Briggs & Stratton recalled about 3,000 replacement fuel caps for its portable generators. The caps, manufactured by Kelch, a division of Bemis Manufacturing, have a built-in fuel gauge and were sold as an aftermarket accessory for a wide range of Briggs & Stratton portable generators.
The replacement caps lack adequate ventilation, allowing pressure to build inside the gas tank, potentially leading to a fire hazard. The original fuel caps, which don't have the fuel gauge, are not part of the recall.
No reports of injuries or incidents have been reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The CPSC recall notice provides details on identifying the caps, but in brief they are black, approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, and have "KELCH" stamped on the bottom of the cap. The model number for the caps (B4363GS) does not appear on the product. Consumers can inspect the clear lens on the underside of the cap to make sure there is a ventilation hole or, if in doubt, bring the cap to an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer.
Briggs & Stratton will replace the caps free of charge at any authorized retailer.
"You can also just use the fuel tank cap that came with your generator, if you still have it," says Dave Trezza, who oversees generator testing for Consumer Reports. Without the gauge, though, you'll need to periodically shut off the generator and look in the fuel tank to check the fuel level; you don't want to let the generator run dry, because that can damage the engine.
Consumer Reports has tested four Briggs & Stratton portable generators, and performance varies. Three models score well enough to recommend.
Safety Reminder
If you are among the nearly 800,000 people who lost power in the wake of Hurricane Michael, remember to follow safety guidelines when using a generator. According to CPSC data, an average of 66 people die a year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to using a generator improperly. For a refresher from CR experts, see Generator Safety Tips That Will Get You Through a Storm.
Recall Details
The recall: About 3,000 replacement fuel tank caps for Briggs & Stratton generators, manufactured by Kelch/Bemis.
The risk: The cap lacks ventilation, allowing pressure to build inside the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/injuries: None reported.
Where and when sold: Briggs & Stratton dealers and retailers nationwide from February 2017 through February 2018 for about $26.
The remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the portable generators and return the recalled fuel tank replacement cap to a Briggs & Stratton dealer for a free replacement.
Contact the manufacturer: Call 800-227-3798 or go to briggsandstratton.com.
Report a defective product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to saferproducts.gov.
