At the risk of being hung in effigy or in person if anyone can find me....:-) Have you considered the Chinese engines from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool? I haven't tried them, but there are a lot of posts around that they worked out real well or repowers. The price of around $150 or $100 on sale would allow replacement occasionally if needed. I haven't been impressed with the new Briggs engines I have, don't have any Kohler's.

Good luck,

Ev

Exmar, I am glad you said that, I wanted to but was afraid some one might find out where I live. I have at least one coupon to buy the predator 6.5 for $100.00

Now after saying all of that, I have a 6.5 intek on one of my tillers and I have never owned a better starting, or better running engine, Its been going great for about 7 or 8 years. My old Tecumseh is only 31 years old, but it uses a little oil. When it crokes there may be a clone sitting in its spot.

My issue with the newer Briggs, etc. engines is the "epa" carb with no adjustments and difficult to take apart and clean. That coupled with the ethanol mix fuel is not a good combo. I haven't priced a replacement carb for the 7.5 Briggs on one of the tillers, but would assume it's between $50-100 and for a few dollars more, get a complete engine with the same epa carb?

I don't like what I'm saying and hope someone can point out the error in my logic.

Ev