The problem
Vehicle description: tank trucks and trailers using emco wheaton emergency discharge valves. The shear groove is too close to the seal face of the valve. In certain side impact collisions, the material around the valve seat can tear.
The risk
This can result in the possibility of fuel leakage from the tank truck, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Emco will replace the affected valves with another valve that does not contain the design defect.
Contacts
Owner notification is expected to begin during july 1999. 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 emco wheaton at 1-877-880-6532 or polar at 1-800-826-6589. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Polar dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 99V188002.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.