Not very satisfactory service from HF on a Predator engine

[JRobyn]

Hi guys,

I've got the little 69731 Predator vertical shaft engine retro-fit to a decent old mower I inherited. It HAS been great. But the carb primer bulb has ceased to function. Makes it VERY difficult to start. First, HF reps tell me that it is NOT in warranty, because it's not part of the fuel delivery system (!?!). And then, they tell me that it is not a part that they sell!

Guess these are truly throw-away engines.

- Jay

 

[ultrarunner]

Any chance a small engine shop might have something that could be adapted?

 

[MtHam]

What did you expect from Harbor Freight? You should be happy it lasted as long as it did!

 

[Capricious]

Is that part # 76, page #19 ?

http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/69000-69999/69731.pdf

 

[/pine]

Most likely the primer bulb has a split (usually from ethanol) ...you can get them at most repair shops...there are several different sizes so take the one you have with you to match it up...

usually if ethanol has been in the gas used...the fuel lines are in as bad as shape as the primer bulb so I would replace them at the same time...

Good Luck...

 

[Blizzard0308]

Looks a lot like the Honda engine in my push mower which I think I read somewhere that the Predator engine is a clone of the Honda engines and that Honda repair parts fit.

 

[Capricious]

I guess my question is, are they saying that the bulb itself is not available, and you have to buy the assembly?


I don't think it would be that difficult to "rig up" something with off-the-shelf parts to keep it running.

 

[Threepoint]

Jay, if it's just the carb primer bulb, in addition to checking with any local small engine repair shop there's a good selection on ebay. The many reviews on that engine seem quite positive.

 

[Garandman]

Most of those "Chondas" will fit Honda parts. eBay sounds like best bet.

 

[Capricious]

There may be some differences from Hondas. I have a 420 CC "Predator" which i think is a "bored-out" version of a Honda 390, but there may be some other differences other than the piston/rings.

There is getting to be an aftermarket for parts for some of these "clone" engines, especially for "hot rod" parts.

 

[aginn]

Why bother with EBAY. Go to a small engine repair shop. They should have the part for less than $5. All they are is a rubber bubble and anything the right diameter should work. Just make sure you keep the keeper that is on it to save a trip back to the shop.

 

[s219]

Bulb is a cheap and common part. Should be easy to find. Probably doesn't need to be a perfect match either.

 

[sixdogs]

Most of those "Chondas" will fit Honda parts. eBay sounds like best bet.

I think so as well.

Remember, this is HF. If you seriously need to depend on the item, make sure what you have will do what you want. They make some great stuff but there are risks in product obsolescence, language translation and consistency of product.

"You pays your money (or inherit) and takes your chances" Popeye.

 

[The Fred]

Carb should be warranted for 2 years as per emissions laws. Not that it matters but the Chinese really put the screws to us in anything they make except for, and you guessed it, China. Like teacups and stuff :-(

http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/69000-69999/69731.pdf

Page 17

Regards, Fred

 

[/pine]

Chinese junk is chinese junk...but IMO the root of the OP's problem is most likely Ethanol...!
Ask about any repair shop owner they will tell you that before ethanol...primer bulbs and fuel lines would last decades...

personally...before I found a local source for 100% gas I had to replace fuel lines and primer bulbs on just about all my equipment etc...

 

[The Fred]

Chinese junk is chinese junk...but IMO the root of the OP's problem is most likely Ethanol...!
Ask about any repair shop owner they will tell you that before ethanol...primer bulbs and fuel lines would last decades...

personally...before I found a local source for 100% gas I had to replace fuel lines and primer bulbs on just about all my equipment etc...

I must disagree. All my later power equipment needs new carbs every 3 years. The diaphrams are paper thin compared to the old stuff from the 90s.

Why do all my old junk Homelite string trimmers still work fine after 15 years? I use ethanol in these also. Older saws never touched either.
Planned obsolescence maybe?

Fred

 

[RPW]

At the end of every year when I'm done with the engine I drain all gas and then pour a small amount of stabilizer in the tank. Has worked well to be able to start the engine the following year.

 

[/pine]

I must disagree. All my later power equipment needs new carbs every 3 years. The diaphrams are paper thin compared to the old stuff from the 90s.

Why do all my old junk Homelite string trimmers still work fine after 15 years? I use ethanol in these also. Older saws never touched either.
Planned obsolescence maybe?

Fred

The negatives effects from Ethanol on your fuel system don't end at corrosion. Because Ethanol is an alcohol, ethanol dries out the rubber components in your fuel system. This leads to cracking and brittle fuel lines, floats, seals and diaphragms.

[citation] Protect Yourself: Ethanol Is Killing Your Carburetor

 

[The Fred]

At the end of every year when I'm done with the engine I drain all gas and then pour a small amount of stabilizer in the tank. Has worked well to be able to start the engine the following year.

I also do the same with all my power equipment, it makes NO difference. Disassemble a late carburetor and see for yourself the non-metal parts are designed to go bad in short order. Trouble started for me with most 2009 and newer carbs.

Regards, Fred

 

[artfull dodger]

New carbs are set so lean it takes almost nothing to plug up a jet. The problems with Ethanol have already been described above. Several of my customers that I have dealt with carb issues due to Ethanol, wish the OEMs would go back to a diesel engine like the old 330/332 John Deeres, 7790/920 Simplicity/Allis garden tractors ran. If someone would make and I hate to say it(a clone vert shaft single cylinder diesel)it would sell well for repowering the many lawn and so called garden tractors that all seem to use a vert shaft engine these days. All the OEM's are looking at doing is going to fuel injection and Electronic Fuel Management to deal with ongoing carb issues. The newer diaphrams and gasgets feel thinner and look cheaper than those of years ago. Probably are not even made in the USA anymore. All the newer L&G tires seem to come from the PRC as well, and are dry rotting within a couple years. Unfortunatly, about all we can do is find sources of pure gas and try to protect our equipment and investment as best we can. Mike