Generator Carburetor Change - Sound legit?

[pianoman9701]

So, I took my chainsaw and generator (Duropower 2000S) into a small motor repair shop here in Vancouver. The chainsaw cost me $80 to tune up with a chain sharpening. They called me last Thursday to say that the gen needed a new carburetor. In addition to the $45 I'd already put down for cleaning and tune up, they told me it would be $55 for labor and $135 for a Honda GX 120 carb. Seemed a little pricey. So, I checked on the internet. First, I found a genuine Honda GX 120 carb for $65. Then, I found cheap Chinese replacements for 10-20.00. A few questions.

First, is it expected that a shop will double the price of parts? Second, I only use the gen for 2-3 weeks every year. Is there any reason I wouldn't just save the 90% cost and get the cheap Chinese carb? Should I trust this shop with my future business?

[Fl0und3rz]

"First, is it expected that a shop will double the price of parts?"


That beats 3x+ the price for a u-joint from a shop for which I will never return.  No kidding. It was invoiced at something like $95 for a part that I could order for $28 or so, for a premium Spicer u-joint.  Someone once explained that it is common for some shops to add overhead for the parts storage or something. 

That's when I started going to coachcw for vehicle maintenance, even though it is quite the drive, and I never looked back.


I would just take the generator and order the genuine part, I think.  I might chance it for the chinesium one.

[Woodchuck]

The carb price is not outrageous in the grand scheme of things. They buy parts from trusted suppliers that will stand behind the parts as much as the shop has to stand behind them for you, this may not be the cheapest place to buy. They also have to make money to stay in business. In a shop setting when it comes to warranty work, it isn't just doing a job, it is also the time the shop won't have another paying job on the bench, all of this has to be figured in to the price of doing business. If they are fair and stand behind their work, stick with em. My favorite analogy is that I can buy a ribeye cheaper at the store than I can at the steakhouse but when you want to be waited on it costs money. 

[pianoman9701]

You buy the ribeyes. I'll cook 'em, fill your wine glass, and light your cigar after dinner. It'll be better than your steakhouse, too.  Thanks for the input.

[Woodchuck]

You buy the ribeyes. I'll cook 'em, fill your wine glass, and light your cigar after dinner. It'll be better than your steakhouse, too.  Thanks for the input.

DEAL!!! Good luck with the shop. 

[baker5150]

The carb price is not outrageous in the grand scheme of things. They buy parts from trusted suppliers that will stand behind the parts as much as the shop has to stand behind them for you, this may not be the cheapest place to buy. They also have to make money to stay in business. In a shop setting when it comes to warranty work, it isn't just doing a job, it is also the time the shop won't have another paying job on the bench, all of this has to be figured in to the price of doing business. If they are fair and stand behind their work, stick with em. My favorite analogy is that I can buy a ribeye cheaper at the store than I can at the steakhouse but when you want to be waited on it costs money. 

 

The cost of being in business is really high.  At that labor rate, they aren't making much, if anything at all on labor, the parts mark up covers the overhead and, if they are lucky, a little profit for the business to stay open.

[luckyman]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

[Bofire]

If you are happy with cheap Chinese , why did you pay for a Honda motor when you bought your generator? They sell cheap generators with cheap motors brand new. I would buy Honda parts for a Honda generator
Carl

[Knocker of rocks]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

And Honda's are really easy to run dry. 

[j_h_nimrod]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

On another note.. Not sure how long you have had the generator, but investing half the cost of a new generator into an older one is hard for me to do. It might be money ahead to buy new.

Most shops I have dealt with in the last few years will not even attempt to fix a carb issue, they will defer to buying a new one because there is more profit for them. Generators are a bit more complex to disassemble generally but the motors are the same. Carbs are pretty easy to go through, and I know a few hours of my time is pretty cheap

[wapiti hunter2]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

And, get a real good stabilizer, Not Stabil, and run only ethanol free gas.

[Special T]

Pman you have just experienced the results of sending too many kids to college... AND you are just old enough to know how to do the stuff you were gonna pay some one else to do....

There is a huge shortage of skilled labor and you are going to pay a premium for ANY kind of skill.  Every industry is experiencing this kind of situation.  How do I buy, stock parts and service customers when online prices beat what I can purchase for.

I called on a past  customer of mine whom only does service now. He choose to let his customers buy product where ever they please he just charges for his time. He choose to do this because the cost of investing in product, having what the customer needed and when, and then beingnresponcible for the service and the product wasn't worth it. He encourages customers to buy online and doesnt want to hold any inventory beyond normal supplies.  There is a product pipeline battle for anyone whom need a combination of product and service.  If all you need is product there are deals to be had. If you need both you will be left unsatisfied. Comparing online prices and brick and motor will increase in distance and satisfaction faction.... UNLESS you realize that service is at a premium right now...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[pianoman9701]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

I always do.

[pianoman9701]

If you are happy with cheap Chinese , why did you pay for a Honda motor when you bought your generator? They sell cheap generators with cheap motors brand new. I would buy Honda parts for a Honda generator
Carl

The generator was cheap and likely Chinese. Duropower. I use a genny for two-three weeks a year and have had it for about 10 years. Saving $120 on the repair will go to other supplies and maintenance.

[Fl0und3rz]

Ill add my  .
Never leave gas sitting in a carburetor when not in use.
Run it dry or drain the bowl when through.

And, get a real good stabilizer, Not Stabil, and run only ethanol free gas.

What do do you recommend besides not stabil?