Any way you look at it, you're going uphill.

A BCS 205 is OK as a tiller, but is basically obsolete, and won't take the attachments of the 700 and 800 series. In good running condition, $300 was on the high side of fair, but not way out of line. Didn't you at least hear the machine run before you parted with $300?

As for $400 parts and labor to R&R the carb, that's where you are getting screwed. Run as fast as possible from those guys. Acme parts are expensive and hard to find but that's rediculous. This place views you as a major revenue opportunity.

You probably have an Acme 220 or 230 engine of 5 to 6 hp. Usually they are fitted with a Cozette carburetor although Acme also used Dellorto on some models. I have a 735 with an Acme 330, and am always scrounging parts. I have a spare Cozette but fortunately haven't needed to use it.

I'd try Earth Tools in Kentucky, or the BCS Shop in Massachusetts as a source of parts for the Acme carb. It is still going to be expensive, but at least neither of these guys will try to shaft you.

Since you overpaid for the machine, and it now has problems, your best bet might be to cut your losses and try to sell it for $100 or so on Ebay.

Its not an Acme engine, its a BCS engine. Sounds like they only made them with it for 1-2 years before going to Acme. The machine ran and sounded fine. I knew it was going to need a little work, but didn't think that much. The parts for the carb were going to total $100 - $125...but labor was going to be like 4-5 hours. (I don't work on things like this) That's where all the money is going. Cutting my losses is exactly what I'm going to do.

Whaaaat???? 4-5 hours to do the carb?? I am not familiar with that engine but something is amiss here. Sounds like you need to grab the tool kit and start learning.

I was fortunate enough to find a used BCS 735 a couple of years ago in the Want ad for $400. The machine needed a couple of things (control rod retainers, etc.) which John at the BCS Shop had in stock, as well as a full compliment of manuals. With the 10 hp Acme she has earth grinding power, the locking diff is a plus. I did 70 gardens this Spring, what a workhorse! You might find this link usefull, I certainly did:http://bcsshop.com/

I would be interested in your unit for parts

Note to farmerboybill. I do have a snow blower for the 205 BCS Tiller. I am in the UP in Norway Mi.

Hi farmer b has not been on the site for quite a few yrs unfortunately .