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I have an Echo Bearcat self-propelled wheeled trimmer (basically a weed whacker on wheels) with a Honda GCV160 engine. It is used to mow an area of about 2/3 acre which slopes and has lots of stones and old tree stumps. The only alternative is to weed whack the area by hand - not a good option.

Recently, the machine wouldn't start or, if it started, ran for a few minutes and died. I checked the plug, filter, etc. and noticed the oil level was above the fill mark on the dip stick. So I drained some oil out (dumb move). Finally I had the machine serviced and it turned out that a gear connected to the timing belt was faulty. The mechanic also tuned the engine, cleaned the carburetor, set the valves etc. Unfortunately, he said the valves got damaged because the oil was too low. He said the engine would balk when I tried to start it (an understatement) but that it would run OK once it was going. He was reluctant to rebuild the engine. Since I got it back I have started it twice. The first time it yanked the starter cord out of my hand once but started. The second time it was worse. I'm debating whether to have the engine rebuilt (is replacing the engine a viable option?) or just bite the bullet and replace the entire unit. Also, if I replace the unit is there a better option than the bearcat machine I currently have? Help please.

I have found out that I can get a replacement engine for about $250. As a new wheeled trimmer would cost about $1100., this seems like a viable approach. Can you tell me how difficult it would be to swap out the old engine for a new one? Although the cutting system is different from a lawn mower, the engine mounts on top just like a mower.

It shouldn't be hard at all to swap this thing out if you've got the correct engine and a manual and some mechanical skills.:thumbsup:

carmeljacques said:

I have found out that I can get a replacement engine for about $250. As a new wheeled trimmer would cost about $1100., this seems like a viable approach. Can you tell me how difficult it would be to swap out the old engine for a new one? Although the cutting system is different from a lawn mower, the engine mounts on top just like a mower.

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Keep safety at the front of the line. It's all just nuts and bolts. Use common sense, take digital photos BEFORE disassembling anything and take pictures as you go so you have some reference in case you forget how something goes together. Write yourself notes and draw diagrams, if necessary. It's called C.Y.A. (cover your anatomy).

carmeljacques said:

I have found out that I can get a replacement engine for about $250. As a new wheeled trimmer would cost about $1100., this seems like a viable approach. Can you tell me how difficult it would be to swap out the old engine for a new one? Although the cutting system is different from a lawn mower, the engine mounts on top just like a mower.

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If you can get a new engine for $250 I would go that route. As repair parts costs can quickly add up.

Chad

I would say just replace it.