When Did Tecumseh Go Out of Business? A Deep Dive into a Fallen Engine Giant

Tecumseh Products Company, a name synonymous with small engines powering everything from lawnmowers to snowblowers for decades, did not entirely go out of business. Instead, the Tecumseh Power Company, the division responsible for manufacturing those iconic engines, ceased operations in 2008. The remaining parts of the larger Tecumseh Products Company continued, and still continue, to exist under different ownership and focus.

The Rise and Fall of Tecumseh Power Company

Tecumseh’s story is a classic American industrial saga. Founded in 1934 in Tecumseh, Michigan, the company initially produced refrigerator compressors. World War II shifted their focus to military production. After the war, they cleverly pivoted to the burgeoning market for small engines, a move that would define their legacy for decades.

The Golden Age of Small Engines

For much of the mid-20th century, Tecumseh reigned supreme in the small engine market. Their engines were known for their reliability, affordability, and ease of repair. They powered countless lawnmowers, snowblowers, tillers, and other outdoor equipment. The familiar “Tecumseh” badge was a mark of quality and a testament to American manufacturing prowess.

But as the saying goes, all empires eventually face challenges. The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought a perfect storm of factors that ultimately led to Tecumseh Power Company’s demise.

The Factors Leading to Closure

Several key factors contributed to the closure of the Tecumseh Power Company engine division:

• Increased Competition: Companies like Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and other international manufacturers intensified competition, particularly with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced engine designs.
• Environmental Regulations: Stricter emissions standards required significant investment in engine technology to meet environmental regulations, which placed a financial burden on Tecumseh.
• Shifting Market Dynamics: Changes in consumer preferences and purchasing habits, including a greater emphasis on disposable products and cheaper imports, impacted Tecumseh’s sales.
• Strategic Missteps: Some industry analysts argue that Tecumseh failed to adapt quickly enough to these changing market conditions, leading to a loss of market share and profitability.
• Economic Downturn: The economic recession of the late 2000s further exacerbated Tecumseh’s financial difficulties.

These combined pressures proved insurmountable. In 2007, Tecumseh Products Company announced the sale of its engine business to Platinum Equity, a private equity firm. The deal closed in early 2008, and Platinum Equity almost immediately announced the closure of the Tecumseh Power Company engine manufacturing operations.

The Aftermath

The closure resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and marked the end of an era for American manufacturing. While Tecumseh engines are no longer being manufactured, their legacy lives on in the millions of machines still in operation and the continued availability of replacement parts from various sources.

Continuing the Legacy – TecumsehPower.com

While the original manufacturing is closed, TecumsehPower.com operates under the ownership of Lauson Engine & Small Engine Parts, and provides a source for both OEM and aftermarket Tecumseh parts to keep engines running.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tecumseh

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tecumseh to provide further clarification:

1. What exactly happened to Tecumseh? Did the whole company go bankrupt?

No, the entire Tecumseh Products Company did not go bankrupt. Only the Tecumseh Power Company, the engine manufacturing division, ceased operations in 2008. The remaining parts of Tecumseh Products Company, which focused on refrigeration compressors and other products, continued under different ownership.

2. Why did Tecumseh stop making engines?

As detailed above, a combination of factors led to the engine division’s demise: increased competition, stricter environmental regulations, shifting market dynamics, strategic missteps, and the economic downturn.

3. Are Tecumseh engines still good?

Many people consider Tecumseh engines reliable and durable, especially those manufactured before the closure. While they may not have the technological advancements of newer engines, many owners continue to use and maintain them due to their proven track record.

4. Can I still get parts for my Tecumseh engine?

Yes, you can still find replacement parts for Tecumseh engines. Many aftermarket suppliers and online retailers specialize in Tecumseh parts. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts might be harder to find, but aftermarket options are widely available. TecumsehPower.com also sells OEM and aftermarket parts.

5. Who owns Tecumseh now?

The original Tecumseh Products Company was acquired by Mueller Industries. The engine business, Tecumseh Power Company, was briefly owned by Platinum Equity before its closure. The brand name and intellectual property associated with Tecumseh engines are now under the ownership of various companies, depending on the specific engine type and geographical region. Lauson Engine & Small Engine Parts owns TecumsehPower.com.

6. What were Tecumseh engines known for?

Tecumseh engines were primarily known for their reliability, affordability, and ease of repair. They were a popular choice for lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other outdoor power equipment.

7. How do I identify my Tecumseh engine model?

The model number and other identifying information are typically stamped on a metal tag or directly onto the engine block. Look for a series of numbers and letters that will help you identify the engine and find the correct parts.

8. Are Tecumseh engines two-stroke or four-stroke?

Tecumseh produced both two-stroke and four-stroke engines, depending on the application. Two-stroke engines were commonly used in snowblowers and some older lawnmowers, while four-stroke engines were more prevalent in newer lawnmowers and other equipment.

9. What are some common problems with Tecumseh engines?

Common problems include carburetor issues, ignition problems, fuel system leaks, and starting difficulties. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the carburetor, replacing the spark plug, and changing the oil, can help prevent these problems.

10. Can I convert my Tecumseh engine to run on ethanol-free fuel?

It’s generally recommended to use ethanol-free fuel in older Tecumseh engines, as ethanol can damage the fuel lines and carburetor components. You may need to replace the fuel lines and carburetor with ethanol-resistant parts to ensure proper operation.

11. Where can I find a Tecumseh engine repair manual?

Tecumseh engine repair manuals are available online through various sources, including manufacturer websites, online retailers, and dedicated repair manual sites. Be sure to find the manual specific to your engine model.

12. Is there a Tecumseh engine enthusiast community?

Yes, there are many online forums and communities dedicated to Tecumseh engines. These communities are a great resource for finding information, troubleshooting problems, and connecting with other Tecumseh engine enthusiasts. They can offer invaluable advice and support for maintaining and repairing your Tecumseh engine.