engine choice

[MInibikelife]

i have a honda gx390 and a 8 hp tecumseh. which should i use. if i could sell the honda i would have more money for my build. but ive heard the tecumseh is not very reliable. so now im kinda stuck

 

[chancer]

A honda is far more reliable then a tec.
Tec's are good motors but the Carbs are a Finicky PITA.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Here's what you do.
List the Honda for sale on CL.
When a buyer shows up for it, tell him you just sold it 15 min ago, but you'll make him a great deal on a nice Tecumseh.


.




That's called the 'ol bait and switch.

 

[MInibikelife]

hehe good one

 

[Hellion]

Definitely keep the Honda.

Any engine when all is said and done, is as reliable as you make it. Treat it well and it will take care of you.

Some people prefer the Tecumsehs. I might try a newer one; the OHV types that are plentiful on the used market. But I had a flathead 5 horse Tec on my first go kart, uh, that had "variable valve timing". That engine was eventually taken apart to reveal a broken camshaft that was wired back together but was starting to get loose, hence the variable valve timing. It just surged a bit when running.

But it ran.

 

[Bbqjoe]

That engine was eventually taken apart to reveal a broken camshaft that was wired back together but was starting to get loose, hence the variable valve timing. It just surged a bit when running.

I believe I read here somewhere that you can weld and grind on those all day if you like.
Matter of fact, I'm gonna grab a Ginsu and go do a little custom cam work myself.

 

[MInibikelife]

how much do you think i could get for a gx390.

 

[chancer]

$300.00 u.s.d

 

[bob58o]

I guess that depends on the market in Alberta. Look around on sites where people sell second hand stuff. Is there an Alberta Craigslist?

 

[MInibikelife]

our craigslist in canada is kijiji.

 

[chancer]

http://www.kijiji.ca/b-alberta/gx390/k0l9003

So looks like 400 bucks. Or whatever y'all call money in Canada.