Chinese clone engines, the good bad and the ugly

[TomSeller]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/world/asia/wary-of-future-many-professionals-leave-china.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Very good link. I have been saying the tide will turn against the Chinese to some extent as the younger generations want and deserve a better life. No surprise to me, that there will be some Long term adjustments to what seems to be completely going the way of China now.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The USA has made lot of missteps in our import/exporting results but we have done a great job of exporting our views on all types of freedoms. I was taken back at the reason one young lady gave for moving to AU. When we go to HF and buy these cheap Honda knockoffs we are doing more good than we may realize.

 

[Seriousnz]

I know this is an old thread now, but could not resist a comment. I live in New Zealand and make conversion kits to put Honda engines on Gravely L series 2 wheel tractors. Its not my day job and more a hobby but I have been doing it for 20 years on and off. 90% of the kits go to the US, mostly to repeat customers (one has 7 now). I don't advertise but do get consistent inquiries. Most of the new enquirers are asking me to recommend Chinese clones. I tell them to ask at the local hire center what their experience is and go with that. I tell them if they do that, they can keep an eye out on craigs list or ebay for a good used 11 or 13hp Honda but the clone will get them started. Now with the Chinese pollution, in 1900 London was the most polluted city on earth, with many thousands dieing every year from lung disease, they cleaned it up. I remember my first visit to LA in in 1972 and seeing the air pollution tidemarks on the buildings, they cleaned it up. In my day job in travel to Asia a lot and can tell you the rapidly rising standard and cost of living in China is causing Chinese companies to outsource to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In the end, as another poster has pointed out, you will have your Chinese engines assembled, if not made, in Mexico or Guatemala to save on transport costs.

 

[buickanddeere]

Of the Chinese Clones. The Champion brand has been tested and monitored along with the others. The Champion appears to be better than a real Honda.

 

[TomSeller]

I know this is an old thread now, but could not resist a comment. I live in New Zealand and make conversion kits to put Honda engines on Gravely L series 2 wheel tractors. Its not my day job and more a hobby but I have been doing it for 20 years on and off. 90% of the kits go to the US, mostly to repeat customers (one has 7 now). I don't advertise but do get consistent inquiries. Most of the new enquirers are asking me to recommend Chinese clones. I tell them to ask at the local hire center what their experience is and go with that. I tell them if they do that, they can keep an eye out on craigs list or ebay for a good used 11 or 13hp Honda but the clone will get them started. Now with the Chinese pollution, in 1900 London was the most polluted city on earth, with many thousands dieing every year from lung disease, they cleaned it up. I remember my first visit to LA in in 1972 and seeing the air pollution tidemarks on the buildings, they cleaned it up. In my day job in travel to Asia a lot and can tell you the rapidly rising standard and cost of living in China is causing Chinese companies to outsource to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In the end, as another poster has pointed out, you will have your Chinese engines assembled, if not made, in Mexico or Guatemala to save on transport costs.

Very informative first post. Welcome.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Yes thanks for the detailed posting on Honda clones.

 

[Artisan]

I got a Chinise 13 HP Honda clone on our pressure washer and have owned it for five years with zero issues. Starts first pull every time.

Long time no see Keymosabee...
I need parts for my 13 HP Cloan.

I do have the poop on it;

CHINA XINGYUE GROUP
6CXGS 3892GA EM

13 HP Motor Group (That is what it says on the decal on the recoil starter rope cover)

I have a CARROLL STREAM MOTOR COMPANY 13HP Honda Cloan Engine. It is a;
6CXGS 3892GA EM CHINA XINGYUE GROUP

I need;

Carburetor and Gaskets
Air Filter w/ foam cover.
In-line fuel filter and clamps.
Spark Plug

BRAD

 

[Howard Roark]

Good morning, Folks!
Found you while looking for a replacement engine for my riding mower.
It's an older John Deere, with the Kohler Command 13 engine.
Is there a direct replacement clone that will bolt right in?
I'm a pretty fair parts changer, less fair mechanic!:laughing:
Was kind of surprised that a new Kohler engine cost the same
as a new (home depot) riding mower! And the new mowers seem to
have gears/trans. issues according to reviews.
Seeing as this machine is tried/true for mowing about 1 acre property
I think I'd like to keep it running.
Any help is certainly appreciated!

 

[GLyford]

I have not seen a clone riding engine yet (though they may be out there).

So far, I have had pretty good luck buying one of the "surplus" engines off of one of the "small engine warehouse" places (they are usually new, but because they are not being sold by an authorized dealer, and the warranty date from date of manufacturer is also usually past, they are usually not covered by the manufacturer...the websites may offer a DOA return policy).

The other thing I have done with mixed success is simply buying a whole used mower off of a local small engine repair guy, then swapping the engine over and raiding the rest for parts. I can often find them for $200 or so, about the same as you'd pay for a used engine. On the advice of my local guy, I have been avoiding the Kohler stuff...he has had a string of trouble with the new mowers he sells that came with them installed, never mind used.

 

[Howard Roark]

Thank You GLyford!
Those are some good ideas, I'll see what I can find.