| Q: |
Why is Wiseco conducting this recall? |
| A: |
We are conducting this recall to keep our customers safe and prevent possible injuries by removing and replacing the problem connecting rods at no cost to our customers or end users. |
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| Q: |
What is the problem with my connecting rod or crankshaft assembly? What will happen if my connecting rod or crankshaft assembly is used in an engine? |
| A: |
Due to a manufacturing problem on the part of Wiseco's supplier, the connecting rods were not heat treated in accordance with Wiseco's specifications. As a result of the insufficient heat treat, there is the potential for the rods to fracture under extreme conditions, along with heavy engine modifications such as over boring/high lift cams and high RPM. Although a low risk, this engine stress can exceed the material strength of the connecting rod due to the insufficient heat treat, and can potentially cause a stress fracture and failure of the connecting rod. A fracture of the connecting rod can potentially cause an engine failure, which can lead to serious injury. |
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| Q: |
How can I tell if my connecting rod or crankshaft assembly is affected by the recall? |
| A: |
Look at the Date Code on the package of your part, which can be found just above the bar code. Below is an illustration of the Date Code: |
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If the date falls within the Sales Date Range in the below chart for your particular part, then your part is affected by the recall:
| Wiseco Part# |
Application |
Sales Date Range |
| WPC139 |
YZ450F Crank Assembly |
02/20/08 – 12/15/08 |
| WPC140 |
YZ250F Crank Assembly |
03/03/08 – 12/15/08 |
| WPC141 |
WR250F Crank Assembly |
03/01/07 – 12/15/08 |
| WPC144 |
KX250F/RMZ250 Crank Assembly |
08/20/08 – 12/15/08 |
| WPC145 |
WR450F Crank Assembly |
08/08/08 – 12/15/08 |
| WPR196 |
YZ/WR250F Rod |
07/01/07 – 12/15/08 |
| WPR197 |
YZ/WR450F Rod |
01/20/08 – 12/15/08 |
Additionally, if the product is in use or no longer in its packaging, the forging identification number (which is different than the part number) can be found on the neck of the connecting rod between the two circular ends of the rod:

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| Q: |
Why does Wiseco need to know to whom I sold connecting rods and crankshaft assemblies? |
| A: |
It is important that Wiseco replace all products in question. Knowing your sales of the parts and customer contact information will allow Wiseco to insure your customers get replacement parts and reimbursement for their costs of replacement. |
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| Q: |
How can I take advantage of the recall? |
| A: |
If you are a distributor, call our toll free number (1-800-321-1364) and tell us how many affected connecting rods and crankshaft assemblies you still have in your inventory. We will provide you with instructions on how to return the parts to Wiseco, at Wiseco's cost. We will then credit your account for the full purchase price of the parts.
If you are an individual consumer, call our toll free number (1-800-321-1364) and tell us how many affected connecting rods and crankshaft assemblies you still have in your possession. We will provide you with instructions on how to return the parts to Wiseco, at Wiseco's cost. Within 24-48 hours of Wiseco's receipt of the recalled parts, we will send you a replacement part. If you incur any costs for the removal and/or installation of the replacement part(s), please send a copy of your receipt to: Wiseco Performance Products, Attention Wiseco Recall, 7201 Industrial Park Blvd., Mentor, Ohio 44060-5396, and Wiseco will reimburse you for all reasonable removal and/or installation costs.
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| Q: |
My connecting rod or crankshaft assembly appears to be operating okay. Can I continue to use it? |
| A: |
No. Even though your part appears to be safe, we are asking all customers to immediately stop using the parts and participate in the recall by returning the parts to us for a credit (distributors) or replacement (consumers). |
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| Q: |
If I do not ride under extreme conditions do I still need to replace my connecting rod and crankshaft assembly? |
| A: |
Yes. Wiseco wants to replace any suspect parts regardless of how they are being used. |
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| Q: |
Can I repair the parts myself without replacing the connecting rod? |
| A: |
No. There is nothing that can be done to the parts to fix the problem caused by Wiseco's supplier. We urge you not to attempt any repair of your parts. Please return them to us immediately for a free refund (distributors) or replacement (consumers). |
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| Q: |
I no longer have the receipt for the part. Can I still return it? |
| A: |
Yes. You can still return the part without a receipt. Call our toll free number (1-800-321-1364) and ask for the details of the replacement procedure. |
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| Q: |
Will I receive a refund for the product? |
| A: |
If you are a distributor, yes. You will receive a full credit for the purchase price of the parts plus postage (if parts are mailed to Wiseco). If you are a consumer, no. You will receive a replacement part free of charge. |
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| Q: |
How long will it take me to receive my refund (for distributors)? |
| A: |
Wiseco will credit your account within 24-48 hours of its receipt of the recalled parts you are returning. We apologize for any inconvenience, and assure you that Wiseco is working as quickly as possible to refund your purchase price. |
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| Q: |
How soon will I have replacement product (for individual consumers)? |
| A: |
Wiseco will ship your replacement part within 24-48 hours from its receipt of the recalled parts you are returning. We apologize for any inconvenience, and assure you that Wiseco is working as quickly as possible to replace your parts. |
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| Q: |
Will I receive a refund for the costs of having to install a replacement part? |
| A: |
If you are a consumer and receive a free replacement part, yes. You will receive a refund for reasonable installation costs. You will need to send Wiseco a copy of your receipt from the installation of the replacement parts. You should send the receipt to: Wiseco Performance Products, Attention Wiseco Recall, 7201 Industrial Park Blvd., Mentor, Ohio 44060-5396. |
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| Q: |
I have other Wiseco connecting rods and crankshafts, are they still good? |
| A: |
Yes. Wiseco's testing and engineering analysis has shown this incident to be limited to only those parts identified in this recall. |
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