Spare parts prices
Small engines are much the same way anymore. But a damn predator, anything happens throw it away and buy another whole engine. Seems awful wasteful to me. I buy alot if that sort of parts on eBay. And almost never the first one I see.
And these whole carbs for the price of an overhaul kit are ridiculous. I've tried a couple and ended up rebuilding the original one anyway. junk Junk Junk.
I have several old used good running Briggs Kohler and Tecumseh engines all over the place. And a few brand new 40-50 year old NOS ones as well. Remember the copper color Briggs used to use? Got a brand new from 1974, 3-1/2hp mower engine that's never had gas or oil in it. Also a 1970 3hp horizontal Briggs same way.
I bought a 32" bobcat commercial mower with a junk kawi on it, now has the NOS from 1988 Briggs 12hp I/C engine on it I had in the attic. I'll use up these old engines before I buy a predator, until I absolutely can't get parts anymore. Which I think will be a while.
Why do people think I'm redoing an 80s truck with a /6? Same reason!and why I bought 3 pallets of oil in the old CANS at an auction last year.... I wanted to use my old spout again...