold/given away the snow
thrower and give us the name of the new owner.
MS-3980-6/07
Primer System and Intake Arrester Kit – M12/15 Snow Engines
Kit anti retour de flamme à l'admission - Moteurs pour chasse-neige M12/15
Kit Includes: Items with *.
Le kit comprend : les articles suivis d’un *.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Snow Hood
Capot à neige
Remove choke knob.
Remove fasteners and hood.
Disconnect stop switch wire.
Disconnect primer hose.
Cut primer hose 3" (76 mm) from primer.
Join cut ends of hose with Fitting *.
Trim plastic shelf as shown. Leave 1/4" (6 mm) remaining.
Note: Clean dust with vacuum or rinse with water then dry.
Déposer le levier de starter.
Déposer les vis de maintien du capot.
Déconnecter le fil de contact d’arrêt.
Déconnecter le tuyau de l’amorceur.
Couper le tuyau de l’amorceur à 3" (76 mm) de l’amorceur.
Réunir les extrémités coupées du tuyau avec le raccord *.
Découper le renfort du capot en plastique comme illustré.
Conserver 1/4" (6 mm). Remarque : Dépoussiérer à l'aide d'un
aspirateur ou rincer à l'eau puis sécher.
TWO PIECE SNOW HOOD
CAPOT à NEIGE EN DEUX PARTIES
ONE PIECE SNOW HOOD
CAPOT à NEIGE MONOBLOC
1
2
3
4
5
2
3"
(76 mm)
6
*
7
1/4"
(6 mm)
1/4" (6 mm)
Carburetor
Carburateur
8. Remove bracket from carburetor.
9. Lightly grease tip of punch to hold new Plug * on punch.
10. Insert plug into carburetor vent and tap in until flush with
casting.
Note: DO NOT remove existing primer vent.
11. Install bracket, Intake Arrester *, and screws.
8.
9.
7
Déposer le support du carburateur.
Graisser légèrement l’extrémité d’un poinçon pour placer
le nouvel opercule * dessus.
10. Insérer l’opercule dans l'évent du carburateur et l’enfoncer
jusqu’à qu’il soit à ras du corps de carburateur.
Remarque: NE PAS supprimer l’évent existant de l’amorceur.
11. Poser le support, le pare-flamme* et les vis.
10
11
8
5/16" or 8 mm
*9
3/16" (5 mm)
1
*
40 lb-in
(5 Nm)
Assembly
Montage
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Connect the stop switch wire.
Connect the primer hose.
Install hood and fasteners.
Install choke knob.
Apply Label * in location shown.
16
*
Connecter le fil de contact d’arrêt.
Brancher le tuyau de l’amorceur.
Poser le capot et les fixations.
Poser le levier de starter.
Apposer l’étiquette * à l’endroit indiqué.
or
ou
15
16
*
16
*
14
15
12
14
13
E
TIC
n
e the
gin
e en
e.
ok
gin
.
rt ch
me rm en
sta
LD times. er pri wa
ov me
r CO 2
Fo me NOT T pri
pri DO NO
• DO
•
NO
12
13
E
TIC
n
e the
gin
e en
e.
ok
gin
.
rt ch
me rm en
sta
LD times. er pri wa
ov me
r CO 2
Fo me NOT T pri
pri DO NO
• DO
•
NO
14
5/16" or 8 mm
14
25 lb-in (3 Nm)
Important !
Important !
17. Identify Reworked Engine – with a center punch dot
after the date code.
17. Identifier un moteur remis en état - par un coup de
pointeau après le Code de date.
17
1
E
07
00
00 FD
A4 0
12 0612
0007 E1
FD
12A400 0007
06120 FD
E1
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
2
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM MS-3948-5/07
Primer System and Intake Arrester Kit – M20/21 Snow Engines
Kit anti retour de flamme à l'admission – Moteurs pour chasse-neige Modèles 20 & 21.
Kit Includes: Items with *.
Le kit contient : les articles suivis d'un *.
Snow Hood
Capot à neige
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Remove choke knob.
Remove fasteners and hood.
Disconnect stop switch wire.
Disconnect primer hose.
Cut primer hose 3" (76 mm) from primer.
Join cut ends of hose with Fitting *.
Trim plastic shelf as shown. Leave 1/4" (6 mm) remaining.
Note: Clean dust with vacuum or rinse with water then dry.
TWO PIECE SNOW HOOD
CAPOT à NEIGE EN DEUX PARTIES
ONE PIECE SNOW HOOD
CAPOT à NEIGE MONOBLOC
1
4
Déposer le levier de starter.
Déposer les vis de maintien du capot et le capot.
Déconnecter le fil de contact d'arrêt.
Déconnecter le tuyau de l'amorceur.
Couper le tuyau de l'amorceur à 3" (76 mm) de l'amorceur.
Inserrer le raccord *.
Découper le capot en plastique comme illustré.
Conserver 1/4" (6 mm).
Remarque : Dépoussiérer avec un aspirateur ou rincer à
l'eau puis sécher.
2
3
5
2
3"
(76 mm)
6
*
*
1/4"
(6 mm)
7
7
1/4"
(6 mm)
Carburetor
Carburateur
NOTE: To prevent breaking the gasket seal and disturbing governor
settings, replace only ONE stud at a time.
8. Remove ONE stud and discard.
9. Replace it with a new Stud *.
10. Replace other stud.
11. Place Gasket *, Intake Arrester *, and two Spacers * on the
new carburetor studs.
REMARQUE : Pour éviter d'endommager le joint et de modifier
les réglages du régulateur, ne remplacer qu'un goujon à la fois.
8. Déposer UN goujon et le jeter.
9. Le remplacer par un goujon * neuf.
10. Remplacer l'autre goujon.
11. Poser le joint *, le pare-flamme * et deux entretoises * sur les
nouveaux goujons du carburateur.
Torx
E5
90 lb-in
(10 Nm)
TM
8
10
*
9
11
*
*
*
*
*
1
Assembly
Montage
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Connect the stop switch wire.
Connect the primer hose.
Install hood and fasteners.
Install choke knob.
Apply Label * in location shown.
16
16
*
Connecter le fil d'arrêt de contact.
Brancher le tuyau de l'amorceur.
Reposer le capot et ses fixations.
Reposer le levier de starter.
Apposer l'autocollant * à l'endroit indiqué.
or
ou
16
*
*
15
15
14
12
13
12
14
13
NOTICE
engine then
start choke
For COLD
times.
prime 2
over prime.
• DO NOT prime warm engine.
• DO NOT
14
5/16" or 8 mm
14
25 lb-in (3 Nm)
Important !
Important !
17. Identify Reworked Engine – with a center punch dot
after the date code.
17. Identifier le moteur remis en état – par un coup
de pointeau après le Code de date.
0007 E1
FD
17
1
E
07
00
00 FD
A4 0
12 0612
12A400 0007
06120 FD
E1
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
2
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM MS-3949-5/07