ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
May 1, 2003
976 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES, A SINGLE BANK TYPE EXHAUST CLAMP WAS INSTALLED ON THE TAIL PIPES INSTEAD OF A DOUBLE BAND TYPE CLAMP.
The risk: THE SINGLE BAND CLAMP LOSES ITS CLAMPING ABILITY WHILE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS CAUSING THE TAIL PIPE TO LOOSEN AND POTENTIALLY FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE PIPE COULD COME OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND GET INTO THE PATH OF OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERLY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SINGLE BAND CLAMPS WITH DOUBLE BAND CLAMPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.