USCG: Recall of faulty Cummins marine throttles

The United States Coast Guard issued Safety Alert 05-24, on 5 September 2024, regarding the urgent recall for Cummins marine engine throttles.

A recent incident involving a small passenger vessel highlighted a critical issue with marine engine throttles. The throttle power head malfunctioned, resulting in a loss of propulsion. An investigation revealed that the throttles in question had previously been recalled due to a high risk of intermittent failure.

Affected Throttles:

The recall affects marine engine throttles with the following part numbers:

5563449
5563448
5563447

These throttles were either sold individually or installed in specific Cummins B, C, L, and M marine engines. A detailed list of Engine Serial Numbers (ESNs) that may be affected is included on the second page of the alert.

Hazards:

Throttle Malfunction: Affected throttles may become unresponsive. This can result in the vessel remaining in gear when the neutral position is desired, or prevent the engines from restarting.
Risks: These failures increase the risk of personal injury or property damage, especially if the vessel's propeller remains active or if the engine fails to restart in critical situations.

Recommended Actions for Consumers:

Recall Verification: Verify if your throttle is affected by checking the part number and engine serial number against the provided lists.
Inspection and Replacement: Contact the nearest Cummins distributor or dealer to schedule an inspection and, if necessary, a throttle replacement at no cost to you.
Operational Precautions: Until the recall process is completed, vessel operators should exercise extra caution, particularly during docking maneuvers and when near the propeller, to prevent accidents.

Recommendations from the Coast Guard:

Throttle Checks: Ensure that all throttles on vessels are checked to determine if they are part of the recall.
Crew Awareness: Inform vessel captains and crew about the risks associated with the faulty throttles.
Repair Coordination: Work with local Cummins dealers to arrange for repairs or replacements as soon as possible.

Coast Guard Marine Inspectors are advised to stay vigilant regarding this issue and to discuss necessary corrective actions with vessel owners and operators.