Originally Posted By: yeehaw1960
Replaced several carbs on Stihl weedwhackers (made in China). Can't seem to troubleshoot/clean them back to health. If a quality brand like Stihl puts Chinese junk (carbs) on their machines, I have a hard time trusting even Kohler to get something that's worth your money from China. I have to admit though, Chinese engines are getting better and you will find Chinese parts on many, many quality brands of everything you buy everyday. Just do a once over on the nuts and bolts to make sure they're tight. Keep a VERY close eye on the fuel you put through it. Carbs from China are very, very unforgiving when it comes to extremely small particles of dirt and/or old varnishy fuel. Is varnishy a word? Oh, and change the plug sooner than later if it's the coveted "Torch" brand.
Chinese engines in my daily experience sux and are usually Knockoffs of the HONDA motors.. Parts are not easy to find and they are generally not worth messing with anyway once they break. These engines are the ones used in the junk gens sold for $100.00 at China Mart (HARBOR FRIEGHT)..
While KHOLER Engines are usually very good I'm not a FAN of the COURAGE line at all.
As far as STIHL using JUNK carbs that's not true.. They use ZAMA Carbs mostly and they are very good, might even call them the industry standard.. I go about 50/50 on repair or replace but usually the decision is cost based. "SOME" carbs can be replaced for less then it would cost the customer for me to repair it (in labor & parts $).. There are only three quality carb makers for small engines.. ZAMA, WALBRO, & TILLOTSON. The "others" are the JUNK ones and oft used in the inexpensive handheld units cheapazz homeowners love to buy.. The ZAMA Carbs I have the most trouble with are the ones that are not adjustable.. However these carbs are not chosen because they are the "best" option they are chosen because they don't want anyone to adj them at all. Emissions regs play a significant role in the carbs chosen for a specific unit or product line.
I am "usually" able to get a carb back in service with a good cleaning and correct kit.. The ones I don't even try to mess with are the ones that loose a Welch plug, these units I just replace when found.
As far as B&S Engines "sucking" oil, Iv'e NEVER seen a "properly running B&S suck oil? Yes they DO burn oil in use (very little) but it's not excessive inless something is wrong with it.. The units I see with LOW oil are pretty much always units the owner has neglected by failing to change the oil at recommended intervals.