Small Chinese Gas Engines ?!

andyfletcher · Dec 29, 2005

I purchased a new 6.5 HP horizontal shaft gas engine for 180$
that I need for my Supersplit mechanical splitter. It's make is "Powerfist" and the dealer says I can bring it back for exchange or money back if I show receipt.

Box advertisement says "No deal is final until satisfied."

Took it home, comes with instructions and maintenance manual, and it looks like a Honda. Carb stamping say "Houda - Designed in Japan". Casting looks good quality and isn't rough.

Thought the price was worth the gamble. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Andy

5030 · Dec 29, 2005

Should be at least as good as a Briggs.

andyfletcher · Dec 29, 2005

Could be. It's still sitting on a chair in my shed until spring. It says to use 10W30 and I have to soak the air filter with oil.
Recommends 20hrs for first break in oil change. 30 seems thick for a break in.

I was thinking of using a regular/synthetic blend for break in then maybe stay with synthetic after to take up for any errors in mfg tolerances.

My mechanic says their roller bearings are not has robust has the japanese. I've heard of the sweat shops over there, and can't imagine a factory techie conscientious enough to do a superior calibration job on fittings. But, maybe my concerns are unfounded.

Thanks.

Andy

Taylortractornut · Dec 29, 2005

Andy I imagine they are the same as the Power train brand we have on our generator at work and our truck compressor. THey make good project engines but dont hold up well without alot of maintenance. Ours ran ever day bot the truck mounted compressor the starter went out right away then I noticed the back glass in my service truck getting oily. I chechekd the oil and it was using a little one morning after filling it up it ran down the side. all the bolts in the back of the case had backed out. The generator leaks between the gen head and the shaft but its gonna get run till it dies. They are pretty good motots for part time applications. We bought ours for work and if they get stolen they wont be terribly missed. I have put them on manlift conversions and other things that dont get used every day and they work fine for that.

1962 · Dec 29, 2005

i bought a couple chinese diesel single cylinder engines last year. the price was right and after 125 hours i have no complaints, only praise.

being from china, i had my doubts. but like you stated the machining is better than expected. the price of a 10 HP engine for the price of a 3 HP tecumseh.
imagine that....

andyfletcher · Dec 29, 2005

The engine it's replacing is a 5 hp Honda that has an oval piston ring in it that's run for 2 years now. Smokes like **** but keeps on running.

Apparently my BIL said his son took it to school as a tear down project and put it back togeather with new rings and spread them out by hand. Apparently a little too much.

If the new job gives me at least that good a life I'll be happy.

Andy

uhmgawa · Dec 30, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I purchased a new 6.5 HP horizontal shaft gas engine for 180$..)</font>

Can you offer a pointer to the source for this engine?

shvl73 · Dec 30, 2005

I've seen them at Pep Boys in Manchester.

Darren · Dec 30, 2005

If you're interested in small diesels you might want to consider the Lister knockoffs made in India.

http://utterpower.com/listeroi.htm

bobodu · Dec 30, 2005

I've been following a similar thread at Precise Engine Repair and so far no one that I can recall has anything horrible to say about the China clones.People will rant and wave the flag about loosing jobs.While that may be true in the case of the folks building a $400 200 hour throwaway engine...at least as many jobs will be created sell PingPong engines.Parts are becoming more readily available and when you can buy a container of engines for $58 per,you can well take one apart for need pieces.
Anyone stand in line at Home Depot lately and see what the percentage of power equipment is being returned because of defect?? I read that it was 42 percent on McColloch chain saws...
I bought a Chinese made clone of a Harris cutting torch and took it in to the welding supply store to get a tip.The guys passed it back and forth and down the line.The pros couldn't believe that I only paid $42 including shipping! The Old Man even took it over to the Harris display and started swapping parts...everything fit.