Odd dilemma..... buy a GX390 or not ?

[Bryant]

I own a two seater caged Dingo with a tec 10hp HM100. I wouldn't give $5 for a truckload of the OHV Tecs, but I have had a couple of the larger flatheads like this and have had good luck with them. The engine runs great, although I did have to buy a replacement carb.
Anyway... here is the dilemma........ I found a GX390 for 200 smackers. If I buy it on Friday, it will be reduced to $100. I won't buy it until then. It was made in 2005, but doesn't look like it has been used much other than a couple of dents in the gas tank. It has the correct shaft for a Kart. I am quite a thrifty guy, but 100 bucks is certainly not going to put me in the poor house. As good as my Tec runs, I am not considering a swap. I am thinking only in the future... shall I decide to do a sprocket change for a bit more top end (wouldn't want to go too much faster on this suspension or lack thereof) and get good acceleration with the change.
Do ya'll think I should make this purchase ?

Thanks, Bryant

 

[chancer]

100 bucks for a Genuine Honda GX390 is a good deal.

I would pay that for a gx200, even a 2005 model.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I'd buy it twice at 200, so absolutely.

 

[Bryant]

It is a true Honda. I am pretty dumb on Kart specific stuff, but not too bad on small engines in general, due to living in the sticks on five acres for ten years and wearing out lawn tractors/tillers/pressure washers etc. I guess more than anything else I am just trying to justify buying it when I don't need it. Although I am not particularly a Tec fan.... that HM100 that is on it actually runs great !! I have a straight pipe on it, and it spits fire when I decelerate........ it has instant throttle, it lopes on idle (but is consistent) etc. If the engine is still there Friday morning, I think I will buy it. Ya'll seem pretty excited about it.

 

[chancer]

I am just surprised you like the tec and that it works good.
I have never touched one, but A ton of guys here would cross the street just to not walk past a tec.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I am just surprised you like the tec and that it works good.
I have never touched one, but A ton of guys here would cross the street just to not walk past a tec.

Other than the carbs, Techs are good engines.

 

[Bryant]

My personal opinion is that a Tec would be about the last engine I would put in anything that needs a high performance small engine. They are out of business, and when they were in business, there were very few performance parts available for them. Having said that, I believe in what works for me. I don't need a performance engine right now. The engine runs like a dream and I love the old motto "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
My first lawn tractor I ever bought had a Tec in it. I ran it out of oil. It slowed down and cut off. I put oil in it and it was locked up. I turned the crank with a pipe wrench and freed it up and then it fired back up. I wore the deck out on the tractor and put the engine on another. It eventually started smoking and I replaced it with a Briggs.
In general, I have heard bad things about the smaller Tecs and all the OHV ones, but the larger HH and HM frames tend to be considered good engines. Who knows ? Mine may die tomorrow, but it idles smooth (even lopes like it is cammed, but it is constant) accelerates nicely and doesn't run hot, burn oil etc.

Bryant