Buy the engine that's still being built. Tecumseh folded a few months ago. I haven't heard a word about a buyer so it's safe to assume that when the engines and parts are gone, they're gone for good. The same thing happened to a lot of Troy-Bilt parts and equipment when Briggs bought them. Briggs kept what they wanted and ditched the rest.

I have a GCV 160 on a Craftsman mower. It starts easy (it has a choke) and runs good. It seeps a little oil out of the governor shaft seal but otherwise it's fine.

 

I took a chance and bought a Honda HRX217 mower this Spring, to be used in Commercial service. One of my concerns was the engine, a Honda GCV 160. This engine is used extensively for consumer products, so was unsure of longevity for daily use.

To date, the mower has been used about 400 hours since April. Some days it gets run eight hours per day, running through five or six tanks of fuel. At this point, it runs well, and has a flawless history. It starts on first-pull, and has plenty of power. I wish the fuel tank was larger. But, I'm happy to refill every two jobs, as long as it starts well (spent far, far more time gettting my LawnBoy DuraForce engine started, than refueling the GCV 160).

I change the oil once per week, using Shell Rotella 10W-30. OIl changes take less than five minutes.

As of this time, I would have to give the GCV 160 a "thumbs up." My intention was to get one full season from this engine. I need it to run another four months for that intention to be fulfilled.

 

The same thing happened to a lot of Troy-Bilt parts and equipment when Briggs bought them. Briggs kept what they wanted and ditched the rest.

Briggs didn't buy Troy-Bilt, MTD owns Troy-Bilt.

 

Briggs didn't buy Troy-Bilt, MTD owns Troy-Bilt.

Yeah, I knew it was one of them.

 

Yeah, I knew it was one of them.

perhaps you are thinking of Briggs buying Murray and doing away with a large number of parts for older units.

 

I would buy the one with the honda for the above mentioned reasons, unless the other one is being sold at a deep discount.

I wouldn't stress to much about it, push mowers are pretty much a disposible item nowadays anyway.
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Honda, without a doubt !!

 

I bought a Honda mower w/ that particular engine a few months ago. So far I have been very pleased with it. It runs smooth, starts easy, compared to older 21" mowers it is much quieter and sips fuel. I'd buy another one.

 

That Honda engine is of course a "homeowner" engine and is by no means a commercial quality engine. Pretty much anything is better than a Tecumseh engine even in their heyday Tecumseh engines were second or third rate engines that Sears kept in business for decades because they could buy them so cheaply.

About the only two quality amercian made engines any longer are the Kohler (command only) and Generac. The Briggs Vanguard isn't even made in this country and most Briggs engines are mediocre at best with some just being crap.

 

I don't know what the prob is, but it is driving me crazy! I have the GVC-160 engine on my 21" , I do use it more than a homeowner, but only about 2-3 hours a week (not 2 years old yet) I have constant problems with keeping it running smooth. Been in the shop twice and was diagnosed as needing a "carb cleaning". I have done this myself and seems to help only a little, then back to rough idling. Runs fine with blades on, but idles rough otherwise and don't even think of going on a hill with carb side down...

I hear Honda, Honda, Honda...I wouldn't buy another one. (or did I get the "bad one"?)

 

I have a GCV160 powered Honda and love it. Smoothest running 4-stroke small motor I have..

I have a 6.5hp Tecumseh powered SnowBlower and that thing is rediculous. Bought in 2001, I never changed the oil until this past snow season. It would always start on the second pull of the season, the first pull after that. I never stabilized the gas.

 

I have a 7 hp tecumseh snow king engine on my snowblower that i use commercially and it always starts on the first pull whether its the first start of the season or -40 c outside. But for winter engines they make the best out of anyone.

 

I have one for sale highly recommend them never had a problem still starts on one pull looks runs like new just swapped it with another one that has less hours on it for sale 209 obo Casey 7252676926

 

15 year old thread....I believe the decision has been made...