Alternative to the GX390 engine

[Wolfie]

I had the rings replace in my Honda engine a short while ago but it's now smoking and using a lot of oil again. A local mechanic said that the recent Chinese engines are a lot better than they use to be and would recommend buying a new one of those at a fraction of the price for a GX390.

 

So, anyone got experience with one?

There seems to a few choices out there - Eberth, Launtop, Villiers, Loncin. Which to go for?

 

Also, i've noticed an upgrade kit that you can get for GX390 which bumps it up to 16HP - anyone done that?

 

Cheers,

Ed

[Johny Walker]

I had the rings replace in my Honda engine a short while ago but it's now smoking and using a lot of oil again. A local mechanic said that the recent Chinese engines are a lot better than they use to be and would recommend buying a new one of those at a fraction of the price for a GX390.

 

So, anyone got experience with one?

There seems to a few choices out there - Eberth, Launtop, Villiers, Loncin. Which to go for?

 

Also, i've noticed an upgrade kit that you can get for GX390 which bumps it up to 16HP - anyone done that?

 

Cheers,

Ed

 

stick with the honda imo

[Justme]

Go diesel instead.

[Billy]

I replaced a gx390 recently, if you can do without electric start I found one for £585 inc VAT on eBay. The Chinese engines were around half that, I wouldn't bother with them personally.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Villiers is an old name.

 

The only decent alternative is a Kawasaki. Or a Subaru/Robin, Kohler... in that order. Saying that the Briggs I/C were alright.

[Peter]

Kohler?

[Breezeblock]

we've got 3 chinese engines at 16hp we have had no problems with them no brainer in my opinion 1/3 cost for more power if you are that concerned about reliability buy 2

[Pinkfoot]

Aside from perishing fuel lines , this make is very good. I have two.

An electric one and this one. Very reliable.

[Wolfie]

no brainer in my opinion 1/3 cost for more power if you are that concerned about reliability buy 2

 

 

This was my thinking and the Honda engine only lasted 3 years anyway, i can't see a Loncin being much worse.

 

What make was your 16hp?

[shavey]

The Loncin replacement for the gx-390 is a good call got one this summer for a customer